6.2 IP failure!!!!

[6.2L Airforce Van]

Well, I thought I would post this to see if anyone else out there has run into the same problem. About two weeks ago now I was on the freeway. I was trying to get my WVO going again. I had just gotten through bleeding the air out of my lines, ( or so I thought) I had the engine cover off so I could see the clear line i installed right before my IP. I made sure to get my veggie good and hot, (which happend a lot quicker now that I have the frybrid heat exchanger), anyway I started down the on ramp and about 3 miles down the freeway I switched to veggie, I knew there would probably be a few air bubbles in my line still so I had my T valve directing my fuel back to my main tank. I was correct in my assumption. THe minute i switched I saw some air bubbles go through my line. I thought that it would clear itself out, like it has before for me in the past, not this time I guess. Shortly after switching I heard a loud, short "Psssh" ( I think thats how you spell the sound???) THe van died, I pulled over on the side of the freeway and proceeded to go through my now instinctive troubleshooting exercise. I switched back to diesel and then cracked 4 injectors, after that I took off my Facet Fuel pump located right next to my greasel tank and I installed it right before my IP. I hardwired it to my battery and pulled all the grease out of the lines until I saw diesel fuel. I then proceeded to turn over my ignition, ( this has worked for me every other time this has happened in the past), no such luck this time around. I walked to the nearest payphone, called my significant other and had her come out with her jumper cables, It takes a lot of volts to start these damn 6.2's, and I had lost a lot of power in my battery already, just by cranking on it on the side of the freeway. Still no luck, had to call the towing service, (again, for the third time). Had it towed back to my house and went through everything I had learned, no luck at all. Finally yesterday I gave in and had it towed to a local shop. The verdict, I called today and they said that my metering valve was stuck open, one of the worse cases they had seen. I am totally new to diesels, ( the only vehicles I have ever worked on are my motorcycles), so I don't even know what the metering valve is. Apparently I will find out tommorrow whether the whole IP has to be replaced or not, maybe just some parts. Has anyone else had anything close to this experience? Was there something I could have done to prevent it from happening? Thank you all in advance. Andrew Fletcher.

[sergio]

A good friend of mine had two GMC VAN'S with the 6.2 diesel engine,he had problems with the IP on both to the tune that GM replaced two pumps on one van and one pump on the other van.He tells me that the IP pumps on the 6.2 was the weak link of this engine.There are recalls on the IP pumps from GM.Hope this helps.

[jgnat1488]

I have seen many IP go south on the 6.2. I doubt it had anything reaally to do with grease. Just bad timming. A guy I used o work with has 6 or 8 of them under his tool bench, all need rebuilding.

[4.3 Diesel]

Mr. Fletcher,
Go to thedieselpage.com - this is the world's foremost leading website dedicated to the GM 6.2/6.5 diesel engines. Here you will find a discussion forum which will give you access to those who have experienced similar failures and will certainly be able to steer you in the right direction to solving your problem.

Regards,
:cool: Dave

[GREASE SHEIKH]

there's a place called accuratediesel.com that rebuilds them for about $210. How many miles do you think were on yours before it went out?
Paul

[6.2L Airforce Van]

Less than a 100 thousand. My van is in the shop as we speak and they have already pulled my pump, so I guess I am going just let them finish the work, I can't go another week without real transportation for my job.

[GREASE SHEIKH]

were there any warning signs? I have heard that if it really smokes heavily when you are warming up that is one sign of a failing IP. Someone else told me they are a lot harder to start when the IP is going; but then another mechanic said that may not be true. I am just curious so i can try to figure out how much life mine has.
Paul

[LDPosse]

My truck smokes like crazy when it's cold, it can be hard to start cold when not plugged in, and it doesn't like to start when warm either, I have the cold advance solenoid hooked up to a momentary switch in the cab which makes it start much easier when hot.

I've only had my 6.2 for about 700 miles, so I'm pretty new to this stuff....

The truck it came from had 278,500 miles, I'm not sure how many are on the motor though. It's definitely not original.

[GREASE SHEIKH]

you may want to call Tim at accuratediesel.com and ask what he thinks. He rebuilds these IP's for about $210, and he may be able to tell you if the IP is on it's way out, or at least give some good advice. I have extremely limited mechanical skills (at least for the moment); but i do remember Tim telling me that an excessive amount of smoke at startup could be a sign. ONe of my goals in life is to learn how to replace one of these things myself, but i am told it is difficult and risky because there are a few bolts that can easily drop down into the engine while taking them out, and if this happens you have to take the whole front of the engine off. Do you know how to replace an IP in this engine? I am trying to find out if it is really that hard. :confused:
Paul

[LDPosse]

Risky?! Not a chance! This is an engine, not surgery.... Get yourself some decent tools, a service manual (GM Preferably), and go to town!

As long as you're careful, take your time, and keep things as clean as possible, you'll be fine! :)

To keep things from falling into the intake -- get several large rags and stuff them into the intake manifold while working.

Good Luck!