Hello,
I am looking into getting a 93-98 suburban with a 6.5l diesel in it. Im limited to what I can spend on it, so i know it is going to have a fair number of miles on it 160-220k. From what I have read , it is not uncommon for these engines to run this long without trouble if they are maintained. Is there a certain year for this engine that is more reliable than another? I read somewhere that in 94-95 a something was a difference in the block casting, and they were more likely to crack sooner. I have not been able to find any more information along these lines, and was wondering if it was true. I would definately like to avoid replacing a block if i can.
Thanks
~John

i just asked a similar question. look up my posts, and read the one about blocks. from what i was told is something like 89-94 or 95 the blocks had a higher nickel content, and then after that they reduced it somewhat and that was a bit on an issue. everyone here seems to agree that the AMG blocks are great. as you said, if they are well maintained there shouldnt be much problem. from what i have gathered, a lot (not all) of the cracked heads and blocks hapen to people to pull heavy. (could be wrong but thats what i have observed lately). the load shouldnt be a problem with these engines, but it may be? anyway, welcome to DP and im sure youll hear from a lot of good people. good luck!

here check this out...

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=227546

i had an additional question so i ended up bumping it. as your looking, another thing to check is the block that actually in the burb. if a PO had a cracked block it may very well have been replaced with a better one.

I'm personally very happy with my 96 6.5 burb. It doesnt have the MAF sensor that the newer ones got (which IMO is a royal pain in the ass) but if you get a mid-late 96 it will still have the dual thermostat high flow cooling system. Mine didnt get the high flow cooling system but i still dont have any problems with it. 231k and its not had any major work done except for a couple injector pumps.