6.5 feet under

[greenbliss]

Odometer said 400783mi when the head gasket seemed to blow. I'm thinking it could even be craked block. I could use any advice, are new motors available? Are rebuilds better? What are the must have options?

[greenbliss]

Are there motors with mechanical fuel pumps?

[chickenhunterbob]

I'm no expert but so far as I know the long block for either mech injection or the 94+ electronic version of 6.5 are interchangabe.

Your previous engine has sure done you well!

[greenbliss]

I didn't see it all. I don't know if that was the original motor.

[Dvldog 8793]

Howdy
If you can leave more info about your truck and intended use it might be helpful. Also you might want to do a search on engine ID as there have been a ton of discusions on that subject. When my block went south I went for a NEW AMG GEP long block as thats what GM would help pay for ;) You definently logged in some seriuose miles! There is also a thread here about converting to mechanical injection. The list of upgrades is endless( to include the ultimate upgrade, Cummins) pretty much depends on how deep you pockets are!
Hope this helps!
L8r
Conley

[greenbliss]

I used the truck for work, daily driver, might haul a ton or so every now and then. I guess my next step is removing the engine to see whats what. Do I need any specific motor stand?

[markrinker]

A quality heavy-duty stand that can support 600lbs.

[Dvldog 8793]

Howdy
Awhile ago someone did a thread on engine stands. I think the general rule was "QUALITY" not sticker rating. Some off-shore stands rated for 1000lbs would bend but others seemed OK. I think almost all the USA stands rated for at least 600 were good. I used a shop built stand that would probably support the whole truck. :D
L8r
Conley

[greenbliss]

I'm getting a little more optomistic-Maybee it's just a blown gasket. Should I take the motor out to replace? My pockets are close to rabit ears.

[markrinker]

Oh...and replace the bolts that come with most engine stands with some grade 8 stuff. Won't matter if one of the cheap ones breaks...

[Dvldog 8793]

Howdy
IMHO-
Pull the engine. For the extra day of labor, you get many benifits. Clean the engine bay, clean the radiator, check/clean EVERYTHING, AND it's just plain easier to work on. Also if you do pull the engine you may as well drop the pan and check your block.
L8r
Conley

[rlvelin]

I second dvldog's humble opinion. When my engine went I pulled one head while the engine was in the truck (just to see the damage sooner). It was such a pain that I set the head back on (really hard to do without smashing your fingers while the engine is in) and pulled the engine before removing the second head. Its definetly worth the extra time to save yourself hours of being draped over the fenders and grille or kneeling on all the nice, soft accessory brackets.

There are many things that can be checked, cleaned up, fixed, or upgraded while the engine is out such as oil cooler lines and fittings, electrical harnesses, radiator/AC condensor area, and just about everything else.

[redbird2]

I pull the engines most of time in my shop for headgaskets my back doesn't like changing heads in the truck. I do leave the engines in if we are doing step vans where you do them from the backside.