used diesel what to look for

[buff_dog70]

I am thinkink about buying a used diesel gmc jimmy. I have a gas full size blazer that I am pretty familar with. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for when I go to check the jimmy. Its a 1982 I think. Not too familar with diesels. Any suggestions on what to look for, what too ask? Signs of extreme wear, etc. The guys says it runs and currently travels 120 miles a day commuting. He also said the speedometer cable had broken recently (warning will robinson). Whats the expected life of a 6.2 liter diesel, non turbo. Any insight would be helpful.

 

[tRustyK5]

Well, it should start up almost instantly when warm, and easily enough even when cold. If a cold start, a bit of smoke on start up is normal, but it should clear in 10-20 seconds.

Life expectancy if maintained properly is in the 250-300K mile range. I have 227K miles on one of my 6.2's and it still runs well, pulls good etc. It does smoke a bit when cold...roughly 30-40 seconds. It may need a rebuild in the next couple of years depending on how much i drive it.

Rene

 

[CumminsChick]

Whats the expected life of a 6.2 liter diesel, non turbo. Any insight would be helpful.

mine has over 400k stock and about 100k with the lift and larger axles...done right they are durable, i mean i'm over half million now and she still is my DD

look for fuel leaks...check out the injectors, make sure the glow plugs work! (they are a pain to fix) make sure there isn't antifreeze in the oil (drain some) ask him about the IP pump, they r not cheap to replace or fix. these trucks have a lotta problems with the frame cracking aroudn the steering box, so check that. i would suggest making sure there is a trans cooler somewhere.
just my $0.02

what transmission does it have?

 

[buff_dog70]

How do you check?

Whats a good way to check the glow plugs? Just pull each one? What should it look like? I'm familar with what should or should not be on a spark plug, is it similar.

Which one is the IP pump? Injector Pump? How do you check it?

 

[imiceman44]

Whats a good way to check the glow plugs? Just pull each one? What should it look like? I'm familar with what should or should not be on a spark plug, is it similar.

Which one is the IP pump? Injector Pump? How do you check it?

Glow plugs, the way you check quickly is if after it cycles (and you should hear it click) it starts right up, that means they work at least most of them.
The IP, you will see the signs, if it's hard to start and the glow plugs are working properly (you have to test individually with a ohmmeter or a light tester) then it's probably starting to wear.
If he drives it everyday, try to catch him in the morning before he starts it, see what he goes thru to start it, and don't tell him you will show up that day so he doesn't start it earlier.

If you are buying a runner you already are ahead, so far the 2 I bought weren't running, and one ended up at the crusher, I am still holding on to the second one, still doesn't start

 

[tRustyK5]

You can test the GP's with a test light. Attach the ground clip to the positive and use the probe end on the spade of the GP. If the test light lights up the GP is working.

Rene

 

[BKinzey]

Don't look at the oil. It will be black that's normal. You can sniff it and I suppose you can look for the glitter of worn parts but black is normal.

Injector pump rebuild or replacement is common after 125 - 150k. Same with glow plugs.

It should have 2 batteries. If you have a problem starting you can crank one battery dead quick.

If you decide to crawl under it look for a "L" shaped support bracket on the starter. If it doesn't have one the torque can crack the bell housing, break or bend bolts, lots of nasty pain in the arse potential

 

[ccatlett1984]

also while the truck is running, pull the oil fill cap and look for smoke. a little haze is ok, lots of smoke indicates blow-by