Busted Webs

[SteveMc]

Coming down the road last Monday I heard what sounded like an exhaust leak, but lower in pitch.
Thinking it was probably the old crossover pipe for the Banks turbo I began planning what was needed to fix it while scanning the gauges for any sign of problems. All was fine, except for the low roar, which seemed to be increaseing a little, for about 1/2 mile. Then there was a little clunk and all power ceased.

A friend towed me back to the little shop where I help a friend work on any thing God didn't make. Right away I noticed alll the belts were slack. Getting into it I found all the main bearing webs had let go with the crank fractured in half right in the middle.

221K and good bit of towing and its time to find another engine. I understand the Diesel Dopot has used engines. Anyone have any experanced with their used 6.2 or 6.5s?

The plan is to find a good core and do an overhaul at the shop. However, if the Depot can do one in the right price range, I may go with them. Am retired, so have to watch the cost.

Thanks for any suggestions. AND if you hear a low reumble in the engine one day, stand by!!!

SteveMc

1987 GMC Suburban 1500, 6.2, Banks Turbo since new, 3.42:1 rear limited slip, 21 MPG

[BARRAZA]

Some evidence points to harmonic balancer problems causing crank failures, or at least a contributer along with the weak design. ;) Is your harmonic balancer intact, with the rubber still in place between the hub and the outer ring?

[Subzilla]

Check out the articles as written by Dr. Lee concerning the transformation that took place under his hood with help from Diesel Depot: http://www.thedieselpage.com/reviews/avanteng.htm. I've bought some minor parts from the Georgia boys and met them at Redezvous 2002. Very nice people.

[SteveMc]

Thanks for the replys Depot but no reply yet. Harmonic wheel looks good. Engine has been a challenge to get out with frozen crank.

SteveMc

[farmerherb]

I had a 6.2 crank break in a 84 van. The harmonic balancer was out of shape just as pictured here in one of the articles about crank failure. The motor had a seldom ticking noise I couldn't isolate. It turned out to be balancer striking the oil pan(wobble). I had 244,000 on the engine. I replace the balancers now at 150,000, cheap insurance. I have 297,000 on my 6.5TD.

[TomEichenberger]

Words of wisdom that I have gleened from these pages.From everything I,ve heard about crank failures on 83-89 6.2, replacing the harmonic balancer is just one step in a multistep process. My 1990 Burb had 224,000 on it when I bought it last summer , since then I have;

1-Replaced the timing set(don't just replace the chain!)If you can afford it, go with a DSG gear set.(Might as well replace the water pump while your in there.)

2-Replaced the harmonic balancer.

3-Installed a DSG stud girdle kit.(Give a good opportunity to check the main bearing webs, and plastigauge the bearing.)

It should be routine maintainence to replace the timing set(chain and gears) at ~150,000 miles or so. My two cents worth.

Tom

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I would think the mains girdle kit would be the best prevention money spent when you go to replace your engine.

[FWBennett]

I just got a Long Block from rebuilt.com - I'm in California so some of the east-coast shops made the shipping too expensive - they have round-trip shipping (New one to you and core back - although I guess you'd be paying the core and getting the cheaper One-way shipping in your case - everything went smooth - I'm still about a day's worth of work away from starting it but so far I've been pleased.
I put on the Timing Gears, and girdle kit and new harmonic balancer.

[SteveMc]

Well the engine is out with one I got from local junk yard next to it. Old Harmonic and damper wheels look good. Engine has had the Banks Turbo on it since new. (dealer Installed 1987) and has pulled a lot of miles with trailers. Since I am the third owner I can't say how hard they pushed it, but all the webs gave way.

Replacement engine looks good on the bottom. Not much wear in bearings at first glance and timing chain has a litter over 1/4 inch of play. Have ordered Dual Idler Gear and Stud Girdle Kit from DSG and will get new Harmonic and Damper wheels this week. New front and rear seal and OH pump should put me back on the road. A little over three grand output.

SteveMc