Trying to start a 6.2 diesel that has been sitting for 6 years

Tonight, I purchased a 10/1982 GMC 1500 diesel. Originally I was purchasing it because the body is so clean. I know the 6.2 has a bad reputation with a lot of diesel fans. But I think in all fairness, I should try to get the truck running with the 6.2 and keep it a diesel. The truck has not been started in 6 years. And all of the wiring has been chopped. I was told it was wiring that made the owner park it. Wiring on these is simple to get it to start. I know that. But what are the steps that the pros on here would do to give this thing a chance? It didn't have the air cleaner on it. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

The bad reputation of the 6.2/6.5 seems to come from people trying to push them for more power than they were designed to provide. They were designed before the horsepower wars and meant for economy over power. They get pretty good mileage for a light truck compared to the gasoline offerings of the similar era. My pickup and Yukon get about twice the mileage as my neighbor's Suburban with a gasser.

I'd be like you and try to get the engine running again. As you say, the wiring is pretty simple - particularly on the mechanical 6.2. Beyond that, I'd drain and clean the fuel system and go over everything to see what issues you might come up with.

I hope you keep this thread updated..I'm trying to do the same thing to a 83 sitting for 20 years (but been in the family the whole time).

Our plan is to remove the injectors and spray oil into the cylinder (not messing with glow plugs yet). Let sit and try to hand rotate engine. Re-do radiator, replace water pump, radiator hoses, fuel pump, fuel hoses.

Not sure what to do about injector pump....leave it alone for now?

I picked one up that had been sitting for 6-8 years a while back. Put two batteries in it, glow plugs cycled, and she fired right up. Let it run a bit and then drove it home, with no issues