What are the best "in the driveway tests" you can do to a 6.5 U R thinking of buying?
 

I am thinking of trading my 97 K2500 6.5 Suburban for a 1996 GMC 3500 4X4 6.5 5 speed manual Crew cab with a utility bed (dually) and I can not remember the few things you want to 'test' while looking the truck over etc...

Seems like one of them involves putting a fuel line on the dipstick tube and then running that into a bottle of water and then?? Can not remember what you look for etc...

Any suggestions would be appreciated. We look at the truck on Sunday. Going to meet him half way - about 90 mile drive.

Is the GMC any different than the Chevy? (Other than cosmetic)

Thank you,

~GOD BLESS~

john

(1997 Chevy K2500 Suburban LT 6.5L TD 4" turbo back exhaust, New remote mounted PMD, New MT tires, Limo tint on rear, barn doors, 220K miles Runs GREAT! Pic of motor attached for you!)

I can't answer all your questions, but I can help a little. With the test you are talking about with the fuel line, you're looking for blow by. A lot of bubbles in the water indicates a lot of blowby. Not sure how much is considered excessive, though.

There's a t-handle valve just towards the passenger side of the oil fill cap. Open that up a little bit with the truck running and make sure you have fuel going onto the ground. If you don't have that, it means the lift pump isn't keeping up.

Also with the engine running, feel the upper rad hose and make sure it's not rock solid. If it is, it indicates a possible blown head gasket or cracked head.

I'm sure someone else will chime in and talk about things I've missed.

:tu:

Try here FAQ: Purchasing a 6.5L Diesel - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

Thank you
 

I appreciate the info and the link. I feel like I know the Siburban well having owned it for 8 months and it is always a little interesting to get into a new (used) vehicle. I appreciate knowing what to look for as I am still learning on this motor.

Thank you and have a great weekend - I'll let you know what happened.

~GOD BLESS~

john

(1997 Chevy K2500 Suburban LT 6.5L TD 4" turbo back exhaust, New remote mounted PMD, New MT tires, Limo tint on rear, barn doors, 220K miles Runs GREAT! Pic of motor attached for you!)