Mechanics Needed / Available to Work on Older Diesels

[thesun]

I know most folks on this forum are working on their own rigs, but I thought I would send out a call for help here in case anyone is willing to work on mine or refer me to someone who would be. While I enjoy reading and learning HOW these wonderful machines work, for a variety of reasons, I am not well suited to be the one to do the actual tweaking, wrenching, and tuning of them.

I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area and have a 6.2L 1983 Chevy Van. What I need is someone who is affordable, and willing to help

1) get it running well (might need a new engine installed);
2) get it to run on wasted vegetable oil / motor oil / transmission oil;
or in worst case scenario
3)
tell me (based on my budget / time) to give it up and go home.

Thanks, and perhaps other diesel mechanics or people referring such specialists could put in the subject line of their post the following helpful info:

1) city / state,
2) years of DIESEL experience,
3) eddress and/or phone number


Then inside their post, they might provide more details, such as rigs they have successfully revived before; whether they are available on weekends / evenings etc. So far it seems like I need to find a "hobbyist" or "part-timer" as I don't think I can afford the regular truck mechanics in my area (they've quoted rates of $80-$100 / hr). If someone knows what they're doing, I'm able to pay $30-$40 / hour, and/or by a quote for each job.

Alternatively, if private messaging is possible on this forum (I'm new and not sure if it is), then any mechanics in Northern California are welcome to email their info / availability.

Thanks!

[trbankii]

Cutting to the chase on questions #2 and #3 - are you planning to make your own biodiesel?

The last line in your first paragraph:

I am not well suited to be the one to do the actual tweaking, wrenching, and tuning of them.

Typically, if you're looking at running alternative fuels, you sort of have to be one of the tinkerers to make it at all worthwhile. If you tend to be the "hands off" sort, then it tends to make more sense to be one of the "fill 'er up at the pump" sorts as well.

Not criticizing, mind you. Just that I've seen a number of others that have gotten sold on the "brew your own fuel" type dream without really knowing what goes into it.

[glassyguy]

Great idea! Im looking for someone in the Portland Oregon area who could take a look at my Blazer and tell me what I need to get it running again. I just cant bring myself to pay $100 an hour to a shop.