I worked for a road construction outfit for years we had a number of 6.5 & 6.2 diesel. We got 200,000 miles and more out of them on a regular bases. They aren't great on power ( a bit of an under statement ) but they will last a good long time if maintained properly. Ours were in a construction outfit so you can guess how will they got treated. Don't expect much in mileage though it's got 4.56 gears in it. The module on the side of the injector pump is the biggest down fall. GOOD LUCK

 

well there are so many variables is yours a auto or 5 speed is it a 4x4 or 2wd you should be able to find a good cummins for 2k adapter plates 1200 or do a dodge tranny can you build your mounts I would sell the 6.5 before it dies you might get a good price low miles and all

 

doing a 12 valve p-pump cummins swap into a ford right now, you can spend anywhere from $3,000 up to $15,000+ depending on your skill level and what you want to get out of the motor. But hands down the best diesel ever put into a pickup! Your 6.5 is not a valuable motor, my friend just sold his after having it listed for over a year about the same mileage I think he got $1200 w/transmission.

 

The 6.5 is a reliable engine in spite of what negative things people say about it. The only 6.5 that has tons of issues is the 6.5 turbo diesel with PMD controlled injection. I was surprised to hear about a 6.5 in an '02 for sure. Is your engine turbo'd?

 

I know people that have alot of luck with these motors. Almost all of the 6.5 problems I have seen are in trucks with very low miles that have been sitting for extended periods of time.

 

Yes, most problems with 6.5 engines, especially turbos show up within 60-70,000 miles. Big thing with 6.5 turbo is stalling issues. The problem is almost always caused by a failing fuel solenoid driver, an electronic module mounted on the injection pump. These are known to fail due to heat. Solution is to replace the module with an updated one and mount it outside the engine compartment. Dealers will try to suck you in for a new injection pump when it is not necessary. Update kits are available which include a harness extension and a greatly updated fuel solenoid driver module. Symptoms of failing fuel solenoid driver are engine stalling just like someone turned of the key, and code P0251 showing up. Codes for fuel solenoid response time too short are indicative of a failing module. When the engine stalls, it is not a good thing on the highway when you have a transport truck on your *** at 60 mph!.

 

I put a 92 1st gen into a 93 Chevy k-2500. The swap cost me about 5k but I'm real happy with the results. I get 25mpg Hwy and 18 town. I'm also running an nv4500 trans.

 

Yes 6.5 td its a 3500hd kind of a rare truck. It's an 02 but the body style still looks like 98 or older.
I've got a d-max in my 06 gmc 2500

 

Those 3500HDs have 4.63 or 5.13 gears. Hard to strain them on moderate loads as they take well to rpm, but not so well to lugging. The electronic injection pump can be problematic. Fuel additive helps. Heath Diesel makes a good chip. BD Power resells the Heath chip as their own. Opening up the exhaust helps also... there is a rumor of OE internally kinked crossover and downpipes.

Thats about all I got. The 3500HD chassis is stout. It was GM's way of bringing their heavy P30/motorhome chassis to a pickup-cab platform.

 

MX747

Don't listen to the negative crap some people are spewing about the 6.5. Actually, GM stopped producing this engine, in 2000, I think. AM General took over the production of these engines and built them with military specs. When doing so the re-designed the block and made it stronger. The GM version, used to develop cracks in the piston walls. Not any more, since AM General took it over. Your engine is considered to be the GEP- General Engine Products, AM General, Optimizer 6.5 diesel.

Two things you need to do, Re-locate the PMD & Replace your oil cooler lines with threaded lines. These lines are known to pop off the engine block. They are held in place by C-clips. There are o-rings that can leak up in there. If you plan on pushing your engine to the limit on a regular basis, replace the block studs with ARP studs.

Also.. BONUS - these engines are the least expensive engine to maintain, bar none. You can buy military surplus injectors for $10/each. Can buy a set of new injectors for around $180. You can find good deals on the injector pumps.

I own one of these engines. I replaced the engine in my 94 GMC with one of these engines and has plenty of power to tow my 10,000lb travel trailer.
As to the GM version of this setup, you can find plenty of old burbs and trucks out there with 300,000 miles on them.
They are not crap... as some people like to claim.

Some resources for you.
General Engine Products | AM General LLC - Mobility solutions for the 21st Century
Diesel Place: Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums