Need opinions on 6.5L GM TurboDiesel

[JoeBioDiesel]

I owned 2 95 6. 5L Turbos. I had some unintended acceleration problems with one of them, and replaced the glow plugs a few times, and a couple of alternators(but probably due to abuse on those). It was in a 16,600 lb Snap-on Truck. One was an Auto, the other a 5 speed. I was always kind to them on warm-ups, but I've seen one fleet in particular that had repeated bottom end problems. They would develop piston slaps during the winter. I'm sure the drivers just beat them as soon as starting them up. We swung a few motors in their trucks (I was wrenching at the Chevy garage part time). I'd buy another one if the right deal presented itself. I don't have the confidence that I do with my Cummins though...

I don't think I'd recommend that motor in a rescue vehicle. I'd bet you'll wipe it out with cold wide-open-throttle runs. If you want a Chevy body, go with a gasser.

Joe

 

[Trizae]

stay away

Not Worth A *****,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have traded in at least 2500/3500's with blown 6. 5's,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, How Much is the Dept Looking To spend,,,,,,, What are the specs you looking for,,,,,,,,,,, what does the truck need to have on it when it rolls in you building,,,,,,,,, on a different note,,,,, If you know of any very low budget Vol Depts that need a first due pumper,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Old Gas Chevy,,,,, Pics and details availble,,,,,,,,,,, pass they along to me,,my dept has one to sell/donate

 

[jgillott]

Ncostello,



Good luck on your search for a new rescue. I am the president of a large volunteer fire co here in PA so I can appreciate the difficulty in finding good used equipment. From personal experience I can tell you that the Chevy 6. 2/6. 5 turbo combo can last if maintained. I owned an 85 Chevy 6. 2 that I ran for 331K before trading it on a 92 CTD. The only major problem that I had was a fuel pump and 212K and a trans at 331k (the reason I got rid of it). Now, knowing that this truck had multiple drivers and probably has logged hundreds of hours of idle time, I would be a little concerned with transmission/drive line troubles in the future. But on the other hand, Knowing the price for used equipment, you almost can't go wrong for a turn-key apparatus for 30 grand or so. Best advise, if it looks as if it was maintained well, and everything seems to work correctly, go for it.

 

[Ncostello]

We weigh in at 9500 on a 10000 lbs truck now. And theres 1200 lbs of air cylinders waiting to be installed. We just cant do that now. I'm trying to get us in the 15000 lbs range to keep us safe. We just need more space and payload. I do know most steel utility bodies can average around 1500-1800 lbs. So if I add that to a standard 3500 chassis... there's little left for payload. The only real choice is a F-450/550 after that. We really dont want a C4500, FL50, 4700 size truck just because lots of our EMT's dont like big trucks. Firefighters disagree however . We need to keep in the 30,000 dollar range. If we go up to $75,000 range for new we'll be waiting 3-5 more years.



Trizae... when we got rid of our old Pierce it took forever. The only small department that would buy it was over in Illinois. We practically gave it to them cause they didn't have much. I think they were using a 50's model Seagrave. I felt bad when they were looking at our newer engines. So I guess I'd have a hard time helping you out. All the ladders, tankers, and engines in our township are 1990's trucks. Same for all the other townships and most surrounding counties.

 

[WadePatton]

Dad had one

New 3500 4x4 in '93. I was a BIG improvement over the Datsun Diesel he had!:-laf



In the 36 month lease period, all I remember was that 2 lift pumps were replaced (GM didn't even warranty the second one!) and the crappy General tires shredded themselves. Oh, and it got pulled out of the mud a lot.



I'd rather have a 7. 3 than a 6. 5--that's fer sure, but then they'll be renting ice skates in hell before I get a v-8 diesel.

 

[Sageair]

My father-in-law had a 94 that left him afoot at least three times that I can remember. Blown head gaskets every time. I wouldn't have one crammed up my rear end if I had room for a sawmill!