Hey guys, i just bought my first diesel. She's a 99 Savana 350 with a non turbo 6.5. I call'er the dream machine cause i've always wanted a 4x4 van, but up here in Canada they don't seem to be as common as down south. When my 1994 G20 (Grandpa) started to fall apart i happened to find this van, i fell in love instantly and here we are.
I've only had the truck for about a week, but the diesel obsession is in full swing. So many questions and so many answers! So i'm really excited to learn and join the clan.
I stopped by the dealership today to get an idea of what sort of maintenance regiment i should adhere to, but they were pretty useless. Hopefully you guys can educate my non-diesel mind. Coming from a gas engine all i could carry over it seems is to change my oil and air filter. As to what i should do next to care of my new baby? Fuel filter seems logical, then what?
Thanks and hello!
Party

I thought all 97 and newer vans had the turbo. Did you know that its a different engine than the pickup/Suburban engine. I think the van and H1 Hummer are the same. Your turbo is located high and to the rear of the engine, you have to remove the doghouse to see it. Firs thing to do???? Service the tranny with a T55 Torx bit to get the drain plug out.....your fluid is surely burned.

Thanks for the reply. I did take the doghouse out and did see a metal housing at the back of the engine, but it did not look like a conventional turbo. Seeing as i am a new kid on the block to the diesels, i couldn't figure it out. Especially cause the last owner told me it was a NA engine, but the decal on the air box says otherwise. How do i go about checking this type of turbo? The van feels a bit sluggish but I'm not sure if that's the weight of the van or whether the turbo is out to lunch. Thanks again for your input.
Party

You have to remove the dog house to see anything. There is a metal heat shield/cover over the turbo. Just follow your exhaust pipe up and the first thing it goes to is the turbo. Is your check engine light on? If so, the trouble codes will send you in the right direction to get her strong again.