1981 Isuzu Diesel Engine

[jpurdy]

I found a 1981 airstream powered by an Isuzu diesel(6.2)
I called Isuzu and asked if they could give me information about the engine.
They,Isuzu, said that Isuzu had an inline 6 (6.5l) and that the only 6.2l they knew about was a GM engine.
Can someone here tell about this engine??
If this is a V8, is this the same as the converted 350 of the 70's????
is that bad ??? is it durable????

[68 Suburban]

If it is the GM it is NOT the converted 350 (5.7) from the late 70's. The 6.2 is found in many 80's medium duty GM Trucks. I think it is a dependable engine except for the injection pump. People seem to have problems with those at $1000+ a crack.

[jpurdy]

68 Suburban,
thanks, your right about it being 5.7.....
I found out the engine is an inline 6 and when I said I would not come there for service with a motorhome my question were answered. the feeling was they would not make any money working on motorhomes.

I like your avion....

[68 Suburban]

Thanks for the compliments on the Avion. I was real happy to find it.

I think the Isuzu Diesels have their own issues. I think I read here recently that someone paid $800 for an altenator? Geez...

Diesels are nice for pulling and fuel economy, but I think the cost of repairs when they are needed, far out way the savings in fuel. Unless you are towing 100K miles a year

[jpurdy]

You may have something there as I heard the same from an owner. He said two things happened on a trip a rock hit the windshield(left half) and an altenator failed. each cost $800 -$900 to replace.

Originally posted by 68 Suburban
Thanks for the compliments on the Avion. I was real happy to find it.

I think the Isuzu Diesels have their own issues. I think I read hear recently that someone paid $800 for an altenator? Geez...

Diesels are nice for pulling and fuel economy, but I think the cost of repairs when they are needed, far out way the savings in fuel. Unless you are towing 100K miles a year

[thenewkid64]

The diisels were Airstreams attempt to sell a "fuel efficent" motorhome. At least they went with a commercial duty motor. As to the windshield all of the motorhome windshields are pricey, that is why I have comprehensive insurance on it even though I will only drive it for 5-7k miles this year.

[jpurdy]

yes sir,
the comprehensive ins and a good ERS can be a great asset

Originally posted by thenewkid64
The diisels were Airstreams attempt to sell a "fuel efficent" motorhome. At least they went with a commercial duty motor. As to the windshield all of the motorhome windshields are pricey, that is why I have comprehensive insurance on it even though I will only drive it for 5-7k miles this year.

[joepospisil]

I replaced the isuzu in our 82 310 with a cummins and it works very well. if anyone needs some isuzu parts i have a nearly complete set of them. ours was a turbo unit

[Bronze Dancer]

We looked at an '84 310 Turbo unit before we bought our '85 325. The '84 had over 100K on it and a new Isuzu. The seller told me a plastic tube broke and the engine drank all it's crankcase oil before the could get off the road. The new unit cost slightly over $10K to replace vs. $7K that seemed like the standard 454 replacement number.

[68 Suburban]

Originally posted by Bronze Dancer
$7K that seemed like the standard 454 replacement number.

$7K to replace a chevy 454??? Dang, I would shop around

[Bronze Dancer]

Dang is right. Unfortunately that seems to be the right number to use if you're having an engine replaced with a new(not rebuilt) 454. We took one unit we considered to a local Chevy truck dealer for check out. It had a low compression (75) in one cylinder while the rest were OK (120-136). They quoted $7190 for a new 454 long block installed with misc. hoses, clamps, etc.

We looked at anouther unit that had recently replaced the 454 with a new engine at a local RV shop. Saw receipts for $6892.

Spoke to a guy on the phone selling yet another unit who said he had a new 454 after considering a rebuilt or a new short block. His cut at it was the cost of labor and misc parts were such that it didn't make sense to pass on a new engine and it's 5 yr/50K promise.

Not inexpensive is it?