Taken from another thread:

Kayadad,
Welcome to the site lurk & read but remember many of the horror stories you think you see are just a sampling of a much bigger community of engines on the road many of which are problem free, although too wimpy in power for my taste, this is a target forum as most are, ever see a my truck is running great forum I haven't,
Again welcome to the site
Tim, your comment got me to thinking (uh oh). I mostly lurk because I have put 90K trouble free miles on the 'hoe since I got it in '99. Like a lot of folks, I got freaked out when I joined the page in 2000 and started wondering what mess I got into.

Turns out no mess at all. IP and PMD replaced under warranty at 59K, now at 145K miles. Original injectors and glow plugs. Replaced one alternator and some suspension stuff and that's it. Truck just starts and runs every time. I get 19 mpg summer and 16 in the winter. I love my Chevy Diesel:ro)

Got a truck that just runs? Lets hear about it.:thumb:

This could be a short thread.):h :joke:

And I've probably doomed myself to a catasrophic failure on the way home tonight!

My Blazer is running great ever since I the pulled the plug on the SES light or I think it's running great? J/K. 216,000 + mile no catasrophic failure, just basic stuff, belts, brakes, wiper boards / motor .....

In all honesty, mine runs good as well. Never leaves me stranded and pulls my boat extremely well. But it keeps me busy with the minor things, such as plugs, belts, AC, switches, etc.

I had a guy who was thinking of buying a 6.5 once ask me what I thought of mine. My response was "I love it, but I wouldn't want two of them." I don't think I'd be able to keep up.

I Love My "BOWTIE" even if it is a GMC one.

And I've probably doomed myself to a catasrophic failure on the way home tonight!

Talk about doom & gloom jinxes, I just rolled over to 100K last nite at 100,0028 now, extended warranty now up at 100K, I dropped the oil pan 150 miles ago, no cracks in the block, so far problems have been ALT, WG sol, Lift pump, and 3x PMD. Some I'm riding on eggshells waiting for the lightning strike

I hate to admit it but, i made a post a few weeks ago about how great mine was running after new heads, IP, injectors ect......http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37974

and last week it started to run like shiat. Sounding like a rod knock, which (based on my search here) led me to think injectors....BUt i just put rebuilt injectors in...WTF? my boost went to 5-6 on WOT.

I finally took it to diesel tune to have them look at it....i just got fed up with "now what?" syndrome...........:rant:

But I still am happy with my swap and will be enjoying again soon....

I bought mine knowing that it needed some work (and I thought the price reflected this). Lurking on this board (and a couple of others) gave me enough knowledge to get it to where I wanted it to be.

Air Filter
Lift Pump
OPS (with now a relay added in)
Fuel Filter
Vacuum Pump
Wastegate Solenoid
Batteries (all new cables and added grounds also)
Injectors (along with the rubber lines, just because - I had no knowledge of how long they were in there)
Glow Plugs (one was bad, but all got changed - just because)
BIG Exhaust (another one of those "just because")
Repairing of a couple of bad "crimp" connections

For maybe $1000 in parts and some of my time, I've got a reliable truck that I REALLY like
After a year and a half, and 20,000 miles later, it has never let me down

Hey I'm adding this to FAQs top thread so you are not welcomed by doom & gloom.

Good Idea Turbine Doc!;)

I'm happy to say that my 6.5 diesel has been great. My dad bought it new in 1995 and has since passed it along to me (I'm forever grateful). The only work done to it:

-injection pump and PMD (warranty)
-throttle position sensor (warranty)

That's it for the drive-system. Only regular maintainance otherwise (engine oil, filters, tranny fluid flush etc.) Smaller issues included passenger seat position locker replaced under warranty, driver door handle and a couple of lightbulbs. And of course, the engine oil cooler lines leak a bit.
Its got the original alternator, headlights, injectors, glows, AC never been touched, tranny fluid has come clean from the changes so I can't complain. Still running strong!

Hey I'm adding this to FAQs top thread so you are not welcomed by doom & gloom.
:exactly: Inject a little enthusiasm into an "enthusiasts" website. Thanks Doc!

Bowtie - lets make this generic - I love my GM Diesel:ro)

Mine has always been running much better than a Mercedes ...

Ok, so I have been a lurker for a long while now, that is because my truck runs just great. 96 with 200k on the clock. One set of injectors, one IP, one lifter and wastgate selenoid all around 120k, since then it has been rock solid.....(fingers crossed now)

Yes, my Tahoe and "burb are running well. No major repairs - I have done a little preventative work, such as remoting the PMDs, opening the intake and the exhaust (see the sig). They produce prodigious amounts of power for what we need to do (mostly shlep people and stuff around - no towing), are reasonable on the fuel, and are quite reliable.

We are happy campers. Thankful for technology that works.

Sincerely,

Rob :)

Thanks for waking this thread up Rob. :eek:

I've spent the better part of 2 weekends doing GPs, Injectors and dealing with a failed PMD. As I suspected, starting this thing doomed me... :banghead: :duh: :rippedhan

Oh well, should be buttoned up tomorrow AM and back on the road.

Life is good, and my truck still ain't bad.:HiHi:

Mini Sub,

Mine is still up and running great now at 104k miles, just pulled a 24,200# combined truck & trailer load, performed great even in light of 103 F outside operating temps, my truck has been my steady pal/salvation; the one bright star in all that Katria has dumped my way, I've pulled backhoe to debris cleanup sites, pulled stranded vehicles, moved tractors, stuff way beyond a S engine K1500 ever thought to be capable of. Mine is definately "The little engine that could"

I am going to post again in this thread...(knock on wood)
Mine is now running great, after i rebuilt it on aug 15th '05.

:rolleyes:
i am saying my prayers tonight for sure....

i got my 96 from my grand ma in law a couple of months ago for the great price of 2000 dollers because it wouldnt start and she said that it was running bad when it would warm up and she was told that the IP was on its way out. new ignition switch, battery wires, belt, fuel filter, and belive it or not some loose bolts on the IP and getting my TDC and timing set and she has been good ever sence have about 2000 miles on her now she is only at 121000 and i hope we have a lot of time left togeather.:cool:

Chevy Man,
Welcome to the forum. It pains me to no end that you woke this thread up after the month I've had, but I still love my truck. Take a minute to check out the welcome sticky, update your signature, read the FAQs sticky and most of all, have a blast on the best dang (new policy) chevy diesel website on the planet.

I still love my truck.

Me too:ro)

Wouldn't give mine up! It's treated me well in the short 2 1/2 years I've had it. There's always going to be maintenance items, like glow plugs, fuel filters, and such. However, those are things that are going to be there with any light duty diesel. The bad rep. on the injection pumps came at a time of poor fuel lubricity as well as a physical location problem for one electronic part.

I recently asked mine for all it had in a 2000 mile trip (read heavy pull) and it gave to me without any arguments.

SnowDrift

Hey Everyone,
Haven't posted before but have learned a ton from this site. I bought my truck and had to fix OPS, lift pump, vac pump and wastegate control solenoid, but now it runs great. For the price compared to other brands or newer trucks I think its a great value. Does everything I ask it to do.

I still cann't figure out what I've done wrong but mine runs flawless. New IP at 104 now at 136 and no complaints and no DMax payment either.

Me too:ro)


me three. :exactly:

I would have to agree with the holy crap effect this site had on me when I ran across it:eek:. I have had my '94 K2500 now for better part of a year with no major issues to speak of. The thing is not only reliable, but runs like a scalded cat. The truck has 190k on it now, and 10,000 of those are miles I put on it in the last year. The previous 180k were spent pulling a 9500 pound 5th wheel camper, -exclusively. The previous owner was fed up with putting IP's/PMD's on it and decided to sell it. When I bought it, it had a new lift pump, new glow plugs, new OPS, and a IP/PMD with less than 5000 miles on the new pumps. Since I bought the truck, I have installed an FSD cooler, 4" straight exhaust, and added a Heath mechanical wastegate control, as well as a Heath Max-E-Torque EPROM. I also ditched the factory air-cleaner box in favor of a K&N cone filter mounted right off the turbo. I purchased this truck for $5200, -which in my opinion was a great deal considering the pristine condition of the thing.

I have also installed (out of necessity) two new Delco 750CCA batteries, and a NEW (not rebuilt) Delco alternator. For whatever it's worth, I run Delo400 5-40 with a Baldwin filter and keep it changed out every 2000 miles. I changed out the fuel filter after 6000 miles for good measure. I have also been running power service in the fuel, -and it seems to make a noticeable difference in the way the engine runs, -and gives me about a 1mpg increase in fuel economy, -as well as some piece of mind regarding the life of the IP. The 6.5 never skips a beat, -and believe me, I have abused it on more than one occasion!

Out of all the trucks I've had in the past, this is one I'm sure to keep for a while. The thing has never failed to start, and never stranded me, -even when the old alternator decided to puke. This one's a keeper!

My truck is awesome, would not trade it for anything. Special thanks to the members of this site I knew what to expect, but only minor things just like any vehicle.

Nice truck, 50Chev..................

123K and still running great

173,XXX on my truck but only 26,xxx on the new engine. But it runs great and hauls a$$. I love my black sheep of a diesel that many other enthusiests knock. They are great trucks thru and thru. I love the ride of my truck, the stocky looks, and the stright exhaust of the 6.5!:D

Would really never want to give it up. Yea I have thought about bailing on it time and time but I really could never hand over the keys to anyone else.

Think it is time for a 6.5 tatoo on the shifting arm;)! Make me a true diehard.

6.5 TD FOREVER!!!!!!!! . . . . . . . . . . . (knock on wood)

bought it at 154k, bone stock, now almost to 177k and still runs great. Just need to replace the idler arm, pitman arm, and steering damper.

Go for the ink Chicago, I myself wont have to follow you since I already have a Chevy Bowtie tattoo'd over my heart.

i,ve have had my truck 7 years bought it stalk wouldn,t give it up for a new one. got to love 88-98 classic,s i,ve had lots of guys with the duramaxes say its awesome looking truck its got 390k i drive it every day.o and it works great too.

I bought my truck in 94 and would not sell it if I could. I'll run it until me or it dies. One thing I notice as a person who drives lots of miles and see what is stranded beside the road, is there are very few pickup trucks in that catagory and that is because we take care of our vehicles. If I ever learn how to down load pictures, I would like to take a few of when I flip 500,000 and post that, but I'v got to have instructions first.

owning a 6.5td is like lovin your cousin, you know you shouldn't, but you just can't help it - lol - :eek: - :rolleyes: - ;) - :o: - :)

Lmfao!

So, Jerry Lee - traded in yer Caddy convertible on a Diesel pick'em up truck, eh???????

I bought my 98 about 13 months ago and after some initial headaches which I was able to fix myself thanks to this site I love my truck and can't wait to do some more performance upgrades.

Adding to Stepper's post http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159141

Mine is still hanging in there; as well as my last year ebay acquired "98 Katrina Burb" "Knock on Wood"

20 months and 20,000 6.5 diesel miles and still love it. But dont really realize how much that is until I drive someone elses vehicle then I really miss mine.

I bought mine after deployment in 04 from my Father in law. Then it had under 80K miles on it. only had to replace PMD (warranty) along with batteries and cables. It a great truck!

Mine is only at 75K, but it runs like a champ everyday that I ask it to work for me. 15K pound tower trailer pulled like a dream when the coast guard needed it in a pinch. I wouldnt give my truck up for very much in this world.

almost 181,000 miles....running great....w00t

I love when this thread comes back to life...:D

Approaching 160K miles.....running like a champ. Was going to sell after I got the Dmax, but couldn't do it.

The wife's old car was put out to pasture and the Tahoe remains as the "3rd" vehicle.....It is actually getting a boatload more miles on it per week than the Sierra....:)

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change


This is a great quote; it reminds me of the American optimism of Kerouac....I love my truck and this forum. I've put about 13,000 miles on her since i bought it pretty much bone stock except for a FSD cooler and new rims and 33's. I bought it from a serviceman at his asking price because it was in my price range and it was a way I could support our troops even tho' i don't agree with this new war....I just wanted to say that I love this country and I respect the lives of those who give theirs for ours...Sincerely, the grandon of a WW2 hero and a proud American...let us not forget that dissent is one of the greatest American attributes...

ttt

This repost got me thinking. I never quite got me the edgumacation some got to give them the finer things in life. This gave me two options:

Do without the finer things
Lead a life of crime and hope I don’t get caught
I soon found there was a third option:



Buy used and look for deals.
Now this third option has a downside. You need to be able to tinker and you need to be able to explain what you have done over the phone or in an e-mail. I wonder if the following describes many people on this forum. I know the last bullet does.


You have more than 1 computer, but one of those has a quirk that only you can fix.
You live in a nice neighborhood but you don’t have the money your neighbor has to spend on landscaping.
You own a boat and it can pull skiers and go just as fast as any boat on the lake, but it is 15 years old and has a generic $29 elec. fuel pump where the stock $300 one used to be.
You know Pergo or better yet the cheaper equivalent.
You have never bought a new vehicle.
The guys at the pull your own part junk yard wave you in like you work there.
You belong to Sam’s Club or Costco and can simply justify the membership cost by the number of free tire repairs you can get a year.
Triple A has caller ID and when you call they answer, “What Now!”
Instead of renting an engine hoist, you rigged a winch in the rafters and wore old company issued steel toed boots.
You own a 6.5 diesel instead of a Duramax
You own the finer things (kinda), but to make this happen you must be a tinkerer and know you will not have much spare time as the kids or wife will always have something for you to fix.

OK, the Tahoe is running extremely well. I recently switched it over to 100% biodiesel, and it is running smooth. Things that made a significant difference (in order of best-effect, based on seat-of-pants dyno):

* Fixing the vacuum system for the ECU controlled wastegate
* Clearing out the intake manifold of excess webbing.
* Putting in a mandrel bent downpipe
* Changing to electric fans
* changing to biodiesel
* Changing to a '97 intake setup

It is running smoothly and is great to drive.

Thanks!

Rob :)

You own a boat and it can pull skiers and go just as fast as any boat on the lake, but it is 15 years old and has a generic $29 elec. fuel pump where the stock $300 one used to be.

That is exactly me.

I've had 2 6.5TDs in my time. The first was in a 94 Blazer. It had all of the IP problems and I knew more about IP pump label colors than I really wanted to.

I tempted fate again and bought a new Suburban in 99. It runs very well as I approach 100,000 miles. The biggest problems so far include an FSD (which I don't really think was bad, the dealer was in the mood of swapping parts until it was fixed), transfer case and living in NE Ohio. The engine has performed fine in its role and looks to outlast the body of the truck.

All in all, I've been very happy with the performance of this 6.5TD.

Mine is doing very well. I used to get intermittent SES lights and codes. I replaced the WG solenoid and the SES's continued. I was exploring the relocation of my PMD and found a crack in the vacuum line to the WG. The dealer wanted 34.00 for that tube and it would have to be ordered and paid for before it was ordered and no credit cards over the phone. So I put a piece of shrink tube oiver it and heated it up. That seems to have fixted the SES lights.

One of the best things I think I've done is replacing both batteries. One was new and one was dying. I got them at Walmart for about 150 for both.

Next was the PMD relocation. Now when I crank it after driving, it seem to jump to life. Cranks so much quiicker. I'm also about 2500 miles into running B20 Biodiesel. My all around mileage is up to about 15-16mpg and better on the hwy.

A good friend just blew up his DuraMax. Dealer wants 15,000.00. I believe the DuraMax is a far superior plant and I wish I had one but my old 6.5 is pretty happy right now.

Also, I put in the #9 resistor when I moved the PMD. I think I can feel a little more power in it. Don't know about gas mileage changes, yet.

That is exactly me.

I've had 2 6.5TDs in my time. The first was in a 94 Blazer. It had all of the IP problems and I knew more about IP pump label colors than I really wanted to.

I tempted fate again and bought a new Suburban in 99. It runs very well as I approach 100,000 miles. The biggest problems so far include an FSD (which I don't really think was bad, the dealer was in the mood of swapping parts until it was fixed), transfer case and living in NE Ohio. The engine has performed fine in its role and looks to outlast the body of the truck.

All in all, I've been very happy with the performance of this 6.5TD.

Isn't that the truth.

The Tahoe is really starting to dissolve before my eyes.:mad:

I need tires; guess I will get a set shortly and see if I can get the truck to stay together long enough to wear one more set out....

Still runs good though! :cool:

Isn't that the truth.

The Tahoe is really starting to dissolve before my eyes.:mad:

I need tires; guess I will get a set shortly and see if I can get the truck to stay together long enough to wear one more set out....

Still runs good though! :cool:

Friggin' depressing. My Blazer rotted from the bottom. It took all the fuel lines and some other things with it.

This time, I tried to stop it by painting the fuel lines of the Suburban with coroless (sp?) from Eastwood as soon as I got it home from the dealer. The stuff I could reach looks like I just painted it. The stuff I couldn't reach, like my fuel tank, rotted apart. I guess next time I'll disassemble the entire truck, paint it with this stuff and it will be ok for 7 or so years.

Did I mention the engine runs great?

while yes, my truck is still running great, the tensioner froze up today. blah, $17, 15 minutes...

My truck reminds me of my 1970 Triumph Bonneville motorbike - you spend the weekends repairing it so that it will run during the week. In the last 40 000 km I have replaced the following:

- idler arm;
- ignition switch;
- both courtesy light switches;
- window lift and door lock switches;
- pmd;
- oil pressure switch (may not have been necessary);
- rear brake cylinder;
- block heater;
- tailgate support cable;
- vacuum lines;
- air conditioning low pressure switch;
- ordinary replaceables: drive belt, air, oil and fuel filters.

I currently have to further investigate what I think is a faulty EGR solenoid and get the air conditioning working again (probably just a low refrigerant level). I should add in its defence that the truck spent a good part of its life in Saskatchewan grain fields and every engine and interior part was completely covered in dust. The radiator and engine compartment was full of wheat chaff, weeds and dead grasshoppers. This may be the reason for some of the electrical switch problems and could have caused the pmd to cook when I hauled a heavy trailer across Canada during a heat wave.

Despite all this the truck has yet to leave me stranded.

Granted its a 6.2 not a 6.5 but its basically the same thing and I'll add mine.

Mine's running good... The motor has never given me a bit of trouble. I got it running some years back and haven't touched the engine since other than oil changes (I did change injection pumps but it ran fine with the old one and I kept it as a spare - I also installed a HD intake manifold). It runs as long as you keep fuel in the tank. The truck on the other hand has given me a bit of trouble. Lots of little stuff goes wrong with it. Although I've only had to get a tow once (pump went out on 700R4 - had to get towed about 1200 ft to my house), all the other times I either fixed the problem on the road or made it home. Busted brake lines, stuck brake calipers, leaking fuel tanks, smoking 700R4s, etc... I think its under control now so I can feel comfortable saying:

MY TRUCK RUNS GREAT AND I LOVE IT...

Mine's running great now.
Had some nightmares few weeks ago when I experienced PMD failure.
It now has become a FSD after I remote mounted it under bumper :p:
I do retime the IP (TDCO was at -0.79, we moved it to -1.50), and now she runs great, smooth (no more clatters) and plenty of power

You know, what? I'm happy :D:D:D

Vegedge, You nailed it man!!
I could have a Dmax....But.....I don't want the payments....
I could take it to the shop.....But.....I don't want to have to pay someone else for something I can do.....
And I do love to Tinker.....one gets so much pride from doing it yourself and seeing the results from your labours.....
Do they make some of those bowtie removable tatts??? I'm not in for getting a real one, but there are times it would be cool to have the bowtie on the arm.....

The best thing about my Truck? It's a Chev 6.5, and its paid for!!!
The second best thing that happened to me since I got the 6.5 is that I found this site!!
Would I get another 6.5....Hell Yeah!!!