Hi everyone

I just acquired a 1996 Vandura 1 ton box van with 30,000 original miles, I think it was military. It is equipped with the 6.5 liter Y code (non turbo I assume) The other day on the way home I noticed a considerable loss of power, earlier I noticed the oil pressure seemed low (maybe 5lbs at idle and 20 at highway speeds) I have never owned a diesel but that seems low to me. Anyways when I am almost home there is a major loss of power then it seemed like no power so I shut the radio off and heard the most God awful noise from the engine. To me it sounded like the tranny was slipping and rocks were in the motor. Next thing it dies, there was a burning smell so I quickly pull to the shoulder and jumped out to make sure it was not on fire. I check the oil level and it is fine but smoke comes out of the dipstick tube, I remove the filler cap and smoke pours out of it with a horrible burnt stench I let it cool, tried to start it but it seemed really tight. Luckily my girlfriend was following so I got a ride home, but she said while this was happening smoke was billowing from the tail pipe. Later after the tow truck brought it home I try to turn it over and it acts like it is seized.

I have read about the 6.5 and heard there are many problems that plague this motor, like the web cracks, oil pressure and the list goes on. My question is does it sound like I toasted it, and where should I begin my diagnostic search since it will not turn over? I would really like to keep it because it's in mint condition, and I just finished it up with the tools and such in the back to use for work. It's such a shame that something that looks so nice (pop the hood and it looks brand new) should have this happen.

Thanks,
Jim

 

broken crank?

 

Thanks Woody, unfortunately I was thinking it may be something like that. I was going to pull the pan but thought I would check with you all first.

 

sounds like a broken crank or fried rings that have melted into the cylinder walls, (that happened on my LLY)

but i'd have to guess upon #1 first...

 

Thanks Angelic, guess I'll be pulling the pan

Since I had the low oil pressure I'm assuming the cause was the oil pump?

 

Any update?

 

Broken crankshaft. Had a 5.7 diesel do the same thing with the same symptoms.

 

Last activity was 05-27-2009. Can reopen the thread to update.