1997 Diesel Van Questions

[GMDiesel]

Was driving a friend's newly purchased van. The oil pressure was around 40psi, but dropped down to 20 in traffic, mostly stop and go, went back up to 40 at highway speed. Should there be cause for concern?

There is a rackety sound coming from the front of the engine, could this be a bearing in the tensioner letting loose?

Has anyone pulled an engine from a van? What is the best way to do it and how long does it take? The van has a rebuilt engine in it and has around 150k on it since the rebuild.

The highway fuel mileage averaged 22.8, so it seems to be operating ok. he is using it for business and wants reliability, doesn't want down time in his seasonal business, wher a day lost is $800.

Is it worth rebuilding the engine, if need be, or buying a "crate" engine? What does Diesel Depot get for an R+R?

Thanks!

[Bnave95]

[QUOTE=GMDiesel]Was driving a friend's newly purchased van. The oil pressure was around 40psi, but dropped down to 20 in traffic, mostly stop and go, went back up to 40 at highway speed. Should there be cause for concern?

There is a rackety sound coming from the front of the engine, could this be a bearing in the tensioner letting loose?

Has anyone pulled an engine from a van? What is the best way to do it and how long does it take? The van has a rebuilt engine in it and has around 150k on it since the rebuild.

The highway fuel mileage averaged 22.8, so it seems to be operating ok. he is using it for business and wants reliability, doesn't want down time in his seasonal business, wher a day lost is $800.

My truck does the same on the oil psi. Has over 100K.
The vaccum pump could be the noise,bearings go though the pump still works. A check would be to remove the belt,noise goes away then check all drive acc.
If eng. has been well cared for,you should get many more miles.

[DA BIG ONE]

The numbers you have are normal for a 6.5 road vehicle under summer conditions. Mileage is good too. Using the search engine above you can find lots of feedback for just about anything a GM diesel can throw at you.

Consider, cooling system service if it has not been done recently. Clean out area between radiator, ac cond, engine/oil coolers w/high pressure air blowing all that dirt, bugs, or whatever towards front of vehicle.