Need advice on buying a used diesel

Off Road Red · January 18, 2003

I'm kinda looking at buying a '97 GMC 4x4 with a 6.5L diesel, I've heard quite a few horror stories about injector pumps on these engines, is there an easy way to check them? What things should I look/listen for on this engine?

Shaners · January 18, 2003

My buddy lost a head gasket on his... Otherwise he got 150K trouble free miles before he sold it.

Stepside Z · January 19, 2003

From what I understand about the problem it has to do with heat and insulation problems. Other then that it is a really good motor. Check out http://www.thedieselpage.com for more information.

ClipperSkipper · January 21, 2003

They have been getting better reports than the 6.6 Duramax. Our dealers in Mowtown have been experiencing head gasket failures and bottom end knocks on '02, and '03 models.

Have a great one!

k1500chevy97 · January 21, 2003

Our 6.5 was a great truck until it got wrecked a few years back .

We had over 300k on that 94 chevy 2500 reg/long and didnt do a thing except regular maintainence, tranny and rear axle. Allmost all of the 300k was on red fuel too might I add

CapnDean · January 22, 2003

The injector pump is pretty much the most expensive thing that can screw up on this motor. ($1K). Aside from that....you are looking at piece of gear that regularly gets you to the 200K+ mark. It is safe to say that most 6.5's (unlike their 6.2 predecessor) outlive the interior of the vehicle.

Yes...the injector pumps can fail like a light bulb....but for the most part good maintenance (regular fuel filter changes) and you will do fine...Oh yeah..it's worth the gamble!

CapnDean