Life Span of Chevy 6.2 diesel's - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Ken Carter / BRUISER · 10-03-2002, 06:06 AM

Well I have been looking to buy a tow rig, but can not afford a brand new one, so I started to look at some old ones, and I have found a few Chevy's with the 6.2 diesel in them.

But during my search I can not find anyone to give me a realistic idea on what the life span of a 6.2 is?

I mean in mileage.

I know the better they are taken care of the better they willbe but if it has 200,000 miles on it, is it more than likely to die soon or will it keep going strong for another 100,000?

KEn C

CSP · 10-03-2002, 07:09 AM

They all should have had a short life by putting a few bullets in the block before leaving the dealer. If you want a real tow rig stay away from the 6.2. Sure it will pull if the road's flat, but how long do you want to take to get where you're going? God forbid you come to a hill. My dad had two of them before anyone knew what a Cummins was and neither could pull a greased string out of a cat's ass (no I didn't make that up, heard it from an old timer).

AlumCJ · 10-03-2002, 10:35 AM

our sub had over 300k before we sold it. sure, only 160 hp...but like 25 mpg. I loved that truck. I put some 35's on it and it was pretty cool old truck. Starters and glowplugs are common items with them...the glowplug controller failed once too. Besides leaks, it ran strong (no Dmax...but good, reliable motor). I give them 2 thumbs up. Better than the non-turbo 6.5 for sure.

lt1yj · 10-03-2002, 01:00 PM

Mine made 300K before the aluminum drive gear on the vacuum pump got chewed to a pulp. I replaced it with a motor that had 160K and drove it for another 80K then sold it.

They aren't the most powerful motor, but they get excellent mileage. Mine was at 23 MPG in an '84 3/4 ton Sub with 4:10's.

That Mick · 10-03-2002, 03:40 PM

The 6.2 is a lot like the 6.9 fords or the old mistubishi diesels in the Dodges.
Great milage and reliabilty, AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TOW.

Ken Carter / BRUISER · 10-04-2002, 06:06 AM

Thanks for all the reply's so far.

This is the only thing that worries me now

Quote:

That Mick,
The 6.2 is a lot like the 6.9 fords or the old mistubishi diesels in the Dodges.
Great milage and reliabilty, AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TOW.

fj40charles · 10-06-2002, 07:28 AM

Might plan on replacing a few injection pumps too. These are not known for having reliable injection pumps.

That Mick · 10-06-2002, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BRUISER
Thanks for all the reply's so far.

This is the only thing that worries me now

I should ask, what are you towing??
If you are flat-towing a Sammy, I think you would be ok. anything more is asking alot of that motor.
They just don't have the torque curve for heavy duty towing.

Ken Carter / BRUISER · 10-06-2002, 04:59 PM

Quote:

That Mick,
I should ask, what are you towing??
If you are flat-towing a Sammy, I think you would be ok. anything more is asking alot of that motor.
They just don't have the torque curve for heavy duty towing.

Well actually I am going to be towing an XJ.

But after some consideration, I have taken yours and others advice and I will be looking for a newer, better pulling tow rig.
Plus the Suburban that I checked out was not all that, and I really do not want to be doing more work to my tow rig then my trail rig.

Thanks Everyone.

Ken C

Dieselmh · 10-07-2002, 02:49 PM

I only have experience with one, and it's not good. We are replacing an engine for a friend of ours. It has 102,000 miles on it, and was used to pull a 16 foot flatbed loaded with lumber for about 50,000 of those miles. It broke a rod the other day, punched a whole in the oil pan, cracked the block, bent a motor mount, and the piston slapped the head. Needless to say, the crank is trashed and the entire thing is pretty much trash. Like I said, it's the only experience I have with any Chevy diesels, but it's enough to make me think twice.

DaleL · 10-07-2002, 04:16 PM

It is a 350 block with diesel heads does that say enough?

That Mick · 10-07-2002, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by racinhound
It is a 350 block with diesel heads does that say enough?

Wrong answer.

Purpose built diesel block and motor.

Built for economy, not power.

Lord Baskerville · 10-07-2002, 06:29 PM

For all practical purposes
It is a 350 block with diesel heads does that say enough?

Er.... Wrong!

That would be the infamous 5.7 that made many Americans think that deisels suck just cuz that one did.

Cory

fj40charles · 10-07-2002, 07:09 PM

GM has never made a great diesel in their trucks. They had to resort to Isuzu to come up with halfway decent motor. Only time will tell if the duramax will hold up like a Cummins or PSD. I'll reserve my judgement until they get like 750K miles without a rebuild. For power, 6.2 pretty much suck.

SLICK RICK · 10-09-2002, 08:18 PM

FJ 40 Charles where in Big D are you at? I am in Wide awake Wylie. I used to have a bad ass FJ but sold it for my racecar.

I have 2 trucks with 6.2's in them and 1 prior. I must agree the 6.2 is a pheonomanaly(spl?) good Fuel Mileage Motor with NO power. In an unloaded situation where power is not a necessity you cannot beat a 6.2 for fuel mileage and durability with proper maintainance. If guys need more power an easy fix is Propane injection, it costs around $500 and will seriously wake the motor up and believe it or not get "better" fuel economy, possibly up to 25MPG.. (check out Bully Dog Industries on the web)Guys don't totally dog this motor out, sure its no PSD or Cummings but for an early diesel you cant beat it. Stay far far away from the 6.9 ford and even further from the 5.7 chevy diesel. And by the way I also own a modified PSD so I know what diesel "POWER" is...

But definitely watch the injection pumps and glow plugs and glow plug controllers otherwise very reliable. Have a GOOD inj pump rebuilder build your pump once and your done.. Plus a little more power.. Look for Diesel Injection Service in Dallas, TX.

dieselguy82 · 04-28-2012, 11:01 AM

I had a 91 gmc 2500 2wd with a 6.2L in it with a 4L80E and 3:73 diff. It pulled pretty impressive until it came to the highway. It couldnt get over 55mph with the motor screaming. That was pulling a 38' Gulf Stream 5th wheel camper double slide, tandem axle. I did pull a lot of cars and some small farm tractors with it. Dont even bother using cruise control while towing and no overdrive. slightest incline and i lost 5 to 15 mph. when not towing I was getting 18 to 20 mpg. Oddly enough though it out ran every 6.5 non turbo. but got spanked by my friends 91 f250 7.3L IDI. if we both had a trailer on the trucks he would pass me like I was standing still and just walked away. Food for thought. How ever if you buy a 6.2L keep all fluids clean at all times and change oil every 3,000 mi. Sold her with 223,000 mi and still got 3500.00 for it.

dieselguy82 · 04-28-2012, 11:04 AM

The 6.2L had short skirting on the block so right off the bat they were prone to cracking if ever overused or over heated. Wasnt a real diesel like the 7.3L or the cummins

gavan · 04-28-2012, 11:07 AM

Searching is cool and all, but bumping a 10 year old post for BS?

Hell, even the OP decided they sucked and got a bus

ToughBowtieTruck · 04-28-2012, 11:08 AM

I'm sure the OP hasn't still been questioning a diesel tow rig for the last 10 years.

#rawkon · 04-28-2012, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselguy82

The 6.2L had short skirting on the block so right off the bat they were prone to cracking if ever overused or over heated. Wasnt a real diesel like the 7.3L or the cummins

Way to speak up any remove any doubt about you possibly being a moron.

shortystowing · 04-28-2012, 05:07 PM

I bought my last 6.2 burban with 480K on the original motor. There is a 1 ton extended wheelbase van with 382K for sale... no history on it, but I know if it wasn't for the rust issue I would buy it on the cheap to turn into an RV.

Leaving this for the next Ten year anniversary bumping...

LOGANSTANFORTH · 04-28-2012, 07:10 PM

Payed $500.00 for my 86 C20 Suburban, pulled my broke down CUMMINS from Mt. Airy NC to Lakeland FL at 70 MPH, drove it 8 months without a single problem then sold it back to the same guy for $500.00 and he wants to sell it back to me now...

gavan · 04-28-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOGANSTANFORTH

broke down CUMMINS

Untrue.

Unpossible.

RedPurdueYJ · 04-28-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOGANSTANFORTH

Payed $500.00 for my 86 C20 Suburban, pulled my broke down CUMMINS from Mt. Airy NC to Lakeland FL at 70 MPH, drove it 8 months without a single problem then sold it back to the same guy for $500.00 and he wants to sell it back to me now...

That Cummins wasn't broken down, it was just getting infinite fuel mileage, uphill, with 30,0000 lbs in tow.

Ho Shorts · 04-28-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedPurdueYJ

That Cummins wasn't broken down, it was just getting infinite fuel mileage, uphill, with 30,0000 lbs in tow.

So this is how all those guys get 30mph towing with thier Cummins

10-03-2002, 06:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ken Carter / BRUISER Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3321 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 3,322 Blog Entries: 1	Life Span of Chevy 6.2 diesel's Well I have been looking to buy a tow rig, but can not afford a brand new one, so I started to look at some old ones, and I have found a few Chevy's with the 6.2 diesel in them. But during my search I can not find anyone to give me a realistic idea on what the life span of a 6.2 is? I mean in mileage. I know the better they are taken care of the better they willbe but if it has 200,000 miles on it, is it more than likely to die soon or will it keep going strong for another 100,000? KEn C

10-03-2002, 10:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
AlumCJ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Member # 13688 Location: Fenton, MI Posts: 926	our sub had over 300k before we sold it. sure, only 160 hp...but like 25 mpg. I loved that truck. I put some 35's on it and it was pretty cool old truck. Starters and glowplugs are common items with them...the glowplug controller failed once too. Besides leaks, it ran strong (no Dmax...but good, reliable motor). I give them 2 thumbs up. Better than the non-turbo 6.5 for sure. __________________ PAC Racing Springs-Warn-BeCool-Lucas Oil-FK Rod Ends [url]http://savethehammers.org/sth/[/url]

10-03-2002, 03:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
That Mick Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7430 Location: Wright WY Posts: 1,052	The 6.2 is a lot like the 6.9 fords or the old mistubishi diesels in the Dodges. Great milage and reliabilty, AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TOW. __________________ "Man, your playlist has Merl Haggard and Megadeth- You're like the Hillbilly From Hell!!"

10-06-2002, 07:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
fj40charles Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Oct 2000 Member # 1926 Location: Dallas, TX USA Posts: 3,254	Might plan on replacing a few injection pumps too. These are not known for having reliable injection pumps. __________________ '69 FJ40 with very few stock parts. 2000 Cummins with some goodies to make it smoke..... Trail Gear's Bad Ethics=Bad Business.

10-07-2002, 04:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
DaleL Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5788 Location: Mustang,OK Posts: 561	For all practical purposes It is a 350 block with diesel heads does that say enough?

10-03-2002, 07:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
CSP Registered User Join Date: Aug 2000 Member # 1533 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 2,779	They all should have had a short life by putting a few bullets in the block before leaving the dealer. If you want a real tow rig stay away from the 6.2. Sure it will pull if the road's flat, but how long do you want to take to get where you're going? God forbid you come to a hill. My dad had two of them before anyone knew what a Cummins was and neither could pull a greased string out of a cat's ass (no I didn't make that up, heard it from an old timer).

10-03-2002, 01:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
lt1yj Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9467 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,620	Mine made 300K before the aluminum drive gear on the vacuum pump got chewed to a pulp. I replaced it with a motor that had 160K and drove it for another 80K then sold it. They aren't the most powerful motor, but they get excellent mileage. Mine was at 23 MPG in an '84 3/4 ton Sub with 4:10's.

10-07-2002, 02:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dieselmh fatdan460lovespenis Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6417 Posts: 3,921	I only have experience with one, and it's not good. We are replacing an engine for a friend of ours. It has 102,000 miles on it, and was used to pull a 16 foot flatbed loaded with lumber for about 50,000 of those miles. It broke a rod the other day, punched a whole in the oil pan, cracked the block, bent a motor mount, and the piston slapped the head. Needless to say, the crank is trashed and the entire thing is pretty much trash. Like I said, it's the only experience I have with any Chevy diesels, but it's enough to make me think twice.

10-07-2002, 06:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
Lord Baskerville Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Member # 582 Location: Rosendale, WI, USA Posts: 679	For all practical purposes It is a 350 block with diesel heads does that say enough? Er.... Wrong! That would be the infamous 5.7 that made many Americans think that deisels suck just cuz that one did. Cory __________________ FJ-40 HP 2F SM420, 4:88, Locked F&R, 98" WB, Sawsalled, Welded, dented, 36" SX's, 3spd gears in a 4 spd case, Newfields, Lots of other mods all done by Me... Towed to the trail with a 97 Crew cab 4X4 PSD (slightly improved)

10-07-2002, 07:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
fj40charles Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Oct 2000 Member # 1926 Location: Dallas, TX USA Posts: 3,254	GM has never made a great diesel in their trucks. They had to resort to Isuzu to come up with halfway decent motor. Only time will tell if the duramax will hold up like a Cummins or PSD. I'll reserve my judgement until they get like 750K miles without a rebuild. For power, 6.2 pretty much suck. __________________ '69 FJ40 with very few stock parts. 2000 Cummins with some goodies to make it smoke..... Trail Gear's Bad Ethics=Bad Business.

10-09-2002, 08:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
SLICK RICK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8919 Location: Dallas.Tx Posts: 790	FJ 40 Charles where in Big D are you at? I am in Wide awake Wylie. I used to have a bad ass FJ but sold it for my racecar. I have 2 trucks with 6.2's in them and 1 prior. I must agree the 6.2 is a pheonomanaly(spl?) good Fuel Mileage Motor with NO power. In an unloaded situation where power is not a necessity you cannot beat a 6.2 for fuel mileage and durability with proper maintainance. If guys need more power an easy fix is Propane injection, it costs around $500 and will seriously wake the motor up and believe it or not get "better" fuel economy, possibly up to 25MPG.. (check out Bully Dog Industries on the web)Guys don't totally dog this motor out, sure its no PSD or Cummings but for an early diesel you cant beat it. Stay far far away from the 6.9 ford and even further from the 5.7 chevy diesel. And by the way I also own a modified PSD so I know what diesel "POWER" is... But definitely watch the injection pumps and glow plugs and glow plug controllers otherwise very reliable. Have a GOOD inj pump rebuilder build your pump once and your done.. Plus a little more power.. Look for Diesel Injection Service in Dallas, TX. __________________ They call me SLICK RICK with a big ............... TRUCK !!!!!!! 1997 Ford F-450 PSD 4 door, No more rockwells. dana 60/80...15.5/80/20 Mich XL's 92 Chevy S10 4dr Blazer with Rockwells and 48's If it ain't big enough, play with it more!!!

04-28-2012, 11:01 AM	#16 (permalink)
dieselguy82 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Member # 217623 Posts: 2	6.2L forum I had a 91 gmc 2500 2wd with a 6.2L in it with a 4L80E and 3:73 diff. It pulled pretty impressive until it came to the highway. It couldnt get over 55mph with the motor screaming. That was pulling a 38' Gulf Stream 5th wheel camper double slide, tandem axle. I did pull a lot of cars and some small farm tractors with it. Dont even bother using cruise control while towing and no overdrive. slightest incline and i lost 5 to 15 mph. when not towing I was getting 18 to 20 mpg. Oddly enough though it out ran every 6.5 non turbo. but got spanked by my friends 91 f250 7.3L IDI. if we both had a trailer on the trucks he would pass me like I was standing still and just walked away. Food for thought. How ever if you buy a 6.2L keep all fluids clean at all times and change oil every 3,000 mi. Sold her with 223,000 mi and still got 3500.00 for it.

04-28-2012, 11:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
dieselguy82 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Member # 217623 Posts: 2	The 6.2L had short skirting on the block so right off the bat they were prone to cracking if ever overused or over heated. Wasnt a real diesel like the 7.3L or the cummins

04-28-2012, 11:07 AM	#18 (permalink)
gavan WHEEEEEEEEEE! Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 22597 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,250	Searching is cool and all, but bumping a 10 year old post for BS? Hell, even the OP decided they sucked and got a bus __________________ .

04-28-2012, 11:08 AM	#19 (permalink)
ToughBowtieTruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Member # 143307 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 314	I'm sure the OP hasn't still been questioning a diesel tow rig for the last 10 years.

04-28-2012, 05:07 PM	#21 (permalink)
shortystowing Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Member # 48343 Location: Deer Park, Texas Posts: 244	I bought my last 6.2 burban with 480K on the original motor. There is a 1 ton extended wheelbase van with 382K for sale... no history on it, but I know if it wasn't for the rust issue I would buy it on the cheap to turn into an RV. Leaving this for the next Ten year anniversary bumping... __________________ 99 Dodge 2500 4x4 Tow rig 95 Geo sidekick (currently under the knife) Last edited by shortystowing; 04-28-2012 at 05:09 PM.

04-28-2012, 07:10 PM	#22 (permalink)
LOGANSTANFORTH Rock God Join Date: Aug 2009 Member # 140580 Location: LAKELAND FL/WISHING I WAS IN IRAQ... Posts: 1,877	Payed $500.00 for my 86 C20 Suburban, pulled my broke down CUMMINS from Mt. Airy NC to Lakeland FL at 70 MPH, drove it 8 months without a single problem then sold it back to the same guy for $500.00 and he wants to sell it back to me now... __________________ 1996 DODGE 2500, 4X4, CUMMINS, 370'S, 5GSK, MACK PLUG, STUDS, SFI FLEX PLATE, DERALE DEEP PAN, EMS HUB KIT WITH 35 SPLINE INNER AND OUTTER MOSER AXLES, WARN GOLD LOCK-OUTS, 3 IN. LEVELING KIT, DUAL EDELBROCK REMOTE RESERVOIR SHOCKS, ROUGH COUNTRY STEERING STABILIZER, STEERING BOX BRACE.

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