Hi I have a question for the you diesel owners out there. I have never owned one before I have always been a gas guy, however my buddy has talked me into getting one. I know the ins and outs of what to check on a gas motor when buying a used car or truck. However I dont have a good idea on what to check on a diesel. Im looking at a 2000 Chevy 3500, with the 6.5L Turbo, 114k. Before everyone says just use it as a boat anchor, I know they have there share of problems but I am fixed on this truck and am not considering a Dodge or Ford at this time. It will just be a run around truck to home depot and to pull my race car. I might put 2k miles a year on it. It did have the injector pump already replaced and I plan on doing the prone problem aera fixes. My question is as far as what to check, I would do the norms I would usually do check for Milky Oil, Dark burnt trans oil, Exhaust Color on startup, Let it warm up and idle make sure of no overheating, coolant loss check, Etc. What do you guys look for in buying a used 6.5T or any Diesel truck? What should I watch out for. Thanks in advance.

Make sure the rad hoses aren't hard after starting cold, Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is running to check for blowby, check the harmonic balancer and crank pulley for signs of wear. Check the oil cooler lines for signs of leakage.