Project Diesel

Well things are moving ahead, although slowly, but still moving. Latest news:
After getting the beast fired up on Memorial weekend, and only finding a couple of fluid leaks, the oil feed for the turbo and a trans cooler line at the radiator, both minor, and easily fixed. The excitement is starting to build. A few tweaks to the injection pump timing, and viola, no white smoke and fires right up and has the rattle that it should. Next problem though, the steering gear leaks, off to get a reman one, (ouch). with the new gear on now the Power steering pump is leaking, more parts, result, no P/S leaks and the steering works.It is amazing how many rubber parts dry out when a truck sits for 15 years.

Next came the interior, 4th of July weekend, instead of camping with the family I chose to stay home and work on the beast, John Thaxton came over as well and after a case and a half on Mountain Dews and Pepsi the doors got hung and the wire harness for the windows were routed right. As well as a little fiberglass work on the floor to seal up some holes.

Next came some carpet, Stock interiors supplied molded carpet, did I say supplied? I meant sold me some carpet. I looks good in there, and fits pretty well.

Starting to come together, front seats are mounted, brackets were welded to the floor, and holes drilled for other bolts. Now just have to find the trim pieces to finish the front, and then get the rear seat recovered and recover the headliner the interior will be nearly done.

After nearly 2 weeks without running the battery cables were hooked up and it fired right off. Makes me feel good that it might be reliable.

This is a newer and bigger 6.5 liter that replaced the original 6.2 liter,and has been upgraded with a Banks Turbo. The donor engine was bought from Phoenix core and rebuilt by me at B and B Automotive machine Co. and the heads were welded and redone by Tony at Continental Diesel. and the rotating assembly was balanced by Basko Engine Service in Gilbert, and the Trans was done by Mikes Auto Works in Mesa, it is good to have friends in the automotive business.

Hopefully it will be on the road soon, tires, exhaust, A/C compressor, and a few more minor things, (I hope).