best yr for 6.5 TD?

[sbeinke]

Hi, I am looking at 2 1999 6.5 td One has 187,000 on it and the other has 85,000 on it. Are these trucks lemons or shold I just know the things to look out for and fix. I really dont want to get an ongoing problem vehicle. I may decide to run biodiesel if it is not a headache of a van, oh i forgot to say they are vans.
thanks

[Dvldog8793]

Howdy
In production vehicles the 1999 would be the most advanced/refined 6.5. Supposedly the blocks and injector pumps were much better than some of the early ones. If it was me I would go with the fewer miles if the price was within reason. I would think that the 6.5 in a van would be great. Most vans don't get worked like the trucks do. That seems to be a common cause of problems with the 6.5 block, working them real hard to the point of cracking. There are some van specific things that are different than the trucks, but for the most part the engines are the same.
Something to remember as you read through the horror stories on this page is that there are THOUSANDS of 6.5s out there that have had NO problems. One of the main reasons to come to this web sight is to find help solving a problem.
Hope this helps!
L8r
Conley

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

I really dont want to get an ongoing problem vehicle. I may decide to run biodiesel if it is not a headache of a van, oh i forgot to say they are vans.

Personally I wouldn't run bio-diesel unless you are ready to undergo some headaches. Injector's clog up faster, (literally) on "bio-diesel". If you do use it, see about additives for it. The truck shop that I work in just had another truck come in a few days ago that was being run on bio. Injectors are giving the guy trouble again, (He's already replaced a set on his almost new cab-over) and his having other related fuel problems.

[Robyn]

Best one I have owned was a 93. Had zero issues and ran like a scalded dog.

[Mark Rinker]

I believe most here will tell you that '99 and '00 models were greatly improved. The early years had block cracking casting issues, high rates of IP failures, cooling issues, etc.

You should be in good shape with the '99 models you are looking at. Search the forums here for more detailed information on the generalities I stated above...

[Turbo Al]

1993 standard trans model is the best of course!! NO electronic gizmos, and no puker to run them except the one between your ears LOL.
Al

[RT]

I concur with Al and Robyn, 1993 if you can find one. I love mine. Most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. RT

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

Turbo Al, your truck sounds like mine. Is is gray with black flares?:cool:

[DA BIG ONE]

How about a 1999/2000+ engine w/mech injection, and no computers whatsoever.

[Mark Rinker]

From the other point of view, I own two 1994s, and BOTH broke crankshafts. Go figure...

[More Power]

The cracking problem was not completely resolved till AM General updated the block in 11/2001. So, in my opinion, the 11/2001 or newer blocks with the Navistar insignia in the engine valley denotes the "best" block for the 6.5. :) Heads made after that date are better too...

Jim

[trbankii]

1993 standard trans model is the best of course!! NO electronic gizmos, and no puker to run them except the one between your ears LOL.
Al

Those were my thoughts as well!

[ogrice]

To date:
The AMG 6500 optimizer.

From the Factory:
1993 6.5 TD. DB2 Mech IP, NV4500 Manual Trans.


See Below.........