Bringing non-runner M1165A1 REV back to life!

[GMVguy]

I bought this “non-runner” M1165A1 REV Truck (SN 315k) as a “parts truck” to salvage some things for my GMV, but decided to try and get it running. I’m chasing down all the problems and hit a wall I could use some help with.

When it arrived from GP, the serpentine belt was wrapped around the fan drive and the tensioner was missing, so I replaced those.

With fresh batteries, the truck started up, but ran very rough and blew white smoke (unspent fuel), as if glow plugs were bad. It lives! I was encouraged…

Sure enough, 2 out of 8 glow plugs tested bad (no continuity), and the start box was not supplying voltage to the glow plug wires. Replaced & tested all 8 glow plugs with Wellmans and put a brand new Nartron S3 start box in. Verified 24v to known good glow plugs and reconnected the batteries...

See the video at this point. The truck started up quicker, but still runs very rough and blows white smoke. (I also noticed oil pressure gauge doesn’t move). I’m hoping there isn’t a major internal engine problem, but am not sure what the above steps lead to at this point.

Any ideas?

 

[87cr250r]

Even without glow plugs the engine should smooth out within a few seconds if you're above 40°F. That engine is making some unhappy sounds but they don't sound like bearings but there is something seriously wrong with the engine. Is it blowing bubbles in the cooling system? Have you done an oil filter cut? What does it look like under the valve covers? You may need some injectors.

 

[GMVguy]

Haven't removed the valve covers yet but I did change all fluids and there were no obvious issues. I still have the old oil filter, so will cut it open and check the element with a magnet.

No bubbles in the coolant.

Would any of the above, or injectors, cause the engine to run so rough and shake like that, blowing unspent fuel out the exhaust?

 

[Mogman]

I would put an oil pressure gauge on it and confirm it had oil pressure before continuing, you can simply screw a gauge into the 90 that the sending unit connects to.