Folks--

My son's school just upgraded to a 2002 Savana Van Conversion Minibus which now has issues. I will have complete vehicle data shortly but I do know it's a diesel and needs help. My guess is it's an 6.5 (F) but not certain.

So far, I know that she smokes white and is losing coolant but there are no drip spots under the vehicle. Engine does start, sputters and can shut down. Various local mechanics have told the school everything from cracked block and $10K for a complete new engine to $4K for a good used replacement engine.

My guess is crack in the block, head gaskets or IP.

Looking for any and all intelligent insight and support. This is for a good cause as this is a new private classical education-based school here in New Hampshire. Some of the children travel almost 40 miles EACH way to attend. My son (9) started this year and my wife is a part-time teacher as well. Yes, we have a vested interest in getting this vehicle repaired correctly and cost effectively.

Thanks for all your help DP fans!

First thing i would do is see what the exhaust smells like. If it's burning coolant you'll know as the exhaust will have a sweet smell to it. I'd check that first.

Also start the engine when it's dead cold. Then grab the upper radiator hose. It should stay soft. If the upper hose becomes rock hard then you have exhaust pressure entering the cooling system.

Any coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant?

I have sent the Diagnostic Checklist to the owner and am awaiting some more vehicle data along with some idea of answers to these and those questions.

I do know the van has about 110K miles and came to New England from Texas originally.