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Howdy from a new diesel owner needing redemption

someotherguy

someotherguy

New Member
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Location
Texas
I'm the guy that always avoided 6.5 TD's and never had much good to say about 'em, but now, somehow, I own one. :) I'm willing to change my ways!

The truck started as a '94 C3500 reg cab dually, 6.5 TD, NV4500, but has been rebodied as a '58 Apache. The '94 was used extensively as a donor so all the harnesses are intact, steering column and even the original '94 cluster have been used. I didn't build the truck, bought it this way, but have lots of work to do in order to bring it around and have it be a useful driver/toy.

As it is it runs right now but definitely has some issues with the engine that I need to sort out ASAP. It's left me walking once already and tried to again just today!

Richard
 
pics please The most common issue on the 94-95 is the OPS (oil pressure sending unit) and the LP (lift pump) the LP is controlled by the OPS after the engine has started but will run during cranking. check for fuel flow while engine is running at the drain T off of the FFM (fuel filter manager). The OPS fail frequently as well as the lift pump, there is a relay mod for the LP as well as an aftermarket LP from PMDCABLE.COM
 
Thanks guys, pics, absolutely! :)

Again, I didn't build it, I bought it - which is not usually how I operate - but with crazy limited spare time these days, this one came up and I just couldn't resist.

58_09s.jpg


58_04s.jpg


58_05s.jpg


I've since swapped out the stocker wheel with a smaller Grant leather/aluminum piece for a little more clearance, and removed the teflon tape from the IAT. :)

I don't know jack about these diesels yet but I know tons about almost everything else on the 88-98 GM fullsize trucks and will help whenever possible in that area.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into that, and also have been lurking around the tech articles section and noticed the form for including all the info etc. for posting a help request. That'll be next.

Richard
 
A big welcome!
I am glad to see you made it! with enough patience, these are pretty fun motors!

guys, this is the fine gentleman from fullsizechevy.com he is a real go getter that can and has done most anything GMT400. I have been trying to convert him to 6.5L over on the 3500HD forum. :)
 
The clear line off the IP is to check for air. The hot air intake air filter could use work. Not sure I would trust the electric fan, but, no AC. CFM requirements on a diesel exceed what the best electric fans can do. Your get scared temp is 210 on the factory gauge.

There is a large lift pump section on this site. Walbro's are just about bulletproof and should be a first mod. So should an OPS relay mod.

If it was mine I would get Bobbie Martin's DB2 conversion guide and go mechanical IP. Keep it in mind if PMD's and other electronic things give you issues. It may be cheaper to buy a new 6.5 mechanical IP at around $1,000 than to throw a PMD at it plus other electronic parts. Used IP's with injector lines are even cheaper.

First and foremost the injection system needs good air free fuel free of restrictions with a good lift pump.

Last: Welcome to 6.5TD "The DarkSide".

If you want the truck to be crazy in the top end check out all the turbo info this site has to offer. We think outside the box here.
 
GM Guy - I thought I was the fine gentleman from Chevytalk.com - I don't know if they care for me too much anymore over on Fullsize. ;) (I quit participating there a while back.) Thanks for the welcome!

Warwagon - thanks for the tips. From the start it was in my head that converting to mechanical was likely the way to go. Seller came right out and told me he's pretty sure the injection pump is bad but I don't think he has much 6.5 experience, he did replace a few external parts, but not sure what all troubleshooting he did. I think in the long run it may be smart if I just go ahead and convert.

I was a little concerned about the electric fan only setup as well, never been too crazy about those, but there's not really room for a clutch mechanical fan in there. The radiator is a pretty good sized, thick aluminum racing type unit that seems to work well; I haven't seen the temps get high but then again I haven't driven it much. The fact is this truck will likely never work for a living, just for fun, so it's not like I plan on hauling a gooseneck around with it or anything that would truly tax the cooling system. I'll absolutely keep my eye on it though and I'll be confirming the dash gauge temps with my IR gun to see how accurate it is.

Richard
 
well, I havent been at FSC in a long time, but when I was there, you were a god like GMT400 influence. they must have gotten jealous. is chevytalk as good as old FSC?

I think that the theme of that body style dictates your switch to mechanical. simple, tough, and reliable.
 
I've been a member at Chevytalk since '03, it's a great site. All models are represented and categorized fairly well to keep discussion on-topic. That of course makes some of the sections for the less-popular models a little sleepy, but overall it's a pretty busy site. Not nearly as many people with heavily modified trucks as on FSC but a good member base and very little clowning around.

I'm working a deal right now to get parts for the mechanical conversion. I want to get this truck running right AND as reliable as possible, ASAP, because I've got a lot of other plans that need to get kicked into gear - like airbag suspension and a little bit of bodywork to prevent it from deteriorating. As you would expect from a '58 it's got plenty of rust, but some of the really key areas like the windshield frame and lower A-pillars are very solid.

Some little things: happened across some emblems on eBay that I couldn't live without. Was hoping to score some Apache 38 fender emblems but they're tough to come by; did find some 1958 Viking 60 emblems though! Those should be cool. And to top it off, a correct 1958 V8 hood emblem, since well, after all, it IS a V8 now. :)

Richard
 
I'd also like to add my welcome to this site.

You've got a very interesting project there. I personally don't care much for the slammed style, but I think you've got the potential for a very unique truck. My first pickup was a 1958 GMC fleet model and to this day I'm very partial to that body style. For those that may not know, the fleet version was a not as nice or fancy vehicle that the power companies and others with large fleets would buy. It had the dual headlight fenders, but singles instead of duals, and a different non-chrome grill, and more spartan interior.

I'm going to be very interested in seeing progressive pics of this truck as you work it over.

Also, I'd be interested in pics of this truck from various angles.

Don
 
I like it. A/C is high on my must have list (noticed your delete)
I've got a 70 Chevy 4x4 thats waiting on a 6.5 swap.

Check out my web site when you get some time.
 
Don - here's another couple angles, seller's pics -

58_02s.jpg


58_03s.jpg


You can see how he widened the old half ton stepside bed to fit the dually axle - fleetside tailgate and header panel were subbed for the original stepside pieces. I really like how it worked out. The fenders had to be moved back several inches to correct for the wheelbase difference but overall I think the look "works." There are no steps installed, as they would probably look out of place now that the bed box is wider. I may try to come up with something to fit that area that flows with the body. The seller had an idea he shared that I might run with and see what I can do with it. Also, the driver's side fender has the big indentation for the spare tire, eventually I'd like to get a regular fender to replace it.

The tailgate does still work, too; though obviously the bed isn't very useful. :) That's on the list of plans. Convert to mechanical injection, convert to airbag suspension, build bed floor/wheel tubs.

Here's a shot of it at my place, showing the driver's side fender.

58_11s.jpg


Leroy - good to see you're in Houston and a source for some items on these 6.5's, I'll have to look you up. A/C is important to me too but a looooong way down the list; obviously I'll have to see how the cooling situation stands once it's running regularly, and decide if it can get A/C without major headaches. I figure any of the retrofit A/C systems should be a pretty good setup as long as they can hook me up with hoses (or I could have them made, I suppose) to fit the R4 style compressor, keeping me from having to modify the accessory brackets on the engine.

Richard
 
Cool. I can see a spare Budd wheel hangin' out on that fender too... ;)

I was wondering how the step side box was widened, now me knows!

Here's my '65 C10 hauling a diesel. I like my old junk! Love those old step boxes. This one was a long bed step, now it's a short bed.

DSC01528.jpg
 
Are you in Houston? Just noticed your from Tx. There is a local a/c shop that will have everything you need.
 
Richard, make sure you start a build thread in Project Central for this. Got a feeling it will generate quite a bit of interest. Next time I get down there to visit family I'll have to look you and Leroy up and see if I can hunt down some other members in the area.
 
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