6.5 Diesel Engine Compatibility

[K30guy]

Hey folks,
Picked up a 1997 crew cab dually 4x4 with a blown up 6.5 diesel engine, and I'm on the hunt for an engine to replace it with. Locally to me, I've found a 1995 engine, a 1998, and a 2000. Can't find the same year I'm looking for. I'm sure the engine mounts and most major components are the same, but what's the compatibility for accessories, electronics and the like? I believe in 1995 they introduced OBD2, does that have an effect on how the pcm controls the engine? Appreciate any tips

K3500

• K30guy
• Feb 2, 2022

 

[tRustyK5]

You should be able to use any of the engines you found local as long blocks and swap anything missing or different from the blown up engine in your new truck.

The electronic version of the 6.5 has a few known issues with fuel pump modules overheating. There were relocation kits made, but even then they were a problem. Are you sure you don't want to just swap in an 8.1?

 

[Truckman4life]

I'll see if I can dig out my 6.5L books and see what they say.

 

[K30guy]

You should be able to use any of the engines you found local as long blocks and swap anything missing or different from the blown up engine in your new truck.

The electronic version of the 6.5 has a few known issues with fuel pump modules overheating. There were relocation kits made, but even then they were a problem. Are you sure you don't want to just swap in an 8.1?

An 8.1, with fuel prices these days?

This isn't going to be a long term truck, I'd like to just drop something in, drive it for the time I need it, and then pass it on

 

[imiceman44]

You should be able to use any of the engines you found local as long blocks and swap anything missing or different from the blown up engine in your new truck.

The electronic version of the 6.5 has a few known issues with fuel pump modules overheating. There were relocation kits made, but even then they were a problem. Are you sure you don't want to just swap in an 8.1?

Exactly.
Not the 8.1, but the rest

 

[Raggedy_Ann]

I have a 1994 k3500, no longer has the 6.5.... could bearly tow 8000lbs over the mountains in Colorado, I would do 20-25 mph up any slight incline. About the best it was good at was overheating. I got 15-16 mpg empty and towing I would get 10 ish mpg . I swapped in a 12v cummins, Couldnt be happier empty I get 22mpg and towing about 12-13 threw the mountains and I can pull all the passes going 50mph or faster. If you want to stick with the 6.5 due to cost, you can find any 1994 and newer 6.5 will be a direct bolt in. What ever you do just relocate the injector control moduel ( computer on side of injection pump) to a much cooler operating place.

 

[K30guy]

I already have a squarebody that's slated for a Cummins, I pretty much picked this up to take over for my '93 Dodge W350 dually while it gets some long overdo maintenance done. At the end I figured I'd fix this up, drive it for a few months, and then make a bit of a profit on it. I agree, though, I've had a few 6.5s the last few years but I always go back to the old 12 valve. No comparison, haha

 

[Big Ray]

I need a 12v for my 3/4 ton burb. That and my K5 will do me the rest of my daze....