to go or not to go

[Bill]

Hi, I've just joined the forum.

I have a '91 B-2200 Carburated gas 2.2 with 127,000 on the clock. It gets about 28 mpg and runs good.

We bought it 2 years ago from an old freind.

I really insist on GOOD brakes so we installed loaded calipers, new rotors. Found a destroyed seal and wheel bearing on left side.

I replaced the muffler shop tin header pipe with a OEM cast piece w\complete system including Cat.

It smoked when cold so we replaced the valve stem seals(head in place) and also added Restore.

The original timing belt was still in place. We also replaced the radiator support(it did not exist below the bumper level) and front and rear bumpers. I had to weld on new rear shock mounts as the old ones twisted right off when we put all new shocks on.

We replaced the cupped snow tires(noisy) with new Goodyear all weather.

Finally the rearend cover rusted thru and began to leak. I hauled my camper and when I got to camp the safety chains were soaked(pee uuu). I decided to use epoxy to seal it up. That worked for a while and when it began again I noticed that the vent was plugged and that caused pressure to build and push the oil out.

This truck is just plain fun to drive and we like to putter around with it. I also need a truck to go to Lowes.

In the winter it is treacherous to drive so now I have 400# of sand in the rear, like a different vehicle. Last week it was -4 F and it started good, a lot of pumping until it started getting some rpm, with the clutch depressed of course.


I was wondering if it would be an easy thing to change over to Diesel.

I have a line on a Mazda Diesel, and a Mitsubishi Turbo Diesel that is said to bolt in place and also mate up to the 5 speed.

What would be needed in addition to Fuel Filter\seperator, glow plug circuit, throttle linkages and exhaust plumbing.

Would this be worth it, or get another truck . This truck is kinda a part of the family.

My dailer driver to work is a 2001 Limited Editon Monte Carlo SS, and my wife has a 2003 Tracker.

Our baby is a 90' Mustang GT w\15,000 miles and in the work shop is a 64 1/2 Mustang Coupe on the rotisserie to get all new sheet metal and a complete restoration. The 289 will be heated up to 350-400hp.

The next project is a 69 Opel GT and the doner Drive line \wiring for it is a 88' Merc Grand Marquis w\5.0, electronic aod(using a big shoe horn). ;D

[TheDieseliminator]

Converting to diesel would be sweet in a newer Mazda pickup. I would put in the Mazda or Mitsubishi motor, they are both good motors from what I've heard. Where are you from? The Mazda motor has a cast iron head, so it will go forever, but the Mitsubishi turbo motor has a cast aluminum head and probably won't last as long as the Mazda. The Mazda is a 2.2 liter and has 58 HP, while the Mitsubishi is a 2.3 liter turbo and has 86-90 HP. I've seen and heard a Mazda diesel under the hood, as for the Mitsubishi, I've only seen pictures of the motor. I really look forward to the day I can see it live and hear what it sounds like. It is up to you what motor you want, but I diffenently would go with a diesel for your Mazda.

[bill]

Hi Salvy, I saw your post and replied.

The Diesel's I have found are on ebay and imported rom the land of the rising sun, they are low mileage and the Mazda also appers to be an aluminun head.

Here is the link: cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2446818188&category=33615

We are located in central NY, in the Utica-Rome area.

I like the sound of the turbo diesel's, and since they both are aluminun heads it seems that the Turbo would have a little more umph.

If I do this I need to replace the rearend, and if I do that I'm going to replace\rebuild the rear frame section. This thing is quit rusty.

We had a Datsun dealer with a Lil' Hustler truck, with duallies and a tow truck bed. That rear with dualls would be cool and handle the increased power.

[TheDieseliminator]

Oh I see, you are dealing with newer diesel engines from Japan. I remember seeing them on Ebay, and since they are newer engines I can see that they are aluminum head. I was talking about the 80's Mazda and Mitsubishi diesel engines. The trucks you could get with a diesel in it factory and not have anything imported to the U.S. A 2.2 liter diesel was available in the 1982-1984 Mazda B2200 pickups and a 2.3 liter turbo diesel was available in the 1983-1986 Mitsubishi pickups. Both are rare, but I think I would rather put one of these into a newer Mazda, instead of imported motors.