2002 D2 with blown head gasket - should I buy

[Roverjoe]

I can get a 2002 D2 in nice shape for $1500. It's got 150k. It runs and drives but owner says it has a blown head gasket. I can do the gasket myself piece of cake.

How do I verify that it's the gasket and not a cracked block or slipped liner? Should I buy it? I'm not interested in parting it out. I just thought I could pick up a cheap D2 to drive around for the winter....

joe

 

[Drillbit]

I get all I want of those for a grand. Only way to be sure it's not a cracked block is a leakdown test on the block. If you pull the heads you can get a decent idea of if it has dropped a sleeve or not by running your fingernail up the edge of the cylinder.

Thanks
Marty

 

[Tugela]

Will the owner let you take the truck to a shop to test the block? If he doesn't mind letting go of it for a day or two that would give you a clear diagnosis of what the problem is. A mechanic might even notice one or two other things while he's at it. Spending $100 for an inspection now could save you a whole lot more money and headache later if the truck has major problems you can't identify.

 

[Roverjoe]

Will the owner let you take the truck to a shop to test the block? If he doesn't mind letting go of it for a day or two that would give you a clear diagnosis of what the problem is. A mechanic might even notice one or two other things while he's at it. Spending $100 for an inspection now could save you a whole lot more money and headache later if the truck has major problems you can't identify.

Thanks guys! Good call above. The owner and I are emailing back and forth so I'll ask. I'm going to stop by and take a look at the truck today.

I've never owned a DII, just a bunch of DI's....anything else I should look for?

Joe

 

[Roving Beetle]

Just plan to buy a decent used motor from PT (not far from you) or Will T or Marty (drillbit) and worst case you do that if it needs more than a HG job.

I'd say go for it.

I can buy these trucks running fine and looking good at dealer auction for less than 2K or so all the time for what it's worth.

 

[Roverjoe]

So where do I get one of these $2000 trucks???

 

[Roving Beetle]

Become a dealer and go to the dealer only auctions.

These trucks are cheap near me as the closest dealer is a few hours away and most other dealers are scared of them so they dump them at auction and nobody bids!

Low miles (like under 50-60K miles) trucks bring a bunch more $$ but anything near or over 100K go cheap. Not many D2's go through all things being relative of course and D1's though rare to see will go for a couple or a few hundred $$ at most.

Freeloaders actually sell for more than D2's often times! LOL. People are stupid.

 

[MC22958]

With that type of mileage I bet it has slipped a liner in #5.

 

[Roving Beetle]

With those miles I personally would simply buy a good used lower miles motor, instal new gaskets and seals while it's on the stand and instal it.

Then pull the old one and check out what happened. If everything looks good toss some new gaskets and what ever it needs in it and sell it off to someone cheap.