GMC Diesel Van Ponderings

[bgadow]

I picked up some more details tonight: it's an '83, G25 series, oil was changed every 3k miles with regular fuel filter changes and transmission servicing. He said he never had a bit of trouble with the 700R4. Power windows/locks, all work. He did mention the heavy feel, especially when braking. I've only driven these vans around town once or twice, for customers...had one guy, a retired TV repairman, who had an '86 with a 4.3V6 and a factory 3 speed in the floor! He was still driving it a year ago when he moved away to retire. Rust was creeping up on that one, though. The worst news is that the AC quit years ago. He had a mechanic replace the seals and recharge it but it leaked down quickly and he never messed with it again. Working AC would be a must.

Squirrel Boy, I agree about the "devil you know." I've owned the Dodge almost since new and can tell you its whole history off the top of my head. Granted, the owner of this van has likewise kept excellent records. I really like that generation Dakota, and have been driving them for about 23 years now. A thought I've had for years now was to find one from the mid-90s with no miles on it, maybe an estate vehicle, but every one I see has 150-250k miles on it. For now, I think I'll research what it would cost to get the AC up and running...hmm, wonder what those roof units cost???

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by bgadow

I picked up some more details tonight: it's an '83, G25 series, oil was changed every 3k miles with regular fuel filter changes and transmission servicing. He said he never had a bit of trouble with the 700R4. Power windows/locks, all work. He did mention the heavy feel, especially when braking. I've only driven these vans around town once or twice, for customers...had one guy, a retired TV repairman, who had an '86 with a 4.3V6 and a factory 3 speed in the floor! He was still driving it a year ago when he moved away to retire. Rust was creeping up on that one, though. The worst news is that the AC quit years ago. He had a mechanic replace the seals and recharge it but it leaked down quickly and he never messed with it again. Working AC would be a must.

Squirrel Boy, I agree about the "devil you know." I've owned the Dodge almost since new and can tell you its whole history off the top of my head. Granted, the owner of this van has likewise kept excellent records. I really like that generation Dakota, and have been driving them for about 23 years now. A thought I've had for years now was to find one from the mid-90s with no miles on it, maybe an estate vehicle, but every one I see has 150-250k miles on it. For now, I think I'll research what it would cost to get the AC up and running...hmm, wonder what those roof units cost???

The AC's in GM products, seldom lasted over three years. All the AC's in my Mopar's worked when I sold them, usually ten years or older.
The AC in my 2000 Dakota, will cool down the truck in a very short time. It's a club-cab type and uses the newer refrigerant.

[Kamakiri]

Originally Posted by bgadow

The worst news is that the AC quit years ago. He had a mechanic replace the seals and recharge it but it leaked down quickly and he never messed with it again. Working AC would be a must.

I don't think my A/C has worked since the Clinton administration. The compressor and all is still hooked up, but the way all of the plumbing is done under that hood I won't even attempt the repair.

I've had two water pumps put on the van. That's one job that (at the time anyway) I flat out said "there is no way in hell I'm even gonna try". I've been putting off the inevitable changing of belts for that same reason (they're about 7 years old but not terrible). Forget working on anything in the front of the engine unless you disassemble half the front end and pull the radiator.

Again, old Chevys need a special kind of love. My van likes to be treated a certain way....she'll do anything you ask, but you have to treat her with a gentle hand and understanding. It'll last *me* forever, but in the hands of just about anyone else it'd give up the ghost within a couple months. I wouldn't hesitate buying another, but I just can't let this one go . I even rebuilt the turbo 350 myself for about $100 half a dozen years ago, pulled it out on my back in the driveway with jack stands on the front.

A relationship with an old Chevy van is like being married to an ugly soulmate. While you dream every moment of having something more attractive, you just can't bear to part ways because of how much it really contributes to your life......

[Username1]

Originally Posted by Kamakiri

Again, old Chevys need a special kind of love. My van likes to be treated a certain way....she'll do anything you ask, but you have to treat her with a gentle hand and understanding. It'll last *me* forever, but in the hands of just about anyone else it'd give up the ghost within a couple months. I wouldn't hesitate buying another, but I just can't let this one go . I even rebuilt the turbo 350 myself for about $100 half a dozen years ago, pulled it out on my back in the driveway with jack stands on the front.

A relationship with an old Chevy van is like being married to an ugly soulmate. While you dream every moment of having something more attractive, you just can't bear to part ways because of how much it really contributes to your life......

Awwweee That's soooo sweettt.....

Lotsa vehicles over 15 yrs. old will do ok with their current loving owner....

I remember doing a water pump on my '73 mustang 351 A/C it took me all day long, I removed more bolts and stuff.... Easily took twice as long, and twice as much stuff as taking the head off the wife's 91 accord.... And I took off the timing belt completely first.... I can't imagine how long it would take to do a water pump on a van.... yikes...