For Sale 97 80 Series with Chevy 6.5 turbo diesel

I am interested in selling my 80 Series. I had big plans for this vehicle but I have not been able to get the use out of it I expected. Purchased it 2 years ago from IH8MUD seller.

I have done a lot of work to it in the short time but do not see my use increasing unfortunately. Diesel Conversion done in Oregon by Columbia Overland (when they had a shop? tried to contact them but it seems it's just a merchandise outfit now). I was told conversion was done when vehicle was at about 200k miles. ODO at 250k now. All recent work done at Slee Off Road (6 mi from my house) and local Diesel Engine outfit. ENGINE HAS BRAND NEW HEADS! BIG project but the truck developed a very small gasket leak so it had to be done to prevent further catastrophe. This is a 6.5 Chevy Turbo with a mechanical injection pump, ie no FSD issues. Transmission is toyota and seems to perform well. Has tow package (both inputs) but I cannot comment on towing capability since I did not pull any thing larger than small single axle 4x8 yard trailer.

Also done in last 2 years (receipts available upon request):
New aluminum radiator, double fan
New glow plug relay
New steering dampener, tie rods
New U-Joints
New suspension bushings (everywhere!)
New rear brakes/rotors
Differential service
New bearings on swing away tire carrier
Fuel lines replaced
LED internal lights


Current known issues:

This vehicle is equipped with an Espar Hydronic 4 Heater but it is not completely plumbed in since the radiator was replaced.
Two small (1-2cm) areas of beginning corrosion on rear window border and lower edge of right rear door.
Interior shows moderate wear. It has SOR seat covers but even they need a but of attention.
Has 2 yellow top Optimas right now but I am not sure how strong they are. They are not new.
window rubber molding could use replacement in places
front door window motors sluggish

Lots of extras on the vehicle - Bumpers, 2 fuel tanks, heavy duty springs, wheel spacers, snorkel, bumpers, Warn winch, Block heater plus fuel filter heater, trickle charger.

I would be willing to take it to Slee at buyer's expense for an inspection (though they do not have a diesel mechanic). They can comment on everything else though. I can provide the number of the shop that recently did the head work as well.

Will throw in 4 extra highway tires (265/75/16) in excellent condition for full price offer.

Thanks for looking. $17000 per recent work done. I am not really in a hurry to sell.

Tom
paluskat@gmail.com

(forum may list hotmail email address but this is no longer valid. Please use gmail address or forum communication)

This is my first post on this forum and I am not sure how the pics will show up.

 

[Evan Northcutt]

Just curious, whats ur mpg?
amazing rig, would love to buy it if only i had the money. All i have to trade is 2012 kia optima v6 se but its not worth 17k

 

[GreenDiesel]

Forgot to follow all of the directions : Vehicle is located in Denver, CO vicinity. Picture below does not show new aluminum radiator.

 

[GreenDiesel]

Not sure on MPG, never tested fully except when I first bought it with a EEZI AWN on top and mud tires. Was only getting 18mpg on highway with roof top tent. Seems to be getting closer to 20mpg hwy now without tent and normal ATs. I do not drive aggressively.

 

[Evan Northcutt]

Gotcha, im curious on ur towing capacity bc at some point i want to haul a trailer and cattle. Not a lot though.

Ever run biodiesel? I was curious bc of ur name

 

[GreenDiesel]

Yes. Fuel lines on this truck are biodiesel compatible wherever I could access (>90% of lines). Heated fuel filter also installed for biofuels. I never ran more than about B20 though. I had another VW TDI that started having issues after 60k of WVO and biodiesel usage right at the time I purchased this truck so I never got aggressive with high percentage blends. I do have a lot of experience (good and bad)with WVO and Biodiesel. It seemed to do fine with the B20. I never changed the inter-cylinder overflow lines so I would not run higher blends until those were swapped out.

 

[SFCDiablo]

Great looking rig. Do you still have the 3rd row seats for it or are the attachment points still available to install 3rd row seats? I would still have to do 'utilitarian' city duty as well as 'get out of town' play. One rig for many purposes.


Jose'

 

[GreenDiesel]

Attachments are there for the 3rd row but no seats, sorry!

 

[GreenDiesel]

Also would consider trade for diesel 40 series. Had a BJ41 in the past and always regretted that sale!

 

[cosmo]

I saw this conversion being done while at Columbia Overland (when it was a shop) a ton of detail and labor went into this truck. Wish i had the coin. GLWS do you have a youtube video of it?? I'd like to see if you do.

 

[GreenDiesel]

Cosmo - thank you for that comment. I appreciate the positive input. I have been told it was a very clean conversion. I don't have any videos but can make one of a cold start, etc based on any specific request.

 

[DetroitDiesel]

I saw this conversion being done while at Columbia Overland (when it was a shop) a tone of detail and labor went into this truck. Wish i had the coin. GLWS do you have a youtube video of it?? I'd like to see if you do.

Do you have contact info for anybody there?


Seller, do you know what year motor they are using? What block casting? Thanks

 

[cosmo]

Do you have contact info for anybody there?

One of the original mechanics is still in town. Beyond that, No.

 

[GreenDiesel]

I was not successful in my attempts to contact any of the mechanics involved in the conversion. I had the same question - ie what exact year is the motor. Clerks at auto parts stores seem to be helpless without the year, etc to enter into their computer... Other than the heads, I have only replaced some glow pugs directly on the engine and I used '94 model chevy truck year and they fit great. Maybe the shop I took it to for head work would know that answer.

 

[cosmo]

I'll see it i cant get you in contact.

 

[DetroitDiesel]

I was not successful in my attempts to contact any of the mechanics involved in the conversion. I had the same question - ie what exact year is the motor. Clerks at auto parts stores seem to be helpless without the year, etc to enter into their computer... Other than the heads, I have only replaced some glow pugs directly on the engine and I used '94 model chevy truck year and they fit great. Maybe the shop I took it to for head work would know that answer.

It's definitely NOT a 94 top end. If it's full mechanical and no PMD that's a 92-93 top end. The block could be anything but the leaking head leads me to believe it's a full 92-93 motor. The early ones had hg issues. Do you have the HD water pump and dual thermostat setup? That would be off a 97+. I say all that because it would have made more sense to put a newer casting block before replacing the head along with the HD water pump and dual thermostat. Otherwise they fixed something only so it can break again not permanently. You can now upgrade to those parts though for protection of your head job. I'm going to post some pictures of my 93 6.5 and yu can look and see if it's the same. Do you have a single alt on drivers side and no vacuum pump on passenger? You should be running a 101" belt if single alt, a/c and no vac pump. If you're running a 102" belt then it's a newer serpentine system than 93. I was hoping they took all the best years parts and built a motor but it appears they just used a 92-93 so it was full mechanical. The HD water pump and dual t-stat is a must have.



Edit. The head job should last 200k not trying to be a harbinger of doom to any prospective buyers more so saying a couple quick and cheap corresponding upgrades and eliminate your chance of any future issues by 85%. The newer water pump and dual t stat was DD response to the head gasket problems.


Edit . I hope you didn't buy the glowys at AutoZone unless they are AC Delco 60g. DO NOT put anything but Delco or Bosch duraterm

 

[GreenDiesel]

DetroitDiesel - thanks for the input. Definitely appreciate the extra knowledge regarding these motors as I am NOT a mechanic. It does have the HO (high output water pump) but it is a single thermostat - not the double. Thermostat was sourced from SSdiesel supply for the single stat set up. I am not sure about serpentine belt.

 

[mickeyt]

Who makes those seat covers?

 

[GreenDiesel]

SOR

 

[MDJ]

I drove this truck last Saturday. I admit I have no knowledge about the H1 motors at all, but the install is clean. This is definitely a purpose-built rig. I was lucky enough to take it on a short (but sweet) trail run near GreenDiesel's house. Not JUST a trail run, but through 20"+ snow drifts.

I am on the search for a good base for a project vehicle to call my own. If I didn't have the knowledge to do a swap myself, I would have most likely purchased the truck. Tons of useful add-ons. If the truck I'm looking for doesn't come along and this one is still available, I'd be perfectly happy driving away with it.

Not to mention the owner being a stand up, honest guy. That's hard to find these days.

GLWS!