I am in the market looking around for a K2500 Suburban. I am a newbie to the diesel arena. In a previous thread (http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23015) I was told a "F" in the 8th digit of the VIN shows that it is a heavy-duty.

It will be the family vehicle and an occasional travel trailer tower, about 7500#.

What other other things should I be looking out for? I don't want to buy something and have regrets because the wife and kids are standed.

What are bad signs or sounds other than leaking fliuds?
What does a bad injector pump sound like?
What does a bad turbo sound like?
Is there a tell tell sign of a head gasket going bad?

Thanks

I am still looking for a 6.5TD Suburban. They are not common in my area.

I still would like some help or pointers when one becomes avalible. What are tell tell signs of "Don't waste your money".

Thanks
teamjnz

I was told a "F" in the 8th digit of the VIN shows that it is a heavy-duty.and 'F' L65 HD engine is more desireable for sure, especially for towing.

What are bad signs or sounds other than leaking fliuds?remove the oil filler tube with the engine idling, look for excessive blow-by meaning you will be needing an engine.

What does a bad injector pump sound like?Best way to diagnose injection pump is with a scanner, Check for any stored history codes, and check CTIME on the data screen for 1.5 - 1.9 ms, rev the engine a couple times to make sure it stays in that window.

What does a bad turbo sound like?Pull the intake boot off the inlet of the turbo and look at the fins, if the corners are rounded, then its sucked some dirt into the intake, check for excessive end and side play, a little is normal, but if there are signs that either wheel is dragging you need a turbo.

Is there a tell tell sign of a head gasket going bad?Again, with the engine idling, open the coolant cap and look for carbon and bubbles.

Also, take if for a good test drive, lots of Wide Open Throttle and watch the tailpipe for smoke. A small amount of black when you punch it is normal, if it does not discontinue or you have any white smoke, you have some problems, which may or may not be easily remedied.

Thank You Texas Diesel Guy..

Excessive blow by would have smoke coming out of the oil filler cap correct?

This is the information I was hoping to get. I don't have the diagnostic tool, but I can do the rest. I have seen OBD code checkers. I believe they are different from the diagnostic tool. But since I don't know what the codes are it wouldn't matter if I had one. Are there web sites that have the codes with a description of the code? So if I picked up a code checker I could check for codes and know what they mean.

Thanks again
teamjnz

Diagnostic codes are listed in the FAQ's section of this site.

Diagnostic codes are listed in the FAQ's section of this site.
I must be missing something. I went to the FAQ area and I can't find where the codes are. I searched for "Diagnostic codes, RPO codes"... nothing. :o:

What am I doing wrong??
teamjnz

First 2 or 3 threads here.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18282

Found it...
Thanks

Once you have made the purchase decision, order a DSG stud girdle kit. Take it to your mechanic, and have him drop the front end so he can pull the oil pan. Have him inspect for block cracks. I think you have to wipe with a solvent and wait a few minutes. If evidence of cracks are present, do not purchase and return the stud girdle kit. If no cracks are found, install stud girdle kit. Pump problems are an annoyance; block cracks are fatal.