1983 G20 van build - looking for advice

[Gasoline Fumes]

They can crack and the teeth can wear out. Mine has neither issue. I'll send it your way for $30 shipped. And yes, the truck had a 700R4.

[kv1]

Ok, what's your paypal email? I assume paypal is fine right?

I just PM'ed you my address. Only have 58 bucks right now =( that brings me to 28 lmao.

Regarding putting the engine inside the van, Irving is waiting mainly on this part and a couple other ones. He told me that the body of this van doesn't come off the frame. Do you know how to get the engine in there? Irving is proposing cutting the front metal of the van behind the bumper to get the oil pan to pass through.

Is this the only way?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiS2otIErvc

[kv1]

Thanks Gasoline Fumes! Just sent $30 your way. Hope the shipping isn't too expensive.

[Gasoline Fumes]

PM replied. I don't have much van experience. Never pulled an engine from one.

[kv1]

thanks! can't wait till it arrives

[kv1]

yay! Expected Delivery Day: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 =D

[kv1]

Would you guys/gals recommend getting this conversion kit? Looks like it has a fuel heater, which is good, and a small filter (I will need a FH-900 or FH-1000 filter of course to complement this, but for 120 dollars, it's not bad though right?)

[Gasoline Fumes]

The manual valves are an interesting way to go. Should be less chance of failure. Most conversions use electrically-operated valves.

[kv1]

Hello everyone!

Thanks so much for all the help and information everyone has posted in this thread. It amounts to a wealth of information.

Irving (the mechanic) and I are picking up speed again. I ran out of money a while back for the project but I started working again and hopefully will be able to pay it through this time.






So far:

Engine has been mounted (the trickiest part). This was accomplished by cutting the bumper. If we were to do this again next time, I would recommend attaching the engine mounts and brackets (fully assembled) to the engine and maneuvering the engine. We attached the brackets to the engine and the mounts to the frame and then had to wiggle the engine to put the through bolts in. This took forever, but nevertheless worked using a impact socket driver (one of those red snap-on ones) and spinning the through-bolt while wiggling the engine back and forth.

The flex-plate is on!

I ordered the starter which should come soon.

As for next steps, we are going to attach the transmission and the starter

Starter should be coming tomorrow and I ordered this one including the bracket as per this thread's recommendations:




The goal is to have this van running and driving by the 30th (9 days from this post).

I need a lot of help and advice and guidance still...

From what I understand the missing parts as of now are:
-alternator (will buy a used one locally)
-large radiator
-water pump (we have this as it came with the engine)
-power steering pump (diesel does not produce vaccum) - need to swap the vacuum assist pod and master cylinder out for hydroboost system
-diesel pump
-diesel fuel tank and return line
-wiring harness
-second battery
-glow plugs


Which one of these should be the top priority? In what order would you tackle these obstacles to start trouble shooting the engine as fast as possible? I am thinking the starter, alternator, wiring the battery and harness.

We removed the intake manifold from the engine. Does this mean it would need to be bled? How do we do that?

Any help hugely appreciated.

[kv1]

Is this alternator good to use with the engine?
Amazon.com: ALTERNATOR 07 08 09 GMC C K R V PICKUP 6.2 6.6 DIESEL 15200268: Automotive


Does it seem like a reasonable price? I will shop around locally and see if I can get one cheaper.

Will the van be on a 24 volt system or a 12 volt system? The engine is a military engine (j-code), so I'm not sure because I heard military engines use 24 volts.