chevy G30 diesel

[marigold]

Anyone here have a van like mine?

1993 hi top cube van, diesel chevy G30. Since I bought it I've seen a few others around, dark blue with barn doors in the back, sliding door on the side and windows.

From what I've found online, it was originally a military vehicle, used to shuttle airforce pilots to their planes. From what the mechanics have told me, she is very *unique* which means parts are almost impossible to find....

anyone know this rig?

 

[VJG1977]

I like that layout, never seen one like that.  I found 2 for sale.  

One in [font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fort Lauderdale  1993[/font]
http://car.mitula.us/detalle/952/1610004424478051991/6/1/chevy-diesel-van

One in KS, has a lot of photos 1993 
http://www.midwestcarcredit.com/1993_Chevrolet_G30_Olathe_KS_236801586.veh

 

[highdesertranger]

I don't see why your saying parts are hard to find, it's a gm. the motor is the same as a Humvee, by far the least expensive diesel to buy, the same basic engine has been in production since 1982. while not the fastest diesel, with proper maintenance it is a good motor. also they get great mpg. highdesertranger

 

[Shortbusliving]

What engine is in it. ?

 

[MikeRuth]

6.2L Diesel, these were also used with an almost similar body as Ambulance and search and rescue vehicles.

No problem getting parts really for the drive train and or engine.

 

[MikeRuth]

This auction is closed but it's essentially the same vehicle, and this one amazingly had only 311 miles on it and sold for a G!!! My god the deals are out there if you get lucky. \

http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=928016

Mike R

 

[LeeRevell]

I don't know how 'rare' this type of box van is, but I do see a couple in my area here in north Florida a lot. Interesting, but not my personal 'cup of tea'. A bit too short and low - but I am a Big & tall guy!
They do seem pretty robust though.

 

[LowTech]

6.2L Diesel, these were also used with an almost similar body as Ambulance and search and rescue vehicles.

No problem getting parts really for the drive train and or engine.

Yep, what Mike said.

 

[Shortbusliving]

Thank you
That's what's in my bus

 

[highdesertranger]

shortbus what type of mpg are you getting? highdesertranger

 

[Simran]

With a little maintenance those are decent diesels. Where they really shine is on fuel mileage. No powerhouse but good solid old motors. Parts are everywhere for those older chevy's. I actually lusted after one of this a few years ago but settled on a bus instead.

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah I am rebuilding one as we speak to replace my 454. highdesertranger

 

[marigold]

Curious to hear that parts should be easy to find, that's not the report I got from the mechanic. It's actually worked out in my favor so far, $400 for them to repair the busted radiator instead of $800 to replace. Can someone point me in the right direction for finding parts for this van? I'm not even sure where to begin..

 

[Simran]

Mechanics have a different way of looking at vehicles that (1) they haven't worked on much,there for, don't know much about and don't want to admit it, (2) they don't like, or (3) they don't want to work on. So they tell a potential customer any of a number of negative things to dissuade any conversation about said vehicle.
In reality the parts are out there. Finding a qualified mechanic to do some of the internal repairs if needed maybe a bit tricky in some parts of the country. No matter what engine you have those types of repairs are expensive.
Best thing to do is find someone qualified that specializes in working on diesel engines and is familiar with that particular diesel engine. They will have contacts for parts on speed dial. Buy this guy some donuts after an oil change once in awhile so he remembers you. I am being serious here.
I would almost bet the mechanic you have doing radiator work, although he may be a very good mechanic, has never worked on one of those engines. The radiator is a wholes different ball game than the engine. Sounds like he is being straight with you on the radiator repair I would ask him how much experience he has had with that particular engine. My guess is that he is a gasoline engine mechanic and not a diesel mechanic. There is considerable difference.

 

[marigold]

Thanks simran, I have made a bit of progress in finding people qualified to work on my van in this area. The guy I took it to has been very honest and straight forward, and though he is a diesel specialist his shop is for newer diesels and his fancy diagnostic tecnology is useless on my old van! He's fixed everything at a fraction of what he should charge, and has also been vocal that he thinks there's someone more qualified out there. I'm learning a lot, thanks for the pointers.

 

[punkbek3886]

Thanks simran, I have made a bit of progress in finding people qualified to work on my van in this area. The guy I took it to has been very honest and straight forward, and though he is a diesel specialist his shop is for newer diesels and his fancy diagnostic tecnology is useless on my old van! He's fixed everything at a fraction of what he should charge, and has also been vocal that he thinks there's someone more qualified out there.  I'm learning a lot, thanks for the pointers.

First-time poster here, but I figured I'd weigh in since I have some experience with these engines. I have an 01 diesel express with the 6.5. Pretty similar, although you have an all-mechanical (vs electronically-controlled) injection pump which most people vastly prefer. If you want to learn more about your engine, check out these forums:

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-gm-diesel-engines/20-6-2l-diesel-engine/
http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/
http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

They are super-helpful with any questions you might have. The general consensus with these engines is that truly qualified mechanics are few and far between, so the best bet is to become your own mechanic. Or at least learn enough to know when someone is bs'ing you.

Some of the maintenance highlights:

-Inspect the rubber portion of the harmonic balancer for cracks. If it is really old or even original, it would be a good idea to replace it. If your harmonic balancer goes south, the crankshaft can break.

-Injectors are supposed to be replaced about every 100,000 miles, although some people run them a lot longer than that. I'm going to be replacing mine soon, a few are ticking pretty loud in my van with 99,000 miles.

-Check your oil cooler lines for leaks and the oil cooler fittings for corrosion. If one of these oil cooler lines lets go, you'll lose oil pressure almost immediately and might need to get your engine rebuilt if you don't shut it down immediately.

 

[marigold]

Thank you punkbek, this is just the kind of specific info I need, I really appreciate it.

 

[highdesertranger]

thanks simran and punkbek, you laid it out in much more detail than I did. look at finding a mechanic this way, if they talk smak, find someone else. there should be thousands of mechanics who know this motor inside out. just look for vets that worked in the motor pool from 1985 to the present. I will say it again, these are the simplest of all motors diesel or gas, they get great fuel economy in a van or full size truck(the best you are going to get from any motor), they have no electronics, the only electricity they need is to activate the fuel shut off and the cold advance, both can be worked around so you don't need any electricity, if you have a manual transmission you don't even need a alternator, battery, or starter. parts are readily available. the military has many of these still in service, they need parts, if you do your homework you can find every part for these motors. the naysayers are ignorant. highdesertranger

 

[wagoneer]

Had a 1987 GMC van with a 6.2 pulling a 1962 airstream what a great combo

 

[Perro Viejo]

I bought a litter mate to yours two weeks ago. Craigslist showed there were 2 available in my area 3 weeks ago. There is 1 still listed in the search I 06-30-16 for "diesel" max "$2500" "Craigslist Mobile AL". The one I bought was listed for $1500. I drove it home for $1250. The asking price for the one still listed is $2200. It is a 1994 visually identically. However I believe it`s fuel injection is electronically controlled. I am a very old mechanic (biased + cranky) and didn`t realize that the 6.2 engine is really a fine slugger. Parts are relatively abundant. There is a lot of information available in numerous forums. I had a 2005 Sprinter short wheelbase van and intended to haul my motorcycle to races in New Orleans and Birmingham to work as a volunteer. The Sprinter did get me to a lot of events but I found it impractical to load a motorcycle in it for a variety of reasons. I ended up hauling a trailer.
I put the Sprinter up for sale in the paddock and sold it at an event. The deal I made was cash plus a `96 4x4 fully loaded GMC Yukon Suburban with 246000 miles on it. I kept it for about a year and a half using it for the same type work. I WAS TRULLY AMAZED AT THE TORQUE.
You can find all the essential information regarding your specific G30 by spending $5.00 at a website called compnine.com and entering your VIN. I found that mine was built in Canada plus all of the codes listing the elements such as engine, radio, mirrors etc. With this list of codes you can use the internet and tell folks on the forums exactly what it is your seeking information on. Print a couple of copies 1 for the vehicle and 1 to keep by your computer. The lowest number you find in the units produced column is the number produced with the exact same call-outs your vehicle.
I found that 421 units were produced exactly like mine. Basically what we have are diesel powered 7 X10 Cargo Trailers.