The Under the Hood
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Dear Motor Medics, I have a 1998 Chevy 3500 with a 6.5 diesel engine. I have owned the truck since new and it is in amazing shape with 160k miles.
The truck had an injection pump put on it under warranty in 2002 but other than that I have made almost no repairs to it other than brakes. Lately it has become more difficult to start cold or hot and, while driving, it sometimes will cut out like the key has been switched off, but it keeps running.
It also surges if I set the cruise at 55 but not at 65 or over. Do you have any ideas?
Trevor in Rockdale
Dear Trevor, We could make this into a 10-part list of what to do to make a 6.5 more reliable and what to upgrade one part at a time. The trucks are very reliable when certain parts are in top shape.
You have several things pointing to possible injection pump issues, but we would suggest checking the glow plugs and the FSD and repair and upgrade as needed as a first place to start.
Also make sure that the lift pump is supplying proper pressure.
Once all of that has been done, a more detailed diagnosis of the injection pump can be made. If there are failures in the FSD or fuel delivery it can give a false failure indication of an injection pump.
Making friends with a good 6.5 mechanic would be helpful. Take care, The Motor Medics
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