Hello, I am new to this forum and would like some advice. I was traveling up to Lewiston from Boise and was getting 16 mpg. I picked up a 5000 LB trailer and headed back to Boise and got 8 mpg! I was expecting maybe 12 but not 8. After the trip I remembered never hearing the turbo whistle. I have a 1993 K 2500 extended cab with the 6.5 diesel. Thanks in advance for any help.
Sam
Boise, Id

any black smoke?

No black smoke, but there was an oily residue on my new camper. I think it could have came from my rearend. I was pulling up 3 passes, one pretty long. I have about 130,000 miles on the truck, (forgot to add that).

Thx Sam

you should fill out in your signature exactly what truck you have and what mods you have, if any. This will help everybody solve your problem without asking the same questions over and over. :exactly:

Thanks, here it is.
Sam

do you have a boost gauge? without one (or a scanner) you can't tell if you are making any boost or not!

I do not have either. Where can I buy one?
Sam

I got mine at summit. A lot of the vendors here sell them as well.

I am heading out to have my truck scanned now. I will let you know what I found. Thanks Sam

As with any diesel, the first thing you should do is add gauges. Boost, EGT, and trans temp (if automatic). Then let the fun begin from there. I too have a 93 and am very glad it is mechanical for a few different reasons. After gauges, look at getting a new exhaust.....

Sam;
If your power was good and not much black smoke then you may have just had a hard run with lots of high power demands. If you have black smoke then yo may be low on boost, your injectors also could need changing. The expected life of injectors are about 100K. I changed mine out at about 155K and had them check 4 or 5 where not working right. That can make a difference. Have you had the truck since new or buy it used? Have you and or previous owner used a good fuel additive? .
Also speed makes a heck of diffrence when towing. For example One time pulling a 26 foot TT from Yuma AZ back to Montana, I got any where from 10.5 mpg to 14.5 mpg. The 14.5 was traveling only one short pass and crusing at 65mph. Went up to 75mph
on another leg and that's when mpg dropped to 10.5 mpg.

I scanned my truck and recieved a "No Engine Data Found" response. Upon closer inspection I think I have small fly-poop sized oil droplets on my camper. Can anyone recommend a set of gauges to me that won't rape the wallet? What if I find that my turbo is not putting out?
I bought the truck used in 96' it had only 30K on it and it was in immaculate condition. I have kept the oil changed and have had the tranny rebuilt and updated as per GM engineering notices.
Thx,
Sam

The 93 is the last year of non computer.
The boost is not very high, I am seeing 7 at the best and cruising on the flat about 3.
I bought ISS Pro boost gauge and EGT gauge from Kennedy. About $200 for both.
That includes the probe for the EGT gauge which is easy to install. Just drill a hole and insert, then tighten the clamp around the pipe and you are done.
Someone said they got a boost gauge for under $10.00 and I have seen them for that.
You will need some tubing for the boost gauge but I found tubing and all the fittings I needed at ACE Hardware.
I thought my turbo was not putting out so I removed the air filter and turned the rotor by hand. It turned very easily. Then I started the engine and looked with a mirror and flashlight and it was spinning.
I don't get much of a turbo noise when driving, just a small noise as I go through the gears.

Thanks to all for the help. I will look at getting some gauges and go from there.

Sam