Advice on rebuild needed.....

[One_Ton_k5]

I will be sure to study up on the additives Max. Where did you get the new heads you used? I read that you weren't really happy with them. Are they all Chinese imports or can the AM General heads be bought without a motor?

I looked around online and all I could find was the Chinese heads.

I'm going to visit a local machine shop tomorrow and will probably get the block and heads into them to be tanked and checked for cracks. (as long as I'm happy with the shop)

Thanks for your help.

 

[One_Ton_k5]

Last time I was in MN with a 6.2L it was -25*F at night... and I had a single battery with 2 ga cables. With a new block heater installed and plugged in for an hour I had no problems starting the truck.

That's good to hear. I hope to have the same experience with mine.

 

[MaxPF]

I will be sure to study up on the additives Max. Where did you get the new heads you used? I read that you weren't really happy with them. Are they all Chinese imports or can the AM General heads be bought without a motor?

I looked around online and all I could find was the Chinese heads.

I'm going to visit a local machine shop tomorrow and will probably get the block and heads into them to be tanked and checked for cracks. (as long as I'm happy with the shop)

Thanks for your help.

Yeah, my heads are from overseas somewhere. You can get AMG heads from Peninsular. Just call them up and they can help you out. They have brand new complete heads - IIRC the last time I checked they were about $1200 a pair.

 

[One_Ton_k5]

Yeah, my heads are from overseas somewhere. You can get AMG heads from Peninsular. Just call them up and they can help you out. They have brand new complete heads - IIRC the last time I checked they were about $1200 a pair.

Do you think that is cheaper than reconditioning my factory heads?

I think I'll have them cleaned and checked for cracks with the block and make up my mind after I find out what kind of shape my cast iron is in.

I'm surprised there isn't more of an aftermarket for these motors.

I guess there like mopars.......

 

[BKinzey]

Re-conditioning your factory heads should be cheaper, by a lot, but they won't be as good as AMG heads.

 

[MaxPF]

Do you think that is cheaper than reconditioning my factory heads?

I think I'll have them cleaned and checked for cracks with the block and make up my mind after I find out what kind of shape my cast iron is in.

I'm surprised there isn't more of an aftermarket for these motors.

I guess there like mopars.......

If the original heads are crack free, then you can re-use them. If not I would get the AMG heads rather than trying to repair yours.

Actually, there is more aftermarket for these than for most diesels. Most parts are available from multiple manufacturers. The exceptions are the heads, block, crank, and rods. Reconditioned rods are readily available, but nobody makes aftermarket ones that I am aware of. Not that it matters - stock 6.2/6.5 rods are normally trouble-free. SCAT makes a 6.5 crank (one piece seal 3.820" stroke), but I haven't heard from anyone who has put a bunch of miles on one, so I don't know how good it may be.

There are also block and heads, of course. They are cast offshore (almost certainly in China), and may be machined either over there or over here. The quality and durability of the blocks are unknown. The heads seem to depend on which casting you get. There are good and bad designs. I got mine from Clearwater Cylinder Heads in Florida, and many people have used them successfully with good long term results. There is apparently another design sold by some vendors (I don't know who) that has issues. I can say that my castings are substantially more beefy (and heavier) than stock GM castings, and the valve seats and guides look pretty good. The precups weren't the greatest and the injector bores were a bit undersized, so obviously quality control isn't top notch. They are useable now, after I have fixed them, but that shouldn't be necessary on a new head. If I had to do it over I would spring for the AMG's...

 

[BARRAZA]

..... They are useable now, after I have fixed them, but that shouldn't be necessary on a new head. If I had to do it over I would spring for the AMG's...

Maxpf

I assume you've seen the new AMG 6.5 here

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=31362&page=2

The new engine is rated at 250hp and 550ftlb by AMG, and is reported to cost about $6k. Based on your experience in your build, would you go with the AMG if you had the chance now? I would guess you have a nice piece of change tied up in yours but not near 6k, would the better block and heads, forged crank and one piece girdle be worth the cost?

 

[MaxPF]

Maxpf

I assume you've seen the new AMG 6.5 here

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=31362&page=2

The new engine is rated at 250hp and 550ftlb by AMG, and is reported to cost about $6k. Based on your experience in your build, would you go with the AMG if you had the chance now? I would guess you have a nice piece of change tied up in yours but not near 6k, would the better block and heads, forged crank and one piece girdle be worth the cost?

I believe there is some misquoted prices in there. I saw this over on the Diesel Place. The $6K quote is for the current Optimizer 6500. It is an excellent engine, but still has the cast crank and is rated for 215HP. I believe the new SCCS, which is the 250HP steel crank girdled motor, will likely end up costing around 8-9k. Perhaps I will send an e-mail to AMG and try to find out the exact price of that engine.

Still, I only have about 3k or so in my engine if you don't count my labor (i.e. building an oil pan, custom head work, etc.). So, the reality is I can build 2 complete engines for the cost of one Optimizer 6500. If I had wads of cash then sure, I would have probably simply bought an Optimizer 6500. Still, there is something enjoyable about building it yourself

 

[smalltruckbigcid]

I live in Minnesota and it does get pretty cold here sometimes. Definitely much colder than 8 above. 20 below ambient isn't uncommon or unheard of in Jan-Feb.
Thanks guys.

Another one from here...I live in Elko so if you need help or whatever give me a yell
George

 

[kennyw]

I'll be out in MN this weekend... maybe we can have a get together and I can laugh at your rusty trucks

Seriously, I'm just happy I moved out of the rust belt.

 

[smalltruckbigcid]

What and where will you be....

 

[kennyw]

I'm flying into Minneapolis on Friday afternoon, I have a graduation party to attend on Sat, then I'll be avoiding my ex for a couple days until I leave on Tuesday to return home... I may swing down south and drop in on Kert just because I'm that close too.