gas to diesel

Normin storm · 05-16-2008, 06:28 PM

Can anybody help me. I am putting a 1990 chevy 6.2 diesel out of an ambulance .Into my 1982 31ft excella.One of the main problems I have come across is the 6.2 diesel has a PCM engine management system.I did not realize this until the engine was on its way out .This is new to me,and am not sure how to connect this to the 454 wiring harness or how to make adjustments to run it in the Airstream as this is heavier than the original vehicle. So any information on how it goes together would be well appreciated.Thanks Norman

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

**overlander63** · 05-16-2008, 08:16 PM

You will need to use the harness from the ambulance, along with the ECM.

Kajtek1 · 05-16-2008, 11:24 PM

Congratulations on taking on impossible task. As overlander said, you need to get all electronic engine controls from the donor vehicle to make it work.
I used to own older motorhome that was converted to diesel by PO. Going thru it I was amazed noticing how much it was involved. Even older Pace Arrow had bulletproof frame, the front suspension needed upgrade and wheels as well. Than lower rpm diesel with original transmission would not go faster than 50 mph. The auxiliary 3-speed transmission was added. So having automatic and than manual transmission with no clutch made for some trick on gear changing, but doable. Than changing generator to propane, than......
Good luck on your project.

Jetstreamer · 07-04-2008, 05:45 PM

I'm very interested in your project as well. I have a 6.5 Turbo Diesel Suburban that I just love and considered converting my 325 at some point with one. In a factory training manual I bought on Ebay it listed this engine for up to 15,000 GVW which I think I exceed. I should know the GVW, but I don't.

You may even need the speedometer and other accessories from the ambulance to make it all talk together.

Keep me up to date on it.

Road Ruler · 07-04-2008, 06:06 PM

I once put a Ford 5L V8 in a 1976 AMC Pacer (AVATAR). Wiring was not that difficult as I had wiring diagrams from the 1984 Mustang that the engine came from and the 1976 Pacer where the engine was going. Was fairly easy to use the two wiring diagrams to create "the new one".