TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Chevy diesel power

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

Dane in PA

03-19-2006 12:52:39

Report to Moderator

I am looking at a truck to pull my tractor with. It is a '96 chevy 2500 with a 6.5L turbo diesel in it. how much horsepower would this engine have and what would it be able to pull???

We have a '52 JD A and a trailer that weighs about 3000 lbs. that I would be pulling with it. my dad (I am 17yrs old) has an '04 chevy 1500 with the 5.3L in it, and that has some trouble with the load I described. would the diesel be much better or should I save my money. I am looking to get a truck anyways.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Can't even use my name

03-20-2006 14:20:12

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

I have a '96 6.5L turbo with 168,000 on the odometer. Has the original injectors which I will be changing soon and hopefully getting more power and economy. As is it pulls well. Had a 20' 5500 pound gooseneck livestock trailer with 4 1200 pound steers in it and she pulled 67 mph in overdrive without any problem. Never even came out of OD. I have boost, EGT, and tranny temp gauges so I was watching everything carefully. These 6.5L's are great engines but not perfect nor anywhere near a current available diesel truck engine. The electronic controlled fuel pumps are prone to failure unless you have the latest model (#5911 I think) and the crankshafts will snap if you don't keep an eye on the dampner and harmonic balancer and replace when needed. The blocks were prone to cracking in the '97-'98 year trucks and the vacuum pumps seem to fail more often then they should along with the little solenoids that control the turbo wastegate. However, most likely this truck already has the latest pump and most of the other problem areas addressed. I wouldn't be afraid of getting one as long as you get the gauges to keep tabs on what is going on.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jdemaris

03-21-2006 05:51:09

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Can't even use my name, 03-20-2006 14:20:12

The 6.5 engines are still in production. The US military, as part of their agreement when they first started using the 6.2s and 6.5s, was a guaranteed supply for X amount of years. I forget the name of the producer now, but they are still in production. In regard to replacement cost. I've met several truck owners that replaced blown 6.5s with 6.2s - often bought for $100. I drove one, and with the swap done properly, could not feel the difference from a 6.5. It's a bolt-in swap, 6.2 and 6.5s have the same basic blocks, heads, etc. I suspect the 6.2s may not hold up as well when run with the turbo and fuel turned up - but when you buy them cheap, who cares? I've got over 20 good engines - that because I used to buy them whenever I could. I'm in the rust belt, so many good-running trucks get junked because the frames rust out. I finally stopped collecting them, I won't live long enough to use them. I have bought several engines with less than 70K miles on them for under $100. I bought my diesel Suburban off a Chevy dealer's lot. They had told the owner the engine was blown and it was not worth fixing. It had 120K miles on it then. I'm still driving it and it just turned 500K miles. At the time, it had bad injectors, and they made it knock like a rod had come loose. That was a new one for me. I've worked on diesels all my life, but had never heard a bad injector cause that kind of noise. I've bought several diesel plow trucks that had been deemed "unrepairable" by local garages and dealers - and all of them required only minor repairs. Many are condemed due to lack of knowledge. Yeah, I'm sure many really blow up - but it's not been my experience. In regard to the cracking you mention - where does it occur? I know the heads usually have stress cracks, but they don't seem to bother anything. In regard to the vacuum pump, I've seen several with electric pumps. Seems to be a good fix - but I haven't tried it. My CAV vacuum pods seem to be good for 150K miles at least - and at $50 apiece, I've got no complaint. One thing I like about the GM -Detroit diesels and the Ford IH diesels in IDI fashion - is the parts are cheap. I often buy new - not rebuilt- injectors for $20 apiece, water-pumps new in the $45 range, complete rebuilt injection pumps in the $300 range, etc. The new Ford IH direct-injection engines, Chevy Isuzu Powermax, and Dodge Cummins do not benefit from low-cost parts. So, it seems - many of the newer trucks can be very reliable - but once they get high miles on them - it's not cost-effective to be fixing them.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Can't even use my name

03-21-2006 09:31:55

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to jdemaris, 03-21-2006 05:51:09

I am quite sure AM General, the maker of the Humvees owns the 6.5L engine plant now. My mother and step father work for AM General and my step dad is a drive instructor/tech. The blocks prone to cracking were at the #8 cylinder wall. Some dill rod engineer thought shaving that little bit of weight would save on fuel but all it did was lead to cracking blocks, another proof of what looks good on paper doesn't work in the real world. AM General must supply GM with all the parts they manufacture for so many years. Keep in mind that our military never got those problem engines. They used only the mechanical IP's and only a solid cast block. The little solenoids only cost about $40 here. They don't go out that often but often enough. And there are ways of using mechanical means to control what the vacuum pump used to do.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bob

03-19-2006 20:24:13

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

Of all the "off the wall" comments that have been made, a good point has NOT been made.

These trucks DO pull reasonably well. However, they have a big drawback for a long, heavy pull... the lack of an intercooler. GM sure goofed there. Intake and coolant temperatures go up, and then the 'puter backs down the fuel to a safe(r) level.

Some engine blocks were more prone to crack than others. I have a 1994, with 190,000 trouble-free miles on it, but it could literally drop out onto the highway tomorrow, or go another 50,000 miles..

The heck of it is, if the engine does fail, they can cost more to replace than the truck is worth, and if you have put a good ampount of money into it, and owe money on it, how will you deal with the $5000.00+ (installed) it costs for a rebuilt engine, or $8000.00+ installed for a new "long block" engine.

Of course, it will cost that much, or even a LOT more, if you have bad luck with a truck of another brand!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bob

03-19-2006 20:23:05

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

Of all the "off the wall" comments that have been made, a good point has NOT been made.

Some engine blocks were more prone to crack than others. I have a 1994, with 190,000 trouble-free miles on it, but it could literally drop out onto the highway tomorrow, or go another 50,000 miles..

Of course, it will cost that much, or even a LOT more, if you have bad luck with a truck of another brand!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

albertacinchcowboy

03-19-2006 16:45:34

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

if you are looking for a workhorse of a truck, get an older dodge 250 or 350 with the 5.9 cummins diesel. great fule economy, great pulling power, bumpy and noisy, but who cares. We have a 91 with 300000kilometers and it never goes down the road w/out some sort of load...WORKHORSE!!! do strongly avoid the chev 6.5, weak starter, low power, basically a modified gasser, not built sturdy enough. have some friends that have a 98 with 140000kilometers, they don't like to go more than a few hours from home in case it needs to be towed lol, last fall i hauled 3 horses across this continent, 3500 kms, in 40 hours, and then again two weeks later...no problems and 18 mpg at 130km/h (85mph). get an old dodge!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Can't even use my name

03-20-2006 08:38:52

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to albertacinchcowboy, 03-19-2006 16:45:34

The 6.5L nor its predesessor the 6.2 are not and were never gasser motors converted! The 5.7 Olds diesels were. Think about this, what do the Humvees use for powerplants? I say if our military uses them they must not be too bad.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jlmtractor

03-19-2006 16:24:31

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

man dont get that chevy my dad had a 95 diesel flat bed 3500 and it couldnt touch his dodge he got rid of it for a cummins. oh yah about the parts he put brakes on it every other oil change but of cource he pulled a trailer every day. hope you get a truck maybe a cummins not some chevy. hahahahahaha

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jdemaris

03-19-2006 15:49:16

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

The 96 400 cubic inch engine (6.5 liter)engine has 180 horsepower and 360 foot pounds of torque at 1800 RPM. Your dad's 327 (5.3 liter) has 270 horse and 315 foot lbs. of torque. Take a 94 Ford with the 445 cube engine (7.3 liter) diesel and the non-turbo has 185 horse and 360 foot lbs. of torque, whereas the turbo version 7.3 has 190 horse and 395 foot lbs. of torque. The 6.5 engine in 96 is basically a 6.2 with some enhancements (same crank, heads, etc.). But, to meet emmission standards, it uses an electronically controlled injection pump and that is where there have been many problems. It's a fairly cheap fix if a person knows what they are doing - but if you rely on the average repair shop - or a mis-informed dealer, you wind up with an over-$1000 complete pump replacement -which is just plain silly. I worked as a pump rebuilder and I've see what goes on. It happens all the time and that's one reason why you hear stories such as have been posted on this forum. If you want a more reliable truck that's easier to work on - and you want Chevy - buy one that's either been converted to the fully mechanical DB2 pump (many have been), or just buy one old enough that came with it originally - like a 6.5 turbo in 93. A converted truck will get better fuel mileage also. The military uses the 6.2 and 6.5 engines in the Hummers but uses only the mechancial injection on all of them. If you are NOT a die-hard Chevy fan, and you want reliable towing power - buy a mid-90s Ford and you'll be better off. I've been a Chevy fan for 50 years - and own 6 Chevy diesel trucks - and I do all my heavy towing with a 94 Ford turbo 7.3. But, I live in the hills and mountains. If you don't live in a very hilly or mountainous area, you could pull that tractor easily with the 6.5 or even an older 6.2. MY 87 6.2 Suburban has pulled cattle trailers since it was new and has 500,000 miles on it - but - it can NOT pull long steep hills (not going up, down is just fine). In regard to the doom and gloom about the Chevy/GM automatic-overdrive transmission - it's not THAT bad. Same silly hype. It is basically the old T-350 trans. with and added clutch pack and a lock-up converter. If used carefully, it will easily give 100K miles of service - but it does not take abuse or overheating well. Again, a converted truck with a T-400 will be almost indestructable if you want extra durability. I am assuming you do NOT have an unlimited budget, so I'm not mentioning a lot of the newer stuff. Tell you the truth, I'm not all that impressed with it anyway. My neighbor's new HO Dodge with the Cummins diesel is in the shop for its second set of head gaskets and bolts. Don't know what the story is there. Another guy I know bought a new Chevy with the Japanese Isuzu diesel and Allison trans. - and the fuel mileage is absolutely lousy - as compared to his older 93 Dodge Cummins. Doing the same work, he went from 19 MGG to 14 MPG. That's an improvement? I know another guy that traded in his Powerstroke Ford 7.3 for a new truck with the 6 liter diesel, and it has been back to the shop three times already. Now he's trying to find another 7.3 Powerstroke - but with low miles. I am sure there are many people with GOOD stories instead of bad - for in my mind - once you pay over 30K for a truck (or 40K), it should last be - at least - as good as the one you're getting rid of. To tell you the truth, for that money, it should last 50 years.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

fenceman

03-19-2006 15:38:00

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

had a 94 3500 6.5 with standard trans. @ 84000 miles troubles began it cost me 14000.00 to keep it on the road about 1200.00 was paid back to me by chevrolet what a piece of junk . i have a powerstroke now

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John M

03-19-2006 15:13:03

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

If the 04 cant handle that,then you have a problem somewhere.That truck should have no problems pulling 3000 pds.The 6.5 will be overkill.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dane in PA

03-19-2006 15:15:16

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to John M, 03-19-2006 15:13:03

its not pulling just the 3000 lb trailer, its pulling that and my 6500 lb tractor

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John M

03-19-2006 17:34:55

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 15:15:16

I miss read yur post.Not being familair wit hDeeres I thought the trailer and tractor weighed in at 3000.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jonfarmer

03-19-2006 15:32:35

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 15:15:16

I'd say a 350 gasser would be plenty, might get by with a 305. Depends on how big of a hurry your in, my truck will tow heavy loads, but not fast and not very well at interstate speeds, especially if hills are involved. I'd stick with gas just due to fuel prices.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

mike in mo

03-19-2006 14:17:44

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

yea about that 6.5 your going to spend 1500 dollers every 150000miles for a new pump. power yea the power is good but the auto trannys cant take it. my self i got a old 79 chevy 1 ton now that can do all my old 6.5 powered 95 chevy did with out having to change trannys all the time.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Formerly PaMike

03-19-2006 14:13:35

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

I think that truck would be perfect for what you want to do. I have a 98 2500 with a 6.5 in it. Its no powerstoke or cummins, but it was way cheaper than any other diesel. I pull a skidloader trailer on occasion and it pulls it fine. Anything much bigger and I just call a rollback.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

todd in ne.

03-19-2006 13:48:22

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

Dane the 6.5 chevy will pull your load just fine. I have a 95 chevy with the 6.5 and it pulls fine. Don't pay attention to the jerks who bash them.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

DJM75

03-19-2006 13:39:53

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

don't pay any atention to that dribble. get a chevy and a duramax if you need ultimate power or the 8.1 gas engine then you will pass everything but a gas station and thats loaded while towing 3 fords behind. your on the right track.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jonfarmer

03-19-2006 14:28:52

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to DJM75, 03-19-2006 13:39:53

Yep, you need an 8.1L big block gasser, and put on a supercharger or a couple of turbos ;'D that would be quite the rig with a shift kit in it at a truck pull. Yor dad's truck has more motor in it than my truck, I got the 200hp Vortec 4.3L V6 in a 1996 Chevy 1500 4x4, I pull a 7'x16' flatbed with up to a 6,000lb tractr on it. My truck also has 3:73 gears and a 5spd. At 6,000lbs, thats alittle more than my truck wants and if I moved that tractor around much, I'd want a heavier pickup. Depends on how often you are going to be towing that tractor around, if it's only going to be a couple times a year, then you'd best try to get by with a lesser truck so it won't cost you a fortune when your just riding around. Diesels are very expensive to buy, the fuel is more money, and even the registration fees are considerably more in this state.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

FatRedneck

03-19-2006 13:35:27

Report to Moderator

Re: Chevy diesel power in reply to Dane in PA, 03-19-2006 12:52:39

hahahahahahaha aint that a joke. chevy, diesel, and power shouldn't go in the same sentence, no offense of course, but find yourself an old dodge power wagon or an ol ford V8 and you'll have a trailer toter. huh chevy?????

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy