98 3500 cab and flatbed with a 6000lbs tractor uses a gallon of water within 60 miles. this 6.5 was overhauled with a new pump 40k ago runs great except for rough idel at start up for 20 sec or so and only after sitting for a few hours. then she runs great. this engine is always under a load hauling the tractor. no leaks anywere doesnt smoke except accel black smoke as usual. turbo has 240 k on it and leaks oil out of the intake side a little. anyone heard of this before?

 

do you get any smoke besides black could be burning it out the tailpipe

 

Check heater hose on cross over where the T-Stat at some time they like to leak and don't see the good and the hole on the bottom of the water will leak and don't see it cause all pulleys

These also know for head gasket problem once they been over heated

 

Refill the radiator with distilled water, then with the cap off, start it and see if it bubbles over. If not, purchase a lever-vent cap (if you don't already have one) and install it. Drive around till you reach operating temp, then turn the heater on full blast. If it's hot then cool, you got a leaking head gasket.

 

Took it to the shop both head gasgets bad replaced them and put in a stud kit runs good thank you for your help

 

I need to replace head gaskets in my 96 6.5 what did it cost? Just curious.

Thanks

 

1659.00 dollars

 

I guy i know has a 1996 GMC suburban for sale for $1500.00 but it needs a headgasket(s) replacement. I am thinking about buying it. 244K but vehicle is in great shape. What are your thoughts guys good deal or not.

Thanks

 

i will never buy a 6.5 again after head gaskets replacement i lost the turbo at 225k my truck works hard every day always loaded with a small tractor at 6500 lbs but the reliabilty is terrible. the power is too low and i get 9mpg at best. If you are only going to the grocery store with it and not pulling loads it could be ok deal. I have owned the 7.4 ford in a 97 2500 put 250k on it always pulling a 10,000lbs trailer great engine got 13 to 14 mpg, a 98 dodge 2500 4x4 got 12 to 13 mpg, 06 dodge 3500 gets 14mpg, and a 04 ford 3500 with the garbage 6.0 it gets 9mpg but only downhill. remember this is loaded with a 10k trailer loaded with the same tractor as work trucks. the 6.5 is lowest in power and reliability the 6.0 ford makes ok power stock and awesome power on the chip but again breaks down as much as the chevy. the 97 7.4 i sold 4 years ago was great ran the same from day one to 225k never had a problem. both of my dodges have been good to the 98 needed a injector pump at 150k still running strong at 235k and my 06 with common rail seems to be best of all in power and reliabilty at 95k no problems at all.if u need a suburban i would get a excursion with th 7.4 never never and i mean i would never buy a 6.0 again. thats my diesel story.