One other item I wish I had mentioned is this vid would be replacing the BATTERY CABLES. PTWIRINGSOLUTIONS.COM has a great set of battery cables to replace the crappy stock ones.
Yankee Prepper - Preparing for the Wrath of God and Fine Coffee. I bought an 86 w/6.2 4x4 auto. It was a beautiful truck but was told it needed an engine. I saw the crossover cable to main Bart was maybe a #8 and of course starter was shot. I put a cable and starter on charged up crappy batteries and put charger on boost, varoom, started but smoked (fuel) changed fuel filter and this low mileage truck was one of the better trucks I've ever had. I put 150,000 miles on it and never had an issue other then normal wear and tear and maintenance .I averaged 20--24 mpg and never took it easy,
I have to admit, I cringed when you said; a word from my sponsor. I anticipated some lame commercial. Was just so happy to know that you use every opportunity to spread the good news! Bless you brother!
Just bought a 95 chevy 6.5 turbo diesel. It has 88000 miles. I have changed the lift pump. And if it wasn't for you I would have not known to do that. Thank you and God bless
Awesome video. As a new '95 K2500 owner this video was a real eye opener. Thanks for posting and I'm a big fan of your sponsor. I'm proud to subscribe to somebody like you who is not ashamed of the gospel.
in a Ford owner...aside from that, I love guys like this, true mechanics that know their s--t, my hat is off to you and all you do for people to help them better understand their equipment, thank you for the video...Yankee prepper...you rock my friend
Truth, I’m a ford guy too, i have a 7.3 idi and i wish there was as detailed of a video out there for bullet proofing those, i know there is the cdr but i bet other then the harder parts like sleeving the motor to completely prevent cavitation in the cylinders i can almost guarantee there are more things that can be done
@@Yankeeprepper if I may ask (I know this video is a little older now) what were you running your 6.5 in vehicle wise and what was your power and Mpg when you ran your different tunes?
@@nathanowens1721 95 GMC Suburban. 20-22 plus mpg...very dependent on how you drive it, but at 70mph with the kids and dog and loaded with gear it's a 20-22 plus mpg all day. I have no idea how much "power"...whatever that is.... this is not a "power" diesel. I always stay under the recommended towing capacity and that was easy for me, I am not hauling cattle to the ranch.
I have to thank you sir! Your video inspired me to upgrade my 1984 GMC 6.2 diesel. All the details you suggested, I did on my 6.2 with the exception that mine is full mechanical injection and Banks Sidewinder Turbo kit. I sourced the entire motor belt accessory brackets from a 1996 6.5 motor. Everything bolts up with minor modifications. alternator, air conditioning pump, coolant pump, Walbro fuel pump, duramax fan, everything. My truck is so much better now. Very happy. No more belt squeal since I ditched the V belt drives. Again, thank you for your video.
Man I wish I had found this about 2 months ago. I seriously looked into buying a nice 97 6.5 just to drive back and forth to work and parts runs for the farm. I walked away from it, everyone I talked to that owned one had horror stories about them, most would have been fixed with what you showed in the video. Great educational video that anyone looking into buying a 6.5 should know.
Literally dont understand why you need to bomb proof these engines one here in germany is for sale that got 434k miles on the odometer. Dont think that 434k Miles is low mileage.
I rebuilt a 1996 K2500 surplus. Had to totally rebuild the fuel delivery system, rebuilt the transmission and it ran great except the PMD but we got that fixed.
@@Jean_1999The 6.5 hate is weird, these trucks are like $2,000-$5,000 in the U.S for clean ones. $2,500 in bullet proof parts and turbo/intake work and you have a strong reliable diesel.
@@J-Rod7 $5k for something that half retarded worked on. majority of ppl with diesels, at least around me….spend money just to blow smoke….its embarrassing
I bought a 97 Chevy 2500 suburban 4×4 ,6.5 diesel 7 years ago,it now has 330.000 klms,its had an easy life,,a very strong solid vehicle,,,thanks for the upgrade information, I'm planning on keeping mine for a long time,its great for hauling and towing.
About 9 months ago I started looking for a truck. I ran across a 6.5, 97 suburban. I hesitated for about a week after first viewing it. It was the first vehicle I actually saw in person while on my truck hunt. But at this point, I'm SO glad I bought it! It's hands-down my favorite vehicle I've ever owned and I'll never sell it. As some of the comments suggest, it's a very rare vehicle. Well, only after my purchase did I realize that. At the time I wasn't even aware Chevy put a diesel in any of their suburbans but damn, did I find a gem! Thanks for a great video, I already have the PMD mod but I'll be looking into the others.
Facts I have a 6.5 diesel I had to move that heat sync also I didn’t know about the other to and that deserves a like and subscribe very well laid out very well described just all-around great explaining these videos we need more of people like you that really points and shows and tells you
I got a 1993 GMC K 3500 with single rear wheels and the manual NV4500 5-speed tranny and with the 1993 6.5 diesel you don't have to worry about the PMD because it is a totally mechanical engine and would survive Solar Flare or EMP attack just as it is!!
Thankyou very much for the video, since I own a 97 c2500 6.5l, and there have been "problems", chief among them is when I bought the truck in Oregon in 2013 I noticed the entire fuel system was only a year old or less, and that included the injector pump, ALL fuel lines, and even the tank, having been used by a business for bring back valuable industrial items purchased at estate sales and auctions out of state. Apparently, by winter of 2013 I figure out why, .....the fuel would stop moving through the fuel line from the tank to the engine, shutting off the engine while I was at high speed. I figure out how to push compressed air through the line to clear it, but then the factory lift pump would sometimes overheat and stop working. I stopped driving the vehicle much at all as a spare, and kept high dollar fuel anti jelling additive in the fuel, good thing too cause it would go six months unused. I bought an airdog aftermarket fuel system, but I had a death in the family, hurt my back and was unable to crawl around in my driveway to fix with the airdog,....I just installed the airdog completely with a beans sump kit by cutting a hole in the bottom of the tank, the metal tank. I am pleased, engine runs great, seems to use more fuel and that makes sense cause the original lift pump was starving the engine, and in Oregon we have "clean air diesel", meaning too much alcohol added to the diesel, to save the planet and the air, which is what almost got me killed with engine stoppage twice at over fifty miles an hour. I want to do that belt thing you talk of, a 93 belt and eliminate the vacuum pump, I am sure its still there no doubt, and I need to figure out what you mean by "manual waste gate controller" in its place. I already have an aftermarket PMD on the inner fender well with heat sink. I need this truck and many of its components to last, cause I can't afford any major repairs for awhile, I should as soon as possible even if I have to sell something off get a better fan like you mention to keep it cooler. I am unsure how many actual miles are on the engine cause it was a replacment for some reason with a lower mileage engine, and just before I bought it they had the transmission, clutch, and differential limited slip replaced new/rebuilt cause they were stuck in LA California with almost a hundred thousand dollars of industrial equipment in a trailer, so I lucked out, along with new brakes, air conditioning, newer tires, the entire fuel system I mentioned, and a new trailer brake system. By the way, my newer fuel lines are larger 3/8 style from the bottom of the tank to the airdog then to the coupling to the original line to the engine. I would like to have a backup marine pump at the original spot for the old factory lift pump cause the fuel straw in the tank no longer has the plastic mesh filter since I removed it when I cut into the tank,....it was right as the spot I cut into the tank luckily, and I want to do that and cap it off but keep an adaptor set to quickly hook it up if I was out of town and the airdog suddenly went bad or whatever so wouldn't be at the mercy of high priced out of town repairs,...well actually, right now I wouldn't be able to afford it. I just hope my injector pump with way less than 3000 miles on it was not damaged by all the damned lift pump and jelling problems, and numerous times likely injecting some small amount of air once I opened the lines, I mean, I always tried to open the drain cock T at the front the engine till I saw pure fuel flowing, or even loosen up the top of the filter cap to all air to escape, I know better, I mean, I was once ASE certified in diesel mechanics, and military trained, the only saving grace is I didn't drive the truck much at all the last four and a half years. It was the alcohol in the diesel I mentioned, and now they have the "Clean diesel act" applying to commercial use diesel for fleet vehicles, which is causing alot of damages, ....here in Oregon, stories of school buses in rural routes in the middle of snowing winter breaking down with a load of kids waiting for two hours for a relief bus to come to the rescue and thousands of dollars in repair cause of poor quality state guv mandated touchy feely liberal libtard fuel,...maybe I, well I just thought of a name, .....democrat diesel, ...sure weren't any republicans that were responsible for this "clean diesel", I mean, it bout cleaned me out of life itself, and cost me and so many others so much money. I've heard of diesel with nearly thirty percent water,....I almost need like two or three water separators instead of the one on the airdog, to drain out all the water, I mean, it angers me to think I am buying so much water when I am supposed to get fuel.
From your last video I checked Autotrader and for a Diesel Suburban. out of 10,000 plus Suburban's for sale in the USA, only 3 are for sale with a diesel Engine. You got a real treasure their my friend.
+toshibavoodoo I do know that. It's been a very good rig for me and I intend on keeping it till I am dead or they lock me in the FEMA camp. However, I am currently looking for a diesel suburban that has a blown motor to buy a Military Optimizer 6.5 diesel engine for. I figure I better have 2.
Why a Dmax Allison hasnt made its way into Burbs and Tahoes even Escalades is beyond WTAF. Here in CA people have the conversions w out of state plates bc some 'engineer/scientist' for CA epa convinced lawmakers its should be illegal to change fuel type from OEM as it 'alters' the intended carbon footprint of the state lol....Those are the guys that belong in the Fema camps 1st and foremost
Hey Yankee Pepper, I'm a 6.5 enthusiast too. Great Video and great points. I made a similar list of parts to address about 8 years back and glad to see I was on the right track for the issues. I wanted to let you know why the engineers went with the crappy vacuum pump in the worst location. It was to meet California Smog requirements. In California a stock turbo could not be manually controlled in a Smog regulated year, which ended up being any diesel newer than 1998. Manufacturers were give the head up to well before the regulation was requires and why every turbo 6.5 after 93 has a vacuumed controlled and computer monitored turbo. The engineers knew this would be one the first mods for a 94-97 6.5 so they just did what any engineer would do, went with the cheapest, easiest way to solve their problem at the production end. I just wished they would have made them easier to remove.
Just won a 98 2500 6.5 turbo diesel from an auction. It's a D.O.T. vehicle. If they havent made the first 3 changes I'll be doing them immediately. This video was very helpful. Ty
just bought a 93' 6.5 dually extended cab with 117k original miles 1 owner, I plan on copying your setup too achieve maximum durability and reliability.
Yankee! Not sure how often you check this anymore, but been a long time fan of your content. Hope you are doing well. Your videos on vehicle maintenance, mission specific footwear, coffee beans, food prep, hunting…all gold! Thanks for putting it out there. Best to you and the family.
Well, you are welcome to watch them as many times as you want too, but I am not making anymore of those vids and haven't a in a LONG time. Until men get back to the Lord and raise their testosterone level back to the point they can figure out which gender they are and which bathroom to use ....none of that other stuff is really going to matter. The future of this country at this point is on a fast track to hell.
Thank you ever much for the video. I owned a 6.5 when I was 18 now 10 years later I want another. because I love the truck cause love the body style and love diesels too
Great video, thanks a lot. I deleted my vacuum pump and made a mechanical wastegate arm. Instantly got a check engine light until I tuned it down below 10psi. You need a boost gage before removing the vacuum pump. If you want anymore than 7-8psi from that turbo you need a MAP fooling resister (10k) and a #9 resister for the PMD to push more fuel to the mix (if you don't want to get a flashed chip or new computer) You also need a pyrometer which will show that you need a 4" downpipe and a bigger exhaust manifold crossover. Again thanks. And keep them OBS trucks rolling !
very happy i found this video. i just got my brother 98 6.5L. I had heard nothing but bad things about this engine but have been doing my homework and found things to do to eliminate the problems. This video has everything i wanted to know so i will be buying the other 2 parts as the pmc has already been relocated. thanks for this
I'm looking now to get rid of my $600 per month truck payment to purchase a used older suburban diesel (no payment). great vid and info. as always. thanks.
I have a 95 Chevy 2 door Chevy Tahoe with 6.5 diesel, thanks for the advice I've done most all ready, will take the air pump off, it runs grate, will go anywhere I need to go.
There’s a decent lookin one out on marketplace that’s just over an hr away from me. I’m contemplating it. All it apparently needs is a new fuel tank hooked up…..
I really like your sponsor/scripture. Your video is practical and provides good valuable knowledge to keep your truck and its 6.5L diesel lasting a long time. Keep up the good work! Have a blessed day!
+bud moore (buckshot32000) Yes they are good engines for what they were designed to do. I have had relativity few problems with this vehicle overall. The 4l80e Trans and 14 bolt rear that the engine is connected to are some of the most reliable in the their respected category as well. The only real complaint that I have is the HVAC assembly behind the dash. The defrost doors kinda break off hinder the ability of the whole setup. This is common I guess on these trucks and suburbans. of these years. That a project for this year, sourcing a new HVAC assembly and taking the dash off to replace the old one. I am more afraid of take the dash off then taking the engine out!
+bud moore (buckshot32000) That's easy and CHEAP to fix!!! it's just one of the actuators and your problem indicated the easiest one to change! Remove 2 phillips screws, replace the actuator with a 20 bucks new one and it will be like new again for you.
+bud moore (buckshot32000) huh...in mine the left (drivers side) actuator controls the different air flows/defrost to floor and that one is easy to get to, the middle actuator controls the heat/cool mix and the right side controls the outside/inside air.
Great video with very valuable information. I have done all of the things except for the fuel pump relay (I think that will be next). I have Heath's Stage 2 towing and performance kit. Sadly, I am not really happy with it at this time. My water temps are around 220 and the truck seems to laboring with a measly 8100 pound load (new 5th wheel). Without the trailer, I am VERY HAPPY. I have contacted Joe Heath to see if there is a tuning fix. Keep the videos coming!
I recently bought a 1997 GMC 3500 Dually with a 6.5, I did some research before buying it and watched your video's and that made my decision easy. I am slowly upgrading the truck, doing the important things first. I would like to know where you got the vacuum for the waste gate? I tried to look at the video but can't find it. I want to replace the fan belt with a 93 and do away with vac pump, put a high flow air cleaner, 4" exhaust and the HX5 turbo...I have confidence in the engine after watching the video's. Also glad you Love the Lord as a Christian man I appreciate honesty and integrity. I'm also a retired trucker that love's coffee! And now teach at a truck driving school....love those diesel's. Sorry for long rant, very interested in the upgrades. Thanks
Look Up Detroit Diesel Series Two-Stroke Blower motors! GMC! 1938 till about 2000! Still in use on the roads, oceans and rails! Tanks a couple WW! Mostly interchangeable parts one cylinder to 24
Thanks for taking the time to prepare and share this video with us. I was contemplating selling my Chevrolet 2506.5 L turbo diesel. I have no reconsider that and I am anxious to make changes. I had already replaced the mechanical fuel pump twice in the 87,000 Miles I put on the truck so far. The first time it was covered under warranty, but not the second. I’m still working the fuel flow issue I’m having right now to get it running again and I’m hoping that I have to replace is the fuel pump, bypass the safety switch for rollover and move the electronic module to a position That is cooler. Thanks again
I own an old '94 GMC Safari with the 4.3. It's no diesel of course, but it's a fine example of a good powerplant held back by GM. These mid 90's GMs however were easier to correct GM's planned adolescence than the newer stuff. I've always thought it would be neat to have a Diesel under the hood of that thing. Apparently a 350 fits without issue. But she's only got 132k on her so.. might not happen any time soon. I love your video, and your slogan. May god bless.
4.3L and 350 are the same engine, front two cylinders are knocked off to make a 4.3L. It's been 15 years since I had an Astro..... you would probably have to go to an electric fan to make it work. You're talking 3 - 4 inches in difference of block length.
Definitely looking forward to upgrading my 86 6.2 from the belt drive of a newer version of it to the other modifications needed in this video since most of it is mechanical great job putting this together brotha you’re awesome
Fantastic video. 6yrs old and still relevant. I just picked up an H1 hummer with a variation of this motor and will be going through it in the next couple months to upgrade where it makes sense. Already moved the PMD to a better location. Great tip on the Duramax fan and clutch and thermostats, I'll be doing those for sure because this thing runs at 215-220 degrees on the highway. Any particular thermostat you like to use on them?
I had 30 horse injectors, pmd mounted on the driver side fender, Homebuilt boost controller AFE cold air 4” exhaust 90 gph fass fuel Had the L65 motor in it Running 16-20 pounds of boost the truck was absolutely awesome 900 ish km per tank truck was unstoppable
I’m in Aus and the Holden (Chevy) Suburban was sold here in the late 90s/early 2000s. I’ve always wanted one- especially the 6.5 turbo diesel. Your video makes me more confident to buy and maintain one, thank you 👍
Sorry, I do not now how to email a youtuber privately, so gotta ask this publicly! Everyone around my area all say one thing, 6.5's are boat anchors! Which I too haven't seen one last without a ton of problems! I have a 1999 3500 dually that needed new heads and then a few years later, not related, taken antifreeze in the oil and blew at 140k. That engine has been at the machine shop for almost three years now! And I just got a deal on another 1996 2500 automatic trans extended cab in sweet shape, I like these model trucks and this is the only diesel I can get in them, but in saying that, the rod in that engine is about to fly out as well at 240k! (Hence the good deal)! And looks like it has been blowing oil from every orifice for years as the engine all over is black like wet tar! I have a friend who has a 1995 3500 Dump standard shift with 80k. Can not hear it run because he got it after someone tried their hand in rewiring the ignition and other areas unsuccessfully! No way to get glow plugs to work , had to hot wire the fuel pump and got it to turn over, sounded like it wanted to go with starter fluid, but for whatever reason wouldn't fire! but as it turned it, it didn't sound like the engine itself was shot! OK, To my question, since you seem to know your 6.5's,,, Is the 95 engine the same as the 96?? Though everything on the front of each engine is completely different ie; placement of alternator etc,, are the 2 engines the same?? Would I be able to take everything off the front of the engines and put all the 96 parts on the 95? All bolt holes the same? Are all the pertinent plugs for the computer and all sensors or whatever the same? Are the Automatic and standard tranny mount holes the same? Is there anything different with the injector pump? Would I have to exchange that also? Is there anything different where these are not interchangeable where I can put the 95 engine into the 96 truck? Anything important you might be able to tell me to be sure to change because it is different one to the other ?? Thank you!!!
"I wish I had it, I got it around here somewhere. I take it out every once in a while to laugh at it." Lol, made me chuckle. That's what I do with my plastic thermostat housing from the Ford 4.0 engine.
I had 11 trucks in my landscape business at a time maybe 10:00 and I had two 7.3 Powerstroke turbo diesels and I had a 1999 Chevy 3500 HD 6.5 turbo diesel and believe it or not I had a 1991 one owner I bought used Cummins Diesel and I believe it was a 3116 or 3106 caterpillar in the F650. I am here to tell you my personal truck was the Powerstroke but my 6.5 turbo diesel was so Zippy and so fun to drive but I did pretty much every thing that you mentioned those three had to be done at some time or another
I LOVED YOUR VIDEO. I WORKED on my 2000 c3500 HD all winter getting it ready for spring as a welding truck. I had it new kept it in a garage got in the pmd from Amazon and have no idea how to get to the connector. I want to do all the mods you did they are probably going to require me to remove the nose. Looked up the holbro lift pump it's gonna take time to select the right one.
Good Video, Before this i didn't know much about the 6.5 except the DS-DB4 IP Pumps... etc that's about it.. all i know is Early Red block 6.2 Diesels..
Very good info! My truck is a 97 chevy but its the 5.7 vortec with only 102k miles and only gets about 14mpg. I knew diesels were more efficient but I had no idea it was that much better! Now you have me wondering about an engine swap but I cant justify that unless something bad happens to the 5.7. I may have to keep my eyes open for a possible future donor/towing rig. Thanks for the detailed video!
+Off Grid Kansas I have a 98 k1500 ECSB with a 5.7 vortec and a 94 k1500 ECSB with the 6.5 TD, my vortec is actually the daily driver and gets 14mpg or so.
+Off Grid Kansas The 6.5 has 306k miles on it and my 5.7 has 195k. Diesel has 3.73s and the gasser with 3.42s, I just like the vortec more since it's a cleaner truck where everything works. The diesel is more of my hauling truck.
Oh man thank you for posting this I am so glad and I will be saving this for future use I just bought mine yesterday I already have plans on going down the aftermarket isle
What content! I hope some engineer watches this and sees the demand for built to last, self maintainable vehicles and creates a company that makes them. I could work on my old '76 student car. But my current 2010 Toyota, zero chance. Thanks for sharing.
Especially since many people buy these diesels for the longeveity of them only to be disappointed by expensive preventable break down. Not only GM but all the manufacturers have let down their customers when they have been expecting to get long lasting vehicles. It ridiculous that you have to do these mods to get a reliable engine when they shoul already come that way. However in defense of the manufacturers we do as a group in the United States put a lot of requirements and regulations upon our manufacturers that are almost impossible to meet.
Why would the auto guys and galz build a reliable product? No high IQ required to know that reliability and profitability don't go hand in hand. GM, Dodge, and Ford know that their greed would be unaffordable to the public if their products lasted 1,000,000 trouble free miles. It's unaffordable because we live in America, land of the fee and home of the slave. Don't worry though. The big banks and auto dealers will take good care of us. When our vehicle's break down for good by the time we're done overpaying for them from our favorite dealership, which they are now designed to do, we can go to the banks and ask for another loan. Bank of America appreciates your business with them.
enter the enterprising individual with a bit of wrenching skill and the aftermarket. ;-) i think the enthusiast that wrenches pisses both the manufacturers and banks off the most. that's why the lobby for the manufacturers tried to shut just about all of us down a year or so ago by trying to implement dmca rules in regards to engine management systems etc. didn't work though thankfully enough.
I'm sure the reason for the success of the aftermarket companies is because of the money they have, just like OEM car companies who knowingly make cars and parts less reliable than the aftermarket who intends to offer actual bang for the buck with quality. Money buys everything in this world, even policy and credibility. This is no secret. Lobbying (which should be illegal) is what often keeps fat cats, well, fat and in business. It's why big oil companies successfully defeat any bill proposals to increase fuel economy and decrease oil usage. I do not defend or condone lobbying in the slightest. But as long as it's "legal" then the good guys of business have just as much a place in lobbying as the thieves that bought their way in.
Engineers for for GM and most automotive brand are NOT ALLOWED to build a proper design. The sales and marketing and board Directors control engineering department..
Awesome tips for a 6.5 owner! Id like to try and get 500,000 out of my 1994 Suburban 2500 before needing a rebuild so I will definitely be doing most if not all of these upgrades to mine. Thanks So much for the great Vid!
great video sir I appreciate your knowledge that you've passed on to us. I'm looking to get a 6.5 myself. I really want one that GM placed in a half-ton truck. thanks again.
Thank you for the really great video. I appreciate the work it took to remove the radiator and grill so we can See what you are taking about. Question: If I remove my vacuum pump, what do I do to actuate the waste gate on my Turbo? What is a manual waste gate and how is it controlled? Application is '97 2-door Tahoe with the 6.5L.
I did this vid with this premise that a person would have the basics knowledge of how their vehicle works. This is not a good vid for someone just parroting. The vacuum creates tension on the wastegate....opening and closing while driving. A manual wastage creates tension using as spring. There are probably 100's if not 1000's of vids and diagrams on the internet showing manual wastegates. People even make them and sell them to people that can't make their own.
Awesome video mate, having all sorts of issues at the moment and will be definitely be doing these mods since everything you mention has pointed to them... cheers buddy.
Heck, I'm a 7.3 IDI fan, but you make the 6.5 sound like a nice piece of kit. I like simple and mechanical but am actually a bit of a fan of OBD1, just enough dodad to get the benefits without all the over-complicated and over-regulated BS. A basically mechanical diesel with some OBD1 controls sounds rather nice.
The 6.2 / 6.5L are light duty diesels. They do not compare to International's IDI, which is a much heavier engine. (the 6.2 and 6.5 are also IDI). International's engines were designed for medium duty truck use, the GM engines were designed for pickup trucks.
My friend GAVE (yes, GAVE) me his '95 Chevy Suburban 2500 6.5L LT 4WD simply because it didn't run. I cannot wait to tear into the engine and do some bomb-proofing of my own. Mine is a helluva lot uglier than yours, but that's okay because it'll be a hunting/fishing/camping/mudding beast by the time I'm done. Thanks for the vid and the inspiration.
Thank you for this video man. I love these engines, we have 3 of them. 2 of them are trucks and one is my suburban. I knew a lot of the stuff you were talking about, but I picked up a lot of other things I never knew about. This will help me in the future. Thanks again! and that engine you have is amazing!
You are welcome. I am stilling running a 6.5 and got over 700 miles to a tank of fuel and still had a quarter left before I stopped to re-fuel last weekend on a trip from Minnesota to Illinois. Pushing 22 mpg at 70 mph/1950 rpm.
It's sad that they do this stuff on purpose to make extra money, engineering failure. We want our stuff to last or be durable, because we have that nature.
I just picked up a 2002 workhorse step van with a 6.5 diesel. will these changes you mentioned work for my truck. Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
You have hit on the weak points of this motor's design. You even hit on the electrical aspect in the comment section as they are a bit sensitive with grounding and such. Well done! I have a 94 that I purchased new and still have the OEM vacuum pump and prefer that to control the wastegate on the turbo rather than have a manual one. My current exhaust is a Banks 3" with a "soot delete" as Diamond Eye didn't exist back in the day. Ideally, the pmd really should get clear of the engine bay as one of the reasons for premature failure is the heat soak it has to endure after shutdown. Even then, unfortunately, they are still known to fail. However, with an upgraded fuel pump the pump mounted driver could very well work flawlessly in it's original location as it relies on fuel flow to keep it cool while the engine is running. I, personally, run the Kennedy bypass for the OPS and love it. These motors have gotten a bad rap but if you approach these things with the idea that they are light duty diesels and not designed to move mountains, they will perform well and are fairly reliable. Not to mention the cost to maintain is by far cheaper than today's models. Thought I would mention that factory oil cooler lines are notorious for failing at the most inopportune time and should be upgraded to braided lines offered by one of your sponsors.
+JREACHER1954 Thanks, I do want to clarify that I do not have "sponsers", I put up the links to the guys I use without them even knowing I did this vid. I just want to share my experience with this rig and what has worked for me. The 6.5 and the Suburban body with 4x4 has been the BEST vehicle for me and my family over the last 18 years and I do not believe I could replace with ANYTHING currently being offered on the market new. I was really bummed about forgetting to mention the upgraded battery cables in the vid, I did that so long ago that I think I take it for granted now. I have not had any problems with the PMD in the current location, but I still do carry a spare!
I have the extended cab K2500 and would not trade for the world. Don't know much about trucks but I know alot about this one. Spare pmd, goes without saying. ;>)
One other item I wish I had mentioned is this vid would be replacing the BATTERY CABLES. PTWIRINGSOLUTIONS.COM has a great set of battery cables to replace the crappy stock ones.
Yankee Prepper - Preparing for the Wrath of God and Fine Coffee. I bought an 86 w/6.2 4x4 auto. It was a beautiful truck but was told it needed an engine. I saw the crossover cable to main Bart was maybe a #8 and of course starter was shot. I put a cable and starter on charged up crappy batteries and put charger on boost, varoom, started but smoked (fuel) changed fuel filter and this low mileage truck was one of the better trucks I've ever had. I put 150,000 miles on it and never had an issue other then normal wear and tear and maintenance .I averaged 20--24 mpg and never took it easy,
I have to admit, I cringed when you said; a word from my sponsor. I anticipated some lame commercial. Was just so happy to know that you use every opportunity to spread the good news! Bless you brother!
reekkeel for real
I was thinking the same thing. That “sponsorship” made me smile.
I thought the sponsor was going to be beer
God bless ya bro(s)!!!
Amen, God bless you sir
Just bought a 95 chevy 6.5 turbo diesel. It has 88000 miles. I have changed the lift pump. And if it wasn't for you I would have not known to do that. Thank you and God bless
If you still have the truck, let me know! We 95 owners need to stick together!
Had a 94 GMC was a beast. Until that chip bypassed the rev limiter bent my rods.
I bought a Chevy 1994 Diesel 6.5 but won’t start
@@milanhernandez9165 Most likely the PDM
I'm putting a bigger diesel tank and new pump I have to wire a new fuel gauge because the old one dont work
Also don’t forget the harmonic balancer going bad and taking out the cranks. Good video
Good ol Leroy.
From a 1st time Diesel owner, Thank you for this video. I am taking all your tips and doing it this weekend.
same here
Awesome video. As a new '95 K2500 owner this video was a real eye opener. Thanks for posting and I'm a big fan of your sponsor. I'm proud to subscribe to somebody like you who is not ashamed of the gospel.
Amen brother!! Nothing matters but Salvation!
how is that truck? going to buy one when I can afford it since trucks are expensive here in europe....
Amen
I just bought one too sir
This, by far is one of the best crash courses on the 6.5 diesel. Thank you for making this. I look forward to more content, God bless you. 🙏🙌🙏
in a Ford owner...aside from that, I love guys like this, true mechanics that know their s--t, my hat is off to you and all you do for people to help them better understand their equipment, thank you for the video...Yankee prepper...you rock my friend
Thanks man. I enjoy it.
Yankee's Journey and Fine Coffee. Absolutely great video. You know your shit...some engineers did not or chose to ignore
Truth, I’m a ford guy too, i have a 7.3 idi and i wish there was as detailed of a video out there for bullet proofing those, i know there is the cdr but i bet other then the harder parts like sleeving the motor to completely prevent cavitation in the cylinders i can almost guarantee there are more things that can be done
@@Yankeeprepper if I may ask (I know this video is a little older now) what were you running your 6.5 in vehicle wise and what was your power and Mpg when you ran your different tunes?
@@nathanowens1721 95 GMC Suburban. 20-22 plus mpg...very dependent on how you drive it, but at 70mph with the kids and dog and loaded with gear it's a 20-22 plus mpg all day. I have no idea how much "power"...whatever that is.... this is not a "power" diesel. I always stay under the recommended towing capacity and that was easy for me, I am not hauling cattle to the ranch.
I have to thank you sir! Your video inspired me to upgrade my 1984 GMC 6.2 diesel. All the details you suggested, I did on my 6.2 with the exception that mine is full mechanical injection and Banks Sidewinder Turbo kit. I sourced the entire motor belt accessory brackets from a 1996 6.5 motor. Everything bolts up with minor modifications. alternator, air conditioning pump, coolant pump, Walbro fuel pump, duramax fan, everything. My truck is so much better now. Very happy. No more belt squeal since I ditched the V belt drives. Again, thank you for your video.
Man I wish I had found this about 2 months ago. I seriously looked into buying a nice 97 6.5 just to drive back and forth to work and parts runs for the farm. I walked away from it, everyone I talked to that owned one had horror stories about them, most would have been fixed with what you showed in the video. Great educational video that anyone looking into buying a 6.5 should know.
I’m hoping to look at one this weekend. Making sure I can get a new reliable daily for not too expensive
Literally dont understand why you need to bomb proof these engines one here in germany is for sale that got 434k miles on the odometer. Dont think that 434k Miles is low mileage.
I rebuilt a 1996 K2500 surplus. Had to totally rebuild the fuel delivery system, rebuilt the transmission and it ran great except the PMD but we got that fixed.
@@Jean_1999The 6.5 hate is weird, these trucks are like $2,000-$5,000 in the U.S for clean ones. $2,500 in bullet proof parts and turbo/intake work and you have a strong reliable diesel.
@@J-Rod7
$5k for something that half retarded worked on. majority of ppl with diesels, at least around me….spend money just to blow smoke….its embarrassing
I'm buying a 99 GMC Suburban 2500 6.5L 4WD this week based mostly on your advise. I'll be "bomb proofing" it asap.
I bought a 97 Chevy 2500 suburban 4×4 ,6.5 diesel 7 years ago,it now has 330.000 klms,its had an easy life,,a very strong solid vehicle,,,thanks for the upgrade information, I'm planning on keeping mine for a long time,its great for hauling and towing.
hi all . its been 5 years , how did the bulletproofing go
@@japdog9 some say he is still trying to start it to this day lol
Lol now it's my turn. Just picked up 99 2500 suburban 6.5 will be doing all this asap
About 9 months ago I started looking for a truck. I ran across a 6.5, 97 suburban. I hesitated for about a week after first viewing it. It was the first vehicle I actually saw in person while on my truck hunt. But at this point, I'm SO glad I bought it! It's hands-down my favorite vehicle I've ever owned and I'll never sell it. As some of the comments suggest, it's a very rare vehicle. Well, only after my purchase did I realize that. At the time I wasn't even aware Chevy put a diesel in any of their suburbans but damn, did I find a gem! Thanks for a great video, I already have the PMD mod but I'll be looking into the others.
You helped me so much in 14 minutes, defiantly not scared to buy a 6.5 now
Jesse Porter did you get one?
@@SuperVstech I did!
Facts I have a 6.5 diesel I had to move that heat sync also I didn’t know about the other to and that deserves a like and subscribe very well laid out very well described just all-around great explaining these videos we need more of people like you that really points and shows and tells you
You buy one with cracked block.....nothing to bomb proof that then.
I got a 1993 GMC K 3500 with single rear wheels and the manual NV4500 5-speed tranny and with the 1993 6.5 diesel you don't have to worry about the PMD because it is a totally mechanical engine and would survive Solar Flare or EMP attack just as it is!!
Thankyou very much for the video, since I own a 97 c2500 6.5l, and there have been "problems", chief among them is when I bought the truck in Oregon in 2013 I noticed the entire fuel system was only a year old or less, and that included the injector pump, ALL fuel lines, and even the tank, having been used by a business for bring back valuable industrial items purchased at estate sales and auctions out of state. Apparently, by winter of 2013 I figure out why, .....the fuel would stop moving through the fuel line from the tank to the engine, shutting off the engine while I was at high speed. I figure out how to push compressed air through the line to clear it, but then the factory lift pump would sometimes overheat and stop working. I stopped driving the vehicle much at all as a spare, and kept high dollar fuel anti jelling additive in the fuel, good thing too cause it would go six months unused. I bought an airdog aftermarket fuel system, but I had a death in the family, hurt my back and was unable to crawl around in my driveway to fix with the airdog,....I just installed the airdog completely with a beans sump kit by cutting a hole in the bottom of the tank, the metal tank. I am pleased, engine runs great, seems to use more fuel and that makes sense cause the original lift pump was starving the engine, and in Oregon we have "clean air diesel", meaning too much alcohol added to the diesel, to save the planet and the air, which is what almost got me killed with engine stoppage twice at over fifty miles an hour. I want to do that belt thing you talk of, a 93 belt and eliminate the vacuum pump, I am sure its still there no doubt, and I need to figure out what you mean by "manual waste gate controller" in its place. I already have an aftermarket PMD on the inner fender well with heat sink. I need this truck and many of its components to last, cause I can't afford any major repairs for awhile, I should as soon as possible even if I have to sell something off get a better fan like you mention to keep it cooler. I am unsure how many actual miles are on the engine cause it was a replacment for some reason with a lower mileage engine, and just before I bought it they had the transmission, clutch, and differential limited slip replaced new/rebuilt cause they were stuck in LA California with almost a hundred thousand dollars of industrial equipment in a trailer, so I lucked out, along with new brakes, air conditioning, newer tires, the entire fuel system I mentioned, and a new trailer brake system. By the way, my newer fuel lines are larger 3/8 style from the bottom of the tank to the airdog then to the coupling to the original line to the engine. I would like to have a backup marine pump at the original spot for the old factory lift pump cause the fuel straw in the tank no longer has the plastic mesh filter since I removed it when I cut into the tank,....it was right as the spot I cut into the tank luckily, and I want to do that and cap it off but keep an adaptor set to quickly hook it up if I was out of town and the airdog suddenly went bad or whatever so wouldn't be at the mercy of high priced out of town repairs,...well actually, right now I wouldn't be able to afford it. I just hope my injector pump with way less than 3000 miles on it was not damaged by all the damned lift pump and jelling problems, and numerous times likely injecting some small amount of air once I opened the lines, I mean, I always tried to open the drain cock T at the front the engine till I saw pure fuel flowing, or even loosen up the top of the filter cap to all air to escape, I know better, I mean, I was once ASE certified in diesel mechanics, and military trained, the only saving grace is I didn't drive the truck much at all the last four and a half years. It was the alcohol in the diesel I mentioned, and now they have the "Clean diesel act" applying to commercial use diesel for fleet vehicles, which is causing alot of damages, ....here in Oregon, stories of school buses in rural routes in the middle of snowing winter breaking down with a load of kids waiting for two hours for a relief bus to come to the rescue and thousands of dollars in repair cause of poor quality state guv mandated touchy feely liberal libtard fuel,...maybe I, well I just thought of a name, .....democrat diesel, ...sure weren't any republicans that were responsible for this "clean diesel", I mean, it bout cleaned me out of life itself, and cost me and so many others so much money. I've heard of diesel with nearly thirty percent water,....I almost need like two or three water separators instead of the one on the airdog, to drain out all the water, I mean, it angers me to think I am buying so much water when I am supposed to get fuel.
From your last video I checked Autotrader and for a Diesel Suburban. out of 10,000 plus Suburban's for sale in the USA, only 3 are for sale with a diesel Engine.
You got a real treasure their my friend.
+toshibavoodoo I do know that. It's been a very good rig for me and I intend on keeping it till I am dead or they lock me in the FEMA camp. However, I am currently looking for a diesel suburban that has a blown motor to buy a Military Optimizer 6.5 diesel engine for. I figure I better have 2.
I kind of wish I would have kept mine.
Why a Dmax Allison hasnt made its way into Burbs and Tahoes even Escalades is beyond WTAF. Here in CA people have the conversions w out of state plates bc some 'engineer/scientist' for CA epa convinced lawmakers its should be illegal to change fuel type from OEM as it 'alters' the intended carbon footprint of the state lol....Those are the guys that belong in the Fema camps 1st and foremost
Just put a new transmission in a 6.5 farm truck, was looking to extend the life of the motor and beef it up as well this helped a lot
I bought my 1999 suburban with 233000 miles on it because of your videos. Thank you.
Hey Yankee Pepper,
I'm a 6.5 enthusiast too. Great Video and great points. I made a similar list of parts to address about 8 years back and glad to see I was on the right track for the issues. I wanted to let you know why the engineers went with the crappy vacuum pump in the worst location. It was to meet California Smog requirements. In California a stock turbo could not be manually controlled in a Smog regulated year, which ended up being any diesel newer than 1998. Manufacturers were give the head up to well before the regulation was requires and why every turbo 6.5 after 93 has a vacuumed controlled and computer monitored turbo. The engineers knew this would be one the first mods for a 94-97 6.5 so they just did what any engineer would do, went with the cheapest, easiest way to solve their problem at the production end. I just wished they would have made them easier to remove.
Just won a 98 2500 6.5 turbo diesel from an auction. It's a D.O.T. vehicle. If they havent made the first 3 changes I'll be doing them immediately. This video was very helpful. Ty
I just bought a 95 6.5 2500 Chevrolet. and will be looking into all this you have mentioned. thanks so much
just bought a 93' 6.5 dually extended cab with 117k original miles 1 owner, I plan on copying your setup too achieve maximum durability and reliability.
Yankee! Not sure how often you check this anymore, but been a long time fan of your content. Hope you are doing well. Your videos on vehicle maintenance, mission specific footwear, coffee beans, food prep, hunting…all gold! Thanks for putting it out there. Best to you and the family.
Well, you are welcome to watch them as many times as you want too, but I am not making anymore of those vids and haven't a in a LONG time. Until men get back to the Lord and raise their testosterone level back to the point they can figure out which gender they are and which bathroom to use ....none of that other stuff is really going to matter. The future of this country at this point is on a fast track to hell.
@@Yankeepreppervery true.
Thank you ever much for the video. I owned a 6.5 when I was 18 now 10 years later I want another. because I love the truck cause love the body style and love diesels too
"I get the fan out just to laugh at it" that made me laugh out loud
Great video, thanks a lot.
I deleted my vacuum pump and made a mechanical wastegate arm. Instantly got a check engine light until I tuned it down below 10psi.
You need a boost gage before removing the vacuum pump.
If you want anymore than 7-8psi from that turbo you need a MAP fooling resister (10k) and a #9 resister for the PMD to push more fuel to the mix (if you don't want to get a flashed chip or new computer)
You also need a pyrometer which will show that you need a 4" downpipe and a bigger exhaust manifold crossover.
Again thanks. And keep them OBS trucks rolling !
very happy i found this video. i just got my brother 98 6.5L. I had heard nothing but bad things about this engine but have been doing my homework and found things to do to eliminate the problems. This video has everything i wanted to know so i will be buying the other 2 parts as the pmc has already been relocated. thanks for this
I'm looking now to get rid of my $600 per month truck payment to purchase a used older suburban diesel (no payment). great vid and info. as always. thanks.
That’s awesome!! I just picked up a 94 6.5 dually!! And Dieselsite (Heath Diesel) is actually about 10 minutes from me!!
I have a 95 Chevy 2 door Chevy Tahoe with 6.5 diesel, thanks for the advice I've done most all ready, will take the air pump off, it runs grate, will go anywhere I need to go.
yow trucking awesome! I like the burb I have. Lemme know if you need tips on yours!
Grab that vacuum pump and throw it away, it “sucks” I laughed at that 😂😂
I picked up a 94 k2500 6.5 with 142k miles for $3k last week. Hopefully I'll get it bomb proofed within the year. Thanks for the vid!
The words from your sponsor made me cry. Oh the beauty of the love. Thanks for the video and blessings abound, friend!
I have a 94 K2500 4x4 suburban with the 6.5 turbo diesel, I love this truck and will be doing some of the upgrades talked about in this video
Matt Schneeflock I’m considering swapping the 454 in mine out for a 6.5 and after seeing this, I can’t really think of a reason not to do it.
Leonard Schleuning if you end up doing it could you post it somewhere? I want to do the same to my 98
@@leonardschleuning3070
I
There’s a decent lookin one out on marketplace that’s just over an hr away from me. I’m contemplating it. All it apparently needs is a new fuel tank hooked up…..
I really like your sponsor/scripture. Your video is practical and provides good valuable knowledge to keep your truck and its 6.5L diesel lasting a long time. Keep up the good work! Have a blessed day!
Great tips ive done most of these to my 6.5 just to keep it going they are tough and economical
+bud moore (buckshot32000) Yes they are good engines for what they were designed to do. I have had relativity few problems with this vehicle overall. The 4l80e Trans and 14 bolt rear that the engine is connected to are some of the most reliable in the their respected category as well. The only real complaint that I have is the HVAC assembly behind the dash. The defrost doors kinda break off hinder the ability of the whole setup. This is common I guess on these trucks and suburbans. of these years. That a project for this year, sourcing a new HVAC assembly and taking the dash off to replace the old one. I am more afraid of take the dash off then taking the engine out!
Yeah no matter where u turn the dial in my truck the air blows out the floor vents so I just reach up under the dash and change the mode manually
+bud moore (buckshot32000) That's easy and CHEAP to fix!!! it's just one of the actuators and your problem indicated the easiest one to change! Remove 2 phillips screws, replace the actuator with a 20 bucks new one and it will be like new again for you.
no the one that needs replaced you cant get to without pulling the dash i tried changing the easy ones no improvement
+bud moore (buckshot32000) huh...in mine the left (drivers side) actuator controls the different air flows/defrost to floor and that one is easy to get to, the middle actuator controls the heat/cool mix and the right side controls the outside/inside air.
Great video with very valuable information. I have done all of the things except for the fuel pump relay (I think that will be next). I have Heath's Stage 2 towing and performance kit. Sadly, I am not really happy with it at this time. My water temps are around 220 and the truck seems to laboring with a measly 8100 pound load (new 5th wheel). Without the trailer, I am VERY HAPPY. I have contacted Joe Heath to see if there is a tuning fix. Keep the videos coming!
any update? was the issue resolved? thank you,
I recently bought a 1997 GMC 3500 Dually with a 6.5, I did some research before buying it and watched your video's and that made my decision easy. I am slowly upgrading the truck, doing the important things first. I would like to know where you got the vacuum for the waste gate? I tried to look at the video but can't find it. I want to replace the fan belt with a 93 and do away with vac pump, put a high flow air cleaner, 4" exhaust and the HX5 turbo...I have confidence in the engine after watching the video's. Also glad you Love the Lord as a Christian man I appreciate honesty and integrity. I'm also a retired trucker that love's coffee! And now teach at a truck driving school....love those diesel's. Sorry for long rant, very interested in the upgrades. Thanks
I just run a manual/spring tension waste gate.
I have a 93 6.5 and its been an extremely good hd 4x4 asides from the garbo fuel pump
Awesome video, rebuilding a 94 for my son and really appreciate your expertise.
I can only imagine how they open up their meetings at the factory:
"We're GM diesel engineers and we're here to help!"
Look Up Detroit Diesel Series Two-Stroke Blower motors! GMC!
1938 till about 2000! Still in use on the roads, oceans and rails!
Tanks a couple WW!
Mostly interchangeable parts one cylinder to 24
Duramax engines are bomb proof
After all the emission bullshit is deleted
But with LB7s... replace the injectors and gaskets and you're fine
LMAO... Yup they are there to help empty out wallet is what they're there for 🤣🤣🚫
Sounds like Biden nowadays
Thanks for taking the time to prepare and share this video with us. I was contemplating selling my Chevrolet 2506.5 L turbo diesel. I have no reconsider that and I am anxious to make changes. I had already replaced the mechanical fuel pump twice in the 87,000 Miles I put on the truck so far. The first time it was covered under warranty, but not the second. I’m still working the fuel flow issue I’m having right now to get it running again and I’m hoping that I have to replace is the fuel pump, bypass the safety switch for rollover and move the electronic module to a position That is cooler. Thanks again
i love the 6.5
its a great engine my 94 is the best truck i ever owned!
i drive it everyday 430000km on it and runs like new!
I've been thinking about swapping my 5.7 vortec for a 6.5 but I've just heard a lot of bad stuff about them but this video really helped thanks
Going to work on updating my current 6.5 and build out my old tired one with this knowledge. Thanks
I own an old '94 GMC Safari with the 4.3. It's no diesel of course, but it's a fine example of a good powerplant held back by GM. These mid 90's GMs however were easier to correct GM's planned adolescence than the newer stuff. I've always thought it would be neat to have a Diesel under the hood of that thing. Apparently a 350 fits without issue. But she's only got 132k on her so.. might not happen any time soon. I love your video, and your slogan. May god bless.
4.3L and 350 are the same engine, front two cylinders are knocked off to make a 4.3L. It's been 15 years since I had an Astro..... you would probably have to go to an electric fan to make it work. You're talking 3 - 4 inches in difference of block length.
One of the best videos I have seen in a long time
I just replaced my stock lift pump, may have to look into getting a stronger one! Already have a relocated PMD and manual wastegate.
Where did his blue hose go to if he dont have a vacuum pump
Long shot but what lift pump mode did you get
6 years later, still looking for this truck!
Definitely looking forward to upgrading my 86 6.2 from the belt drive of a newer version of it to the other modifications needed in this video since most of it is mechanical great job putting this together brotha you’re awesome
What a great video! Inspiring, educating and entertaining. Just bought a 98 silverado 2500 6.5. with 212,000 miles. Thanks!
Fantastic video. 6yrs old and still relevant. I just picked up an H1 hummer with a variation of this motor and will be going through it in the next couple months to upgrade where it makes sense. Already moved the PMD to a better location. Great tip on the Duramax fan and clutch and thermostats, I'll be doing those for sure because this thing runs at 215-220 degrees on the highway. Any particular thermostat you like to use on them?
I'm getting a 95 6.5 today and I'm bomb proofing it also thanks for the info
Well done young man. I run a 1983 6.2 for 31 years. All mechanical.
Where’d you pick yours up?
I had 30 horse injectors,
pmd mounted on the driver side fender,
Homebuilt boost controller
AFE cold air
4” exhaust
90 gph fass fuel
Had the L65 motor in it
Running 16-20 pounds of boost the truck was absolutely awesome 900 ish km per tank truck was unstoppable
How did you push more fuel ? Chip or PMD resistor ?
And what about engine codes ? Did you get a map fooler?
Just dealing with that now myself
I’m in Aus and the Holden (Chevy) Suburban was sold here in the late 90s/early 2000s. I’ve always wanted one- especially the 6.5 turbo diesel. Your video makes me more confident to buy and maintain one, thank you 👍
Sorry, I do not now how to email a youtuber privately, so gotta ask this publicly! Everyone around my area all say one thing, 6.5's are boat anchors! Which I too haven't seen one last without a ton of problems! I have a 1999 3500 dually that needed new heads and then a few years later, not related, taken antifreeze in the oil and blew at 140k. That engine has been at the machine shop for almost three years now! And I just got a deal on another 1996 2500 automatic trans extended cab in sweet shape, I like these model trucks and this is the only diesel I can get in them, but in saying that, the rod in that engine is about to fly out as well at 240k! (Hence the good deal)! And looks like it has been blowing oil from every orifice for years as the engine all over is black like wet tar! I have a friend who has a 1995 3500 Dump standard shift with 80k. Can not hear it run because he got it after someone tried their hand in rewiring the ignition and other areas unsuccessfully! No way to get glow plugs to work , had to hot wire the fuel pump and got it to turn over, sounded like it wanted to go with starter fluid, but for whatever reason wouldn't fire! but as it turned it, it didn't sound like the engine itself was shot! OK, To my question, since you seem to know your 6.5's,,, Is the 95 engine the same as the 96?? Though everything on the front of each engine is completely different ie; placement of alternator etc,, are the 2 engines the same?? Would I be able to take everything off the front of the engines and put all the 96 parts on the 95? All bolt holes the same? Are all the pertinent plugs for the computer and all sensors or whatever the same? Are the Automatic and standard tranny mount holes the same? Is there anything different with the injector pump? Would I have to exchange that also? Is there anything different where these are not interchangeable where I can put the 95 engine into the 96 truck? Anything important you might be able to tell me to be sure to change because it is different one to the other ?? Thank you!!!
Dude has the greatest radio voice I've heard
Great video and I'm just now working on my 95 6.5, so perfect timing for for these upgrades.
Thanks for the info
My dad just gave my son his 95. He's got plans for it👍
Thanks a lot for the guide, this came up greatly useful for me . Keep it up.
Now an 6.5 litre diesel Silverado owner :)
Greetings from Ukraine !
Sllence23 many items on this video only apply before the 96 model year.
This is the best video intro I've ever seen!
Great video. Concise and straight to the point. No typical You Tube BS. I'm told that these 6.5 long blocks are still being made in Mexico?
"I wish I had it, I got it around here somewhere. I take it out every once in a while to laugh at it." Lol, made me chuckle. That's what I do with my plastic thermostat housing from the Ford 4.0 engine.
Lol, that's what I do with the entire ecoboost
Daniel Johnson “just to be jackasses”
The good lord is the ULTIMATE SPONSOR 💪👊loved that man👍
Amen!
I LOVE the ‘word from your sponsor’ !!!
The only reason I am here.
🎉🙏👌🏽 best video ever! What a nice job!! I have a a 95/ Chevy 2500 4x4 6.5 turbo diesel and you save my life. Thank you so much brother.
I had 11 trucks in my landscape business at a time maybe 10:00 and I had two 7.3 Powerstroke turbo diesels and I had a 1999 Chevy 3500 HD 6.5 turbo diesel and believe it or not I had a 1991 one owner I bought used Cummins Diesel and I believe it was a 3116 or 3106 caterpillar in the F650. I am here to tell you my personal truck was the Powerstroke but my 6.5 turbo diesel was so Zippy and so fun to drive but I did pretty much every thing that you mentioned those three had to be done at some time or another
You got it man, Thank God there are smart people left in this world!
Wow! I wish I would have seen this years ago! I so miss my 6.5 diesel. Thank you so much for putting this out there 🤙🏽
Perfect video! This is what we need. They are great engines. I love them. My favorite diesel. But as usual they all have something!
It's 4:30 and those chimes were the cherry on top of your energy, thanks for the knowledge brother
Thanks for loving on my chimes Kristina.
I LOVED YOUR VIDEO. I WORKED on my 2000 c3500 HD all winter getting it ready for spring as a welding truck. I had it new kept it in a garage got in the pmd from Amazon and have no idea how to get to the connector. I want to do all the mods you did they are probably going to require me to remove the nose. Looked up the holbro lift pump it's gonna take time to select the right one.
got it did it done
Good Video, Before this i didn't know much about the 6.5 except the DS-DB4 IP Pumps... etc that's about it.. all i know is Early Red block 6.2 Diesels..
Love the channels handle the video and the sponsorship is what earned you a sub
That is literally the best sponsor ever!
Very good info! My truck is a 97 chevy but its the 5.7 vortec with only 102k miles and only gets about 14mpg. I knew diesels were more efficient but I had no idea it was that much better! Now you have me wondering about an engine swap but I cant justify that unless something bad happens to the 5.7. I may have to keep my eyes open for a possible future donor/towing rig. Thanks for the detailed video!
+Off Grid Kansas I have a 98 k1500 ECSB with a 5.7 vortec and a 94 k1500 ECSB with the 6.5 TD, my vortec is actually the daily driver and gets 14mpg or so.
Any particular reason you use the 5.7 as the daily driver if the 6.5 gets better mileage? Is the 6.5 geared lower?
+Off Grid Kansas The 6.5 has 306k miles on it and my 5.7 has 195k. Diesel has 3.73s and the gasser with 3.42s, I just like the vortec more since it's a cleaner truck where everything works. The diesel is more of my hauling truck.
Thanks so much for this video, I love my 1994 6.5 you have solved all of my problems. I'm really going to stick to your recommendation for sure.
Wow, excellent explanation, great instructor skills 👍🏻
I'm getting a 94 K2500 with a 6.5 for my 86 R/90. I'll be following this as closely as I can.
Oh man thank you for posting this I am so glad and I will be saving this for future use I just bought mine yesterday I already have plans on going down the aftermarket isle
Thanks for the reminder....john 16:33.Also thanks for your continued high quality videos.
What content! I hope some engineer watches this and sees the demand for built to last, self maintainable vehicles and creates a company that makes them. I could work on my old '76 student car. But my current 2010 Toyota, zero chance. Thanks for sharing.
Especially since many people buy these diesels for the longeveity of them only to be disappointed by expensive preventable break down. Not only GM but all the manufacturers have let down their customers when they have been expecting to get long lasting vehicles. It ridiculous that you have to do these mods to get a reliable engine when they shoul already come that way. However in defense of the manufacturers we do as a group in the United States put a lot of requirements and regulations upon our manufacturers that are almost impossible to meet.
Why would the auto guys and galz build a reliable product? No high IQ required to know that reliability and profitability don't go hand in hand. GM, Dodge, and Ford know that their greed would be unaffordable to the public if their products lasted 1,000,000 trouble free miles. It's unaffordable because we live in America, land of the fee and home of the slave. Don't worry though. The big banks and auto dealers will take good care of us. When our vehicle's break down for good by the time we're done overpaying for them from our favorite dealership, which they are now designed to do, we can go to the banks and ask for another loan. Bank of America appreciates your business with them.
enter the enterprising individual with a bit of wrenching skill and the aftermarket. ;-) i think the enthusiast that wrenches pisses both the manufacturers and banks off the most. that's why the lobby for the manufacturers tried to shut just about all of us down a year or so ago by trying to implement dmca rules in regards to engine management systems etc. didn't work though thankfully enough.
I'm sure the reason for the success of the aftermarket companies is because of the money they have, just like OEM car companies who knowingly make cars and parts less reliable than the aftermarket who intends to offer actual bang for the buck with quality. Money buys everything in this world, even policy and credibility. This is no secret. Lobbying (which should be illegal) is what often keeps fat cats, well, fat and in business. It's why big oil companies successfully defeat any bill proposals to increase fuel economy and decrease oil usage. I do not defend or condone lobbying in the slightest. But as long as it's "legal" then the good guys of business have just as much a place in lobbying as the thieves that bought their way in.
Engineers for for GM and most automotive brand are NOT ALLOWED to build a proper design. The sales and marketing and board Directors control engineering department..
Awesome tips for a 6.5 owner! Id like to try and get 500,000 out of my 1994 Suburban 2500 before needing a rebuild so I will definitely be doing most if not all of these upgrades to mine. Thanks So much for the great Vid!
if doing those things makes it as reliable as other Detroit diesels they you'll get 1 million out of it.
Thank you!! That was very informative. I have read the forums but seeing it on RUclips is better!
great video sir I appreciate your knowledge that you've passed on to us. I'm looking to get a 6.5 myself. I really want one that GM placed in a half-ton truck. thanks again.
My 6.5 smokes a lot of white smoke and shacks like crazy think it blew up what’s your thoughts
I'd check the washer fluid.
Thank you for the really great video. I appreciate the work it took to remove the radiator and grill so we can See what you are taking about.
Question: If I remove my vacuum pump, what do I do to actuate the waste gate on my Turbo? What is a manual waste gate and how is it controlled?
Application is '97 2-door Tahoe with the 6.5L.
I did this vid with this premise that a person would have the basics knowledge of how their vehicle works. This is not a good vid for someone just parroting. The vacuum creates tension on the wastegate....opening and closing while driving. A manual wastage creates tension using as spring. There are probably 100's if not 1000's of vids and diagrams on the internet showing manual wastegates. People even make them and sell them to people that can't make their own.
Thanks, Great Info for us newbie's to the 6.5 world.
Awesome video mate, having all sorts of issues at the moment and will be definitely be doing these mods since everything you mention has pointed to them... cheers buddy.
Good solid engine if used within it's limits and mod'ing these few simple and cheap items!
Thanks man! I've been hesitant on getting an old 6.5 but I'm gonna now
Heck, I'm a 7.3 IDI fan, but you make the 6.5 sound like a nice piece of kit. I like simple and mechanical but am actually a bit of a fan of OBD1, just enough dodad to get the benefits without all the over-complicated and over-regulated BS. A basically mechanical diesel with some OBD1 controls sounds rather nice.
The 6.2 / 6.5L are light duty diesels. They do not compare to International's IDI, which is a much heavier engine. (the 6.2 and 6.5 are also IDI). International's engines were designed for medium duty truck use, the GM engines were designed for pickup trucks.
My friend GAVE (yes, GAVE) me his '95 Chevy Suburban 2500 6.5L LT 4WD simply because it didn't run. I cannot wait to tear into the engine and do some bomb-proofing of my own. Mine is a helluva lot uglier than yours, but that's okay because it'll be a hunting/fishing/camping/mudding beast by the time I'm done. Thanks for the vid and the inspiration.
Thank you for this video man. I love these engines, we have 3 of them. 2 of them are trucks and one is my suburban. I knew a lot of the stuff you were talking about, but I picked up a lot of other things I never knew about. This will help me in the future. Thanks again! and that engine you have is amazing!
I agree with the vacuum pump! LOL. I have to have vacuum for the heat/ac controls so I have a contentious duty electric vacuum pump.
I love this video because I plan on keeping my 6.5 turbo diesel for a while. thank you for the advice!👍👍
You are welcome. I am stilling running a 6.5 and got over 700 miles to a tank of fuel and still had a quarter left before I stopped to re-fuel last weekend on a trip from Minnesota to Illinois. Pushing 22 mpg at 70 mph/1950 rpm.
It's sad that they do this stuff on purpose to make extra money, engineering failure. We want our stuff to last or be durable, because we have that nature.
Thanks for all the clearly laid out tips!
I just picked up a 2002 workhorse step van with a 6.5 diesel. will these changes you mentioned work for my truck. Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
most will, but vans are a little different. Some vans control the climate controls with the vacuum.
@@Yankeeprepper thank you
You have hit on the weak points of this motor's design. You even hit on the electrical aspect in the comment section as they are a bit sensitive with grounding and such. Well done! I have a 94 that I purchased new and still have the OEM vacuum pump and prefer that to control the wastegate on the turbo rather than have a manual one. My current exhaust is a Banks 3" with a "soot delete" as Diamond Eye didn't exist back in the day. Ideally, the pmd really should get clear of the engine bay as one of the reasons for premature failure is the heat soak it has to endure after shutdown. Even then, unfortunately, they are still known to fail. However, with an upgraded fuel pump the pump mounted driver could very well work flawlessly in it's original location as it relies on fuel flow to keep it cool while the engine is running. I, personally, run the Kennedy bypass for the OPS and love it. These motors have gotten a bad rap but if you approach these things with the idea that they are light duty diesels and not designed to move mountains, they will perform well and are fairly reliable. Not to mention the cost to maintain is by far cheaper than today's models. Thought I would mention that factory oil cooler lines are notorious for failing at the most inopportune time and should be upgraded to braided lines offered by one of your sponsors.
+JREACHER1954 Thanks, I do want to clarify that I do not have "sponsers", I put up the links to the guys I use without them even knowing I did this vid. I just want to share my experience with this rig and what has worked for me. The 6.5 and the Suburban body with 4x4 has been the BEST vehicle for me and my family over the last 18 years and I do not believe I could replace with ANYTHING currently being offered on the market new. I was really bummed about forgetting to mention the upgraded battery cables in the vid, I did that so long ago that I think I take it for granted now. I have not had any problems with the PMD in the current location, but I still do carry a spare!
I have the extended cab K2500 and would not trade for the world. Don't know much about trucks but I know alot about this one. Spare pmd, goes without saying. ;>)
@@JREACHER1954 me know if
Just leaving
Please leave this video up! Thanks =)