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Future of the Burb?

I have 350K on my 94 nearly all hard towing miles. Original engine and heads have never bee pulled. My 93 has 240K on original block but it looks to have GEP heads.
 
I like to think I know a thing or two about these motors. I've only rebuilt two engines and pulled apart another one. I have an Optimizer in my truck that I bought from Ted's Trucks 'N Stuffs that has thus far (10K miles and counting) been a great motor. I have almost more miles on this engine than I personally put on the 599 block that was originally in it. I've done some upgrades to my engine and plan to do more.

That said, I'm frequently in Cary for business. It looks like it's only about an 80 mile drive. If you're interested, the next time I'm in NC, I'd be happy to drive up to Reidsville on a Saturday before I fly home and look at the truck with you. While you might have some legitimate concerns about longevity and reliability, I think part of it might be just psyching yourself out about it.

The biggest question is what is the truck worth to you? Also, how much would a newer rig cost you in payments and maintenance over a year? Is it more than you've put into your truck over the course of a year? If no, then to me its a no brainer. I'm into my truck just under $10K since I bought it 4 years ago. That includes a practically brand new engine.

Log of the short, if you ever need some help wrenching or a 2nd opinion on something, I'm happy to help when I'm back there.
 
Thanks for feedback guys.
I wouldn't mind having someone who knows these things take a gander at it. There are not many of them around here so I have not even heard another one run lately to compare the rattle. Everyone I talk to around here: "Hate those POS GM diesels". Our local diesel shop overcharges to do work on the pumps and injectors to the point that I could buy a new IP cheaper than he would rebuild mine. I am just not in 6.5L country at all.
This group on TTS is what keeps it fun. I kinda enjoy the challenge and education but I can't loose sight of the necessity of reliablility.
Pillow: Thanks for the list.
Tanner: 350k Wow, that's cool!
OrionThade: If you want to check it out sometime that would be awesome.
Louis: I didn't catch that one.? :WTF: Went over my head I guess.
 
my burb would still be going and possibly wouldnt be my burb if the PO would have changed his cooler lines. it was going strong at over 300K till they blew.

It is all about care and use, not miles. I would take a high miled highway queen than someones local mud bogging "punching bag" anyday.

if your burb has been well taken care of and not abused, I am sure with proper care it will last for at least another 100K.

the best way to battle ignorant shops is to quit doing business with them. for the extra they charge, go buy the full J-41550 GM tool kit on e-bay, get something to do the timing, and dive in head first to being chief mechanic of your fleet.

The best thing is, even if she blows up, go get an optimizer from teds and be back on the road for less than 5 grand, which will still be less than the replacement cost of a comparable vehicle. and unless you replace it with another 2500 burb, I doubt it will be as long lasting or reliable.

Just dive in and dont worry too much, you mainly see just the carnage on the forum, not the sucess stories, so 6.5L issues seem much worse than what they really are.

good luck!
 
No one works on my engine except for me... No one around my area knows what to do with them either! I got so frustrated with dealer BS that I HAD TO WORK ON IT myself.

IMO if you can build a 350, you can maintain a 6.5. There are just more wires on a diesel.
 
I am yet to allow anyone touch the burb or my wifes 04 Altima. I figure it out myself or ask others until I understand. In a pinch, I have a friend who is really good that I can call upon with the Nissan. TTS is my goto on the burb.
The diesel shop I was talking about is just the only one around for IP and injector rebuilds. I do the install myself. I am not wasting my time with them again after the price they quoted on the IP. I ended up gettng one from xdp.
 
GM Guy said:
my burb would still be going and possibly wouldnt be my burb if the PO would have changed his cooler lines. it was going strong at over 300K till they blew.

It is all about care and use, not miles. I would take a high miled highway queen than someones local mud bogging "punching bag" anyday.

if your burb has been well taken care of and not abused, I am sure with proper care it will last for at least another 100K.

the best way to battle ignorant shops is to quit doing business with them. for the extra they charge, go buy the full J-41550 GM tool kit on e-bay, get something to do the timing, and dive in head first to being chief mechanic of your fleet.

The best thing is, even if she blows up, go get an optimizer from teds and be back on the road for less than 5 grand, which will still be less than the replacement cost of a comparable vehicle. and unless you replace it with another 2500 burb, I doubt it will be as long lasting or reliable.

Just dive in and dont worry too much, you mainly see just the carnage on the forum, not the sucess stories, so 6.5L issues seem much worse than what they really are.

good luck!
Click to expand...


Well said Brother!!!
 
dka99burb said:
Thanks for feedback guys.
I wouldn't mind having someone who knows these things take a gander at it. There are not many of them around here so I have not even heard another one run lately to compare the rattle. Everyone I talk to around here: "Hate those POS GM diesels". Our local diesel shop overcharges to do work on the pumps and injectors to the point that I could buy a new IP cheaper than he would rebuild mine. I am just not in 6.5L country at all.
This group on TTS is what keeps it fun. I kinda enjoy the challenge and education but I can't loose sight of the necessity of reliablility.
Pillow: Thanks for the list.
Tanner: 350k Wow, that's cool!
OrionThade: If you want to check it out sometime that would be awesome.
Louis: I didn't catch that one.? :WTF: Went over my head I guess.
Click to expand...

I'll hit you up next time I'm back there. Probably won't be until the last half of July. I've already spent 3 weeks longer in Cary this year than I had planned.
 
I have a 95 suburban with just under 500000KM on it that I picked up for pocket change because the PO thought he should leave it idling like the Rigs do.. He also thought synthetic oil was a scam but 10000km oil changes were fine with dino oil.
That engine had so much blow by that you could move the pistons in cylinders. But the Body was beautiful and mine was decomposing. So I swapped in my 6.5 with around the same mileage and would dive it to the tip of South america and not worry about the 6.5.
Take care of it and it will not let you down.. The fact that it does not have blow by is a AAA++ feature of the motor
 
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