I am about to purchase a 1988 Suburban 6.2 diesel. I was wondering what things I should look out for. I tried a search to no avail. This is in going to happen in the next 2-3 days. Please help!!

That old a diesel should have a compression test done.

The truck has about 190000 miles, the tranny has been re-built recently. How reliable are these old diesels? This wouldn't be a daily driver, but it would get a decent amount of use.

One major thing to look for on this truck, is a con rod sticking out of the side of the block, these engines are known for throwing rods. I would find something else, stay clear of the 6.2 diesel. They are hard starting in cold weather, chew up starters, and they are not cheap. The only good thing that they have going for them is the fuel eco.

I appreciate all responses. I was told that on cold morning starts, as long as the truck is plugged in for about 20 mins, it starts up w/ no problems. The person that I am purchasing the truck from has all service records from 1999. The tranny/clutch were rebuilt/replaced in 2003 . The previous owner did mention that the truck had been thru 2 starters since 99, the first one being replaced 03. The truck has all current maintenence recs and has about brand new tires as well a new batt. The guy is asking 1100 obo, iI think that I could prolly get it for 8-900. Any opinions?

Any thoughts from any previous/current owners?

Run don't walk from a Chevy diesel.

If you are looking for a 1988 Suburban I have one for sale good shape
93000 miles kept in garage. 5.7L gas engine

How much do you want for the 88?

Owned 1885 Sub with 6.2 - loved it. 8 years, 1/2 million km (350 thou miles).Spent total of 400.00 on motor - water pump, glow plugs, glow plug controller. The 88 will be similar with either a 700R4 automatic (1/2 ton) or a TH400 (3/4 ton) - the 700R4 is the weak link - had mine done twice.Live in central Ontario - for my best winter operation and starting - I used 0w30 full synthetic oil - never need to plug it in again as long as everything else is working well. Summer operation - 10/40 or 20/50 full synthetic.Fuel mileage was great - 29/30 mpg cdn on highway in summer, dropped to 25 in winter. Trailer towed (8000 lb RV) - mileage was typically 18-22.Worst I ever got was 16 towing thru the Rockies.Because it is a used purchase, a lot of your experience will depend on how it was treated prior - type of driving, maintenenace etc.Treated mine with Slick50 or equivalent about 4 times in its life and always used diesel fuel conditioner about every 2nd tank.To have good luck with any diesel, you need to be a diesel person - they drive different, warm up different, require different maintenance etc.2 examples: DO NOT use this for a lot of short distance driving - diesels being up to temp is a critical need.If you travel the highway in very cold weather (-20 or worse) DO NOT run in overdrive - the motor cannot keep the temperature up to the correct level - your temp gauge will fall lower and lower - run it in direct.Hope this helps.

Owned 1885 Sub with 6.2 - loved it. 8 years, 1/2 million km (350 thou miles).Spent total of 400.00 on motor - water pump, glow plugs, glow plug controller. The 88 will be similar with either a 700R4 automatic (1/2 ton) or a TH400 (3/4 ton) - the 700R4 is the weak link - had mine done twice.Live in central Ontario - for my best winter operation and starting - I used 0w30 full synthetic oil - never need to plug it in again as long as everything else is working well. Summer operation - 10/40 or 20/50 full synthetic.Fuel mileage was great - 29/30 mpg cdn on highway in summer, dropped to 25 in winter. Trailer towed (8000 lb RV) - mileage was typically 18-22.Worst I ever got was 16 towing thru the Rockies.Because it is a used purchase, a lot of your experience will depend on how it was treated prior - type of driving, maintenenace etc.Treated mine with Slick50 or equivalent about 4 times in its life and always used diesel fuel conditioner about every 2nd tank.To have good luck with any diesel, you need to be a diesel person - they drive different, warm up different, require different maintenance etc.2 examples: DO NOT use this for a lot of short distance driving - diesels being up to temp is a critical need.If you travel the highway in very cold weather (-20 or worse) DO NOT run in overdrive - the motor cannot keep the temperature up to the correct level - your temp gauge will fall lower and lower - run it in direct.Hope this helps.

Thank you all for your responses. They have been very helpful. The truck is a manual, are these transmissions any stronger than the autos? You mention to not use o/d when very cold weather, the truck is 4 spd, so is 4th gear considered the o/d? or should I drive it in 3rd? I don't have much experience aside from 5spds. From what it looks like, the current owner hasn't owned it very long, but the owner before him had the truck for over 10 years and kept very detailed maintenence records. Most of the use would be short trips, i.e 2-3 mile trips to the hardware store as I am using it primarily as a work truck, any thoughts on pro-longing the life of the truck?

I suggest you check out "thedieselpage.com". The site is dedicated to GM's 6.2,6.5 and Duramax diesel engine. It's a member site, but there are many areas you can access without joining. If you buy the Suburban, I would recommend you join. To answer some of your questions. A compression check would be in order. You must have diesel gauge though, as the auto gauges don't go over 400 Lbs. Check the valley of the engine under the injection pump to see if it's dry. It it's wet, the pump is probably leaking. Check for excessive blow-by out the oil-fill. All diesels will have some blow-by, but excessive would indicate worn rings. Check the coolant in the radiator while the engine is running. If there are alot of bubbles in the coolant, the head gaskets may be leaking. Has the injection pump and injectors been rebuilt/replaced recently?

I am unsure about the above post. I am trying to look at the truck this weekend. I am going to try to see if the owner will allow me to put down some $$ to take the truck to a mechanic for an inspection. Thank you all for the respones, they are much appreciated.

Head gaskets were a big problem on the 6.2L also stay away from many of the nid 90's 6.5l major injector pump problems.

I am the proud new owner of the Sub! There was some oil in what I believe was the valley that someone had posted earlier. There was very little blow by, however. The truck ran great. The only problem that I noticed is that when I turn the wheel all the way to one side, like when i make a sharp turn, there is a loud, almost shotgun loud knock that is made. Any suggestions? other wise the truck seems to run great.

I am the proud new owner of the Sub! There was some oil in what I believe was the valley that someone had posted earlier. There was very little blow by, however. The truck ran great. The only problem that I noticed is that when I turn the wheel all the way to one side, like when i make a sharp turn, there is a loud, almost shotgun loud knock that is made. Any suggestions? other wise the truck seems to run great.


it might be the sway bar...it could be broken or maybe one of the mounts or end links is broken

I am the proud new owner of the Sub! There was some oil in what I believe was the valley that someone had posted earlier. There was very little blow by, however. The truck ran great. The only problem that I noticed is that when I turn the wheel all the way to one side, like when i make a sharp turn, there is a loud, almost shotgun loud knock that is made. Any suggestions? other wise the truck seems to run great.

trying again

it might be a broken sway bar, or the mount or end link could be broken or loose.

A shot gun blast sound when you turn the wheel? thats gotta be loud!! Yikes!! i get a screaching sound but i have 38" tires on mine :)