I'd rate the entire line of Oldsmobile diesels as the worst ever offered for car and truck use - especially the early 5.7s. Cast-iron cranks breaking, head gaskets failing, injection pumps seizing, etc. I was working on them when they were new.
2nd to that I'd rate the GMC line of Toroflows as pretty bad diesels considering they were intended for heavy use.
In regard to the Detroit-Diesel designed 6.2s and 6.5s? They were originally intended as direct power replacements for 305 gas engines and for that - they worked well. In a pickup truck they'd get 20 MPG instead of 14-15 AND diesel fuel was cheaper then gas back then. Other then some minor head-gasket problems in the first year engines only (1982)they did pretty well in light use. Once people starting using them in 1 tons, or 8000 lb. RVs and step-vans - they did not fare very well. Especaially with turbos added and fuel delivery turned up. The new 6.5s made today (Optimizer 6500) are pretty rugged, compact, and lightweight but they cost a fortune. Still in use by our military.
Considering the fuel crunch in this country when the 6.2s were first introduced - they did a good job with what they were first intended for. GM was the only company offering diesels in full size 1/2 tons. My 1983 plow truck has 220K hard miles on it and has never skipped a beat. Worst part of it was the original 700R4 trans - not the engine. Once a TH400 got swapped in along with a mechanical modulator kit - it's been a great truck. By today's standards - maybe not all that impressive. By 1983 standards? Very impressive considering it can get 20 MPG.
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Today's Featured Article - Madison's County - by Anthony West. Philip Madison has been a good friend of mine for quite some time. He has patiently suffered my incessant chit chat on the subject of tractors for longer than I care to remember, and on many occasions he has put himself out, dropped what ever it was he was doing, to come and lend a hand cranking handles, or loading a find onto a trailer. Although he himself has never actually owned or restored a tractor, he was always enthusiastic and always around helping with other peoples projects.
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