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burqueDOKA
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle(s): 1550L37Doka, 404 ROCKMOG, '00 G500
Posts: 622
| Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
Hello all, I am new here to the forum and G's. My recent aquisition of a '84 280 GE comes w/ great enthusiasm. The truck as a whole is flawless, except for the engine. It has just over 150k on her and runs pretty well, but not great. I am aware from reading recent mechanic notes on it that it has a burned exhaust valve on #3, and as such it has around 65psi in that cylinder as aposed to 80-100 in all the others.
My question to you all is this, is it more worth my time and money to have the top end re-done, or take the plunge and go for the diesel conversion? I personally am a fan of the turbo diesel idea, but I don't have the experience w/ these to know which move is the better bang for the buck in the end. Any input is appretiated. -James |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
burqueDOKA - 7/18/2006 11:59 AM
Hello all, I am new here to the forum and G's. My recent aquisition of a '84 280 GE comes w/ great enthusiasm. The truck as a whole is flawless, except for the engine. It has just over 150k on her and runs pretty well, but not great. I am aware from reading recent mechanic notes on it that it has a burned exhaust valve on #3, and as such it has around 65psi in that cylinder as aposed to 80-100 in all the others.
My question to you all is this, is it more worth my time and money to have the top end re-done, or take the plunge and go for the diesel conversion? I personally am a fan of the turbo diesel idea, but I don't have the experience w/ these to know which move is the better bang for the buck in the end. Any input is appretiated. -James
What would you like to achieve? Power? Fuel economy? |
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roughneck
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UK, Germany & USA
Vehicle(s): 270 cdi.300 GD 300 GE.lwb 300 GE.swb. Disco 2
Posts: 4398
| RE: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
Add to Dutch question. on or off road or both if both what % |
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dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
Mog fanatic,
If the only problem with your motor is a valve job then I would say do that and enjoy your truck with a working stock motor for a while. If you then wanted to shift to diesel power you will have a motor that is in good shape that will be of value to someone.
-Dai |
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TWODOGS
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): Norwegian Army 240GD
Posts: 584
| RE: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
 go turbo D , no electric problems and safer off piste .
Twodogs |
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burqueDOKA
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle(s): 1550L37Doka, 404 ROCKMOG, '00 G500
Posts: 622
| Re: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
Honestly I'd like both power and economy . As it is, it's only getting around 10 MPG and is a total dog up any kind of incline (I'm pretty sure it's because it runs like it's on 5.5 cylinders). As far as off road goes, I have my mog for the serious stuff, but the G will definatley be camping and such. I will call the mechanics in Santa Fe who messed w/ it last and get an idea of how much a top end will be. Does any one make a kit for a diesel install, or did you guys have to fabricate motor mounts? Also does any diesel mate to the 5 speed G tranny or does the tranny need to be replaced also?
I appretiate the help guys! -James |
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dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
There is no kit. The OM617 diesels will bolt up to the transmission. I have the 5 speed in my truck. My rig has very heavy duty motor mounts. I would try to go with these if you can get them. They look like forged steel as opposed to alloy castings for passenger cars. The rubber mounts themselves are extremely heavy duty to withstand off road shock. Talk to Sean at Eurotruck, he may have ideas for you. You will need a diesel motor and the related glow plug wiring and relay box. A pretty straighforward swap.
-Dai |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
burqueDOKA - 7/19/2006 10:58 AM
Honestly I'd like both power and economy . As it is, it's only getting around 10 MPG and is a total dog up any kind of incline (I'm pretty sure it's because it runs like it's on 5.5 cylinders).
I used to get a very consistent 15 mpg at 75-80 mph on the highway with that truck. Fix the engine. I think you'll be much happier. |
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G350DT
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
Replace the engine and send me the old one |
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roughneck
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UK, Germany & USA
Vehicle(s): 270 cdi.300 GD 300 GE.lwb 300 GE.swb. Disco 2
Posts: 4398
| RE: Better new top end or Diesel conversion on a 280GE
TWODOGS - 7/19/2006 9:16 AM
go turbo D , no electric problems and safer off piste .
Twodogs
Better on the pisst too |
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