I recently purchased a 1990 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton ext cab/long bed with the 6.2l diesel for $ 2k .Has about 300k miles. It has a stanadyne db2 mechanical pump, electric lift pump, and metal box style fuel filter. It leaks oil from the pan and rear seal, and maybe a few other places as well, but not bad enough to notice any consumption for quite a while. Upon purchase i changed the oil/filter, air filter, and fuel filter. I noticed it is hard to start when the engine is hot. I got an extra battery (previous owner only had one) and added some diesel clean to each tank for lubricating the pump. The hard starting when hot is no longer a problem (probably the extra lube in the pump or maybe higher starting rpm's from the extra battery, but not sure.) I noticed that when hot and idling there is visible blow by coming from the open oil filler tube, however it dissapates and is sucked into the intake by the cdr valve upon acceleration. There is however a gunky residue built up in the intake manifold, but seems to be causing no ill effect. The engine has a slight miss at idle or maybe a rough vibration, but only at idle. It gets about 20 mpg. I bought a dorman to replace the old harmonic balancer but couldn't loosen the bolts off the pulley ( plan to pay a mechanic to do the job here soon.) I use this truck as a daily driver and for occasional 2-3k lbs towing. I could care less about horsepower or performance. I drive like a granny and never get it over 6o mph. Is there any additional preventative maintenance that anyone would suggest for this vehicle...and any tips for gaining mpg and longevity? Can I expect another 100,000 miles out of this truck? What major repairs should I expect in the near future?

 

You should run a 1/2 to 1 ounce of 2 stroke mix oil per gallon of fuel this will add to the life of the IP(Injection Pump) and the Dorman Harmonic balancer will not last very long you should try and find a Napa replacement as it will last much longer and take the CDR valve and soak it in Diesel and blow it out with compressed air this will reduce some of the blow by good luck with your new rig

 

Thanks...I will try cleaning the cdr valve and will look into the 2 stroke oil. I have however heard stories of 2 stroke oil causing coking, but that could just be myth.

 

You want marine 0 ash 2 cycle oil,it would be better still to get 1 with no dye.

As for balancer and drive pulley-Powerbond from Orielys or your local Motorstate vendor is a great choice for made in USA.