Your opinions on the Chevy/GM 6.2L V8 Diesel engine please...

[pseudo]

Having posted this on the old forum and got no replies in a few days, I just remembered having received an email recently about the forum having moved. So here it is again!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

So hello, long time lurker first time poster here.

I'm seriously considering buying this step van and would love you knowledgeable people's opinion on this engine and what you think of this van in general: https://scranton.craigslist.org/cto/4096951547.html

I've been looking for a Cummins 4BT step van forever but nothing much comes up around here (PA) that is in decent shape and with a tall enough roof that I can stand up in, so I'm thinking of compromising and the above van looks pretty good to me (haven't seen it in the flesh yet).

I've googled and found mixed reviews about the engine - do any of you have first hand experience with it?

Also, does the 14MPG quoted by the seller sound realistic or a bit optimistic? I guess it depends somewhat on the gear ratio at the rear but I'm not sure what it's got...

Any opinions on the van in general would also be welcome. The engine supposedly only has 40k miles on it, but the chassis has 300k. Lots of new parts apparently though.

I'll be going to check it out at the weekend and will get a mechanic to have a good look at it. Is there anything I/he should pay particular attention to?

I was going to try and wait until I find the PERFECT one - 4BT, barn doors, a bit longer than this one, 7' ceiling, 16" wheels, highway gears blah blah blah - but I REALLY need a vehicle soon and providing this one checks out ok mechanically, I'll probably go for it and it'll do for now.

Anyway your input would be very welcome [smile]

 

[Ballenxj]

The Step Van itself looks good. The 6.2 liter is I believe related to the 6.5 Turbo that I have. Unfortunately I haven't been able to run mine enough to give it a fair appraisal. Some people will wave you off from buying this engine, and others will say it's fine. What year is it? That could make a difference.

 

[pseudo]

The van is 93 but not sure about the engine. But you're right, from my googling I've gathered that some years might be more reliable than others, and that there may have been quality control issues, so it could be something of a gamble as to whether you get a good or bad one.
I've also read posts on diesel forums suggesting reliability could be greatly improved by replacing certain parts with some from the 6.5 or with better quality aftermarket ones, but I forget what exactly. Also, using the best oil, not skimping on glow plug quality etc. People have also mentioned the need to add additives to the fuel?

The engines were produced until 2000 according to Wikipedia, so I also wonder when the seller says the engine has 40k miles, whether the engine was really new when it was put in this van or if it's been rebuilt 40k miles ago, or just that it has 40k miles in this truck...

 

[Ballenxj]

I also wonder when the seller says the engine has 40k miles, whether the engine was really new when it was put in this van or if it's been rebuilt 40k miles ago, or just that it has 40k miles in this truck...

That could go two ways. He could have put a new or rebuilt engine in 40k ago, or he might say that someone told him the engine had 40k when it was installed. With either of those two scenarios I would ask if he has any receipts to back that up. Seems like people will "say" a lot of things when trying to sell a vehicle.
OTOH, that van looks good enough to have it checked more thoroughly.
Do a search here for Grummy's build to see a very nice step van build.

---

PS, I found the Grumliner build thread for you.
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Step-Van-Conversion-Grumliner?highlight=grumliner

 

[pseudo]

Thanks, yea I've seen Grummy's van and like what he's done with it. These guys have also done an amazing job and are a big inspiration: https://secure.flickr.com/photos/grummantravels/sets/72157615650626769/

I still haven't checked out the above van. It's been in the shop having the clutch replaced as it was leaking apparently.

I've since found another which is much more what I'm looking for size and engine wise but also twice the price, which would leave me much less for the interior build: https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/4208042022.html
Not much info in the ad, but I've been in touch with the seller and it has the barn doors at the back, 100k miles, the cummins 4cyl engine (not the 4BT though, the more recent ISB 3.9), Allison 1000 trans, 7' headroom and 18' cargo area.
Decisions decisons...

 

[Ballenxj]

Go and test drive both before you make a decision. If all things were equal, price etc. I would lean heavily toward the one with the Cummins.
Good luck, and let us know which one you end up going with.

 

[owl]

I was in the auto business when the 6.2 was around and it had a terrible reputation. It is a detroit diesel which is GM's diesel dept. It was basically a redone gas designed engine. It suffered from overheating, broken cranks and pistons. The newer 6.5 was an improvement but not by much. I would find a well rated independent diesel shop and talk to them before you make a move. Good luck.

 

[steamjam1]

Never mind the Detroit 6.2! YOU CAN'T BEAT CUMMINS! In both reliability and longevity! Most people who own Cummins would rather PUSH their Cummins then drive a Detroit..

 

[Telcobilly]

That's not the case in the big trucks. The Detroit Series 60 and the newer DD engines are pretty decent. The Cummins ISX red motors have their share of issues.. It has the nickname of "Come apart" I joke, I'm sure they are all pretty close.. The older GM diesels are definitely bad news..

 

[Ballenxj]

That's not the case in the big trucks. The Detroit Series 60 and the newer DD engines are pretty decent. The Cummins ISX red motors have their share of issues.. It has the nickname of "Come apart" I joke, I'm sure they are all pretty close.. The older GM diesels are definitely bad news..

The older GM diesels that had all the trouble were converted Oldsmobile 403 gas engines.
I have a friend that works around diesels and diesel mechanics that swears the 6.2 and 6.5 are OK.
The old converted gas engines are where GM diesels got their bad rap.

 

[wagoneer]

my neighbor had the converted gas engine model and it was a POS. I had a 6.2 detroit 1985 true diesel in a one ton GMC, towed a 22ft airstream for years no problems. I now drive a 2001 E350 7.3 great motor.

 

[highdesertranger]

the bad gm diesel was the 5.7. the 6.2 and 6.5 are basically the same motor. while they are not power house motors they get excellent fuel economy. I am in the process right now of rebuilding one to replace my 454. I don't want a drag racer I want the fuel economy. I will also say the cummins is the best small truck diesel but they only come in dodge's. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

Highdesertranger, have you checked your fuel economy? Just curious to hear what kind of mpg folks are getting with these engines. Thanks.

 

[highdesertranger]

my 6.2 is not in the truck yet. the block is at the machine shop. I still have the 454 in there. the fuel economy depends on the vehicle, gearing, weight, etc. lighter vehicle's will get 20+. the worse I have heard of them getting is around 12 this was in a motor home towing a toyhauler. I am hoping for 11-18. when I have the motor in I will give a report. this will not be for many months still. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks highdesertranger. You've seen photos of my truck. I'm hoping for somewhere around 17mpg on the highway if I keep my speed down under 65mph.
Here's the link, and photos are in post 13 in this thread. 99 GMC
I haven't been able to take it on the open road yet is why I ask.
The thing that worries me about getting fuel economy is the high profile.

 

[highdesertranger]

ah yes I remember now. yes that does have a high profile. the only way to really know is to take it out on the road. they do make bubble fronts for those, it would make it more aerodynamic. let us know what you get for mpg. highdesertranger

 

[Simran]

I drove an Olds 9 passenger station wagon for 6 years that had the "new & improved" 5.7 diesel. It was the one they fixed the flaws on just before the 6.2 was introduced. Most of the 5.7's were junk. This Olds was a good one and fuel economy was high for a wagon of this size. Pulling a trailer I got 23. Just the wagon empty got 27 @ 60 mph. However, it was not a long life engine. I drove her to the junk yard @ 130,000. She was burning oil badly. This wagon was no speed demon by any stretch but a good economical car to drive.
My brother has an old early 90's Chevy pickup he uses to fix fence. It has the 6.2 in it. No power house but it is dependable with 160,000 miles on it.
I think the 6.2 & 6.5 are good enough engines providing they've had the right maintenance. They are not "go fast engines tho. The 6.5 with a turbo is a little better.

 

[pseudo]

Thanks for all the input!
I eventually gave up on the step van idea for now and bought a 94 chevy conversion van with a 350...
just made it all the way across Canada without any problems. I get 15mpg highway at best and it's not as roomy as a step van but happy with it otherwise

 

[Simran]

Those are not the most economical to drive but reliable none-the-less. Parts and guys that can work on them are behind every tree too. I think you done good!

---

How much; If I can ask?

 

[Ballenxj]

I see you got a raised top too. Good for you.