Bringing a Suburban back to Life

[BigUgly1978]

Hey Fellas;
First off, Great site!
Second... I have the option of buying a K10 Suburban (I think it's an '86) with the 6.2. It hasn't run in about 7 years. I'd like to get it running in stock form for awhile and then eventually upgrade to 1 ton running gear and a Cummins (torn between 3.9 for MPG or a 5.9 for decreased tire life ).
2 questions, 1: What steps would you guys recomend to get it running. If I get it I would go ahead and change oil and fuel filter (maybe drain tank if there isn't much in it). Anything else?
Also, 2: what kind of milage can I expect? It has 3.42 gears and the 700R4.
Thanks for any help;
Josiah

 

[rcamacho]

Might be worthwhile to check the heads and block for cracks before dumping any significant cash into it.

 

[kennyw]

At least find out why the seller parked it...

 

[BigUgly1978]

Well the owner is a neighbour of mine. I remember he parked it because he was having trouble with the charging system, ended up needing two new batteries I think. In the midst of starting troubles (low batt and probably junked glow plugs) he got an oil leak at the oil pan. He fixed the oil pan and it sat untill he could get new batteries. Then it sorta just sat, waiting for new batteries and I'm assuming, glowplugs.
I can get the truck for real cheap, maybe even free. It would be good to get it running cheaply, especially if it can get more than about 20 mpg cruising at 55 mph (have a 1 hour commute each way).
Josiah

 

[kennyw]

Knowing why it was parked definitly helps, I'd replace the glow plugs, fluids, filters, drain the fuel tank and flush it out then refill with fresh diesel and additives. As well as add two brand new batteries.

 

[mill5471]

Here is what I did when I was getting my parents burb going that had sat since 93.

Replaced the fuel filter and the lift pump. There is a good sticky on how to go about doing the lift pump. During that time you can check to make sure the fuel shut off solenoid is working.

Replaced the oil and filter.

I added additive and ATF to the diesel in the tank. There was about 15 gallons left. Many would opt to drain the tank, however once I got it running I ran it to almost empty, filled up with a half of tank added additve. Ran that empty then filled up all the way and replace the fuel filter. I can say that after replacing the filter I noticed alot easier starting and it quit surging.

Replaced the glow plugs. I replaced them all, although you can check them and replace only the necessary ones. While my glow plugs were out I cranked it over for about 2 minutes....15 seconds at a time to purge all the air. I don't know if this is necessary, but since they were out and the engine turns over much easier I did. I figured it would give the fresh oil a chance to lube up the cylinders as well.

2 new batteries and pulled the starter and check the connections. Good connections at the batteries and starter are priceless.

Check the air filter and gasket. You may find a mouse nest, if not you are lucky.

After doing all of this mine started up in 60°F weather after cranking for about 4 seconds with half throttle. Don't let up once it fires.

I don't know if all of that was necessary, but since I new the motor was good when it was put away and I was going to DD it I figured I would put the money into it. I eventually bought rebuilt injectors and installed those as well.

Good Luck
Fred

 

[BKinzey]

Knowing why it was parked definitly helps, I'd replace the glow plugs, fluids, filters, drain the fuel tank and flush it out then refill with fresh diesel and additives. As well as add two brand new batteries.

X2

 

[kennyw]

Here is what I did when I was getting my parents burb going that had sat since 93.<snip>

I added additive and ATF to the diesel in the tank. There was about 15 gallons left. Many would opt to drain the tank, however once I got it running I ran it to almost empty, filled up with a half of tank added additve. Ran that empty then filled up all the way and replace the fuel filter. I can say that after replacing the filter I noticed alot easier starting and it quit surging.

Old Diesel can grow fungus, that plugs up filters fast and can cause other issues. Best to drain it and start the motor on a fresh tank. Either way your going to be tossing out the old fuel. Better that it doesn't go thru the motor first.

 

[BigUgly1978]

Thanks for all the advice guys, getting closer.
Next step is to hear about a new job that'll give me a bit more disposable income so I can pick it up. At this point, I'll change the oil/filter, glowplugs, batteries, air filter, drain and clean the tank. After it's running, I'll drain the ATF and replace the filter in the tranny, drain and fill the t-case, drain and flush the power stearing, replace the axle lube and flush the brake system. And then, all I have to do to get it moving is clean the heck out of the inside and outside and get four new wheels and tires. Man, I sure can pick a cheap project !

Anything else I may have missed?

Josiah

 

[rich]

especially if it can get more than about 20 mpg cruising at 55 mph (have a 1 hour commute each way).

Is this potential Burb 4WD?

I have 1990 K10 Burb, 4WD, 6.2L, TH700R4, 3.42s, 235/75/15 tires. All stock other than 4-core radiator (stock was 2 core) and added aftermarket trans and oil cooler (oil cooler no longer part of radiator). Has crappy dual exhaust with rust holes in it.

I've been driving it since Jan 2005 and logging miles/fuel religiously. It gets 18-19 mpg driving easy, not towing, no inner city driving, mostly highway, but some rural town stoplights, etc.

It weighs 6000 lbs as I drive it every day (I scaled it at a truck stop for fun). It is the Scottsdale model with manual locks and windows, vinyl /plastic interior - only options are electric tailgate window and A/C.

Towing 7000 lbs at 65mph (only did it once) I got 12 mpg.

Towing 4000 lbs or less (enclosed U-haul or open flat-bed) and sticking to 55-60 mph I get 16 mpg.

Keeping your highway speed down helps mpg, but you need to be going fast enough to keep it in OD. I think mine would get a little better MPG with 3.73 gears because it could stay in OD at lower speeds - now it downshifts on hills.

I plan on adding a nice 3-inch single exhaust before inspection time in March. Also need to add a non-EGR intake - the stock EGR C-code intake sucks. Having more power should also let the truck stay in OD more, because you would not step on the throttle as much.