Discussion:
YALE (1986) repower opinions/ info wanted

I have a 1986 Yale GDP060 (LCNSBV086)

This machine is in great overall condition except the rare straight 6 Mazda ZB Diesel engine is shot.
It spun a rod bearing and the PO (prev owner) kept running it....so now the crank is worn.025 under size. Parts for this engine are ASStronomically expensive from yale.
And so my $150 investment has been setting for about 5 years....

This summer I picked up a 1970 Yale G83P and have gone thru it, "undoing all the wrong doing that's been done" (I'd like to write a country song with that line in it some day) and the ole slant six in it purrs like a kitten now.

Well, the gears started turning, and I got the idea to replace the mazda diesel in the '86 with a slant 6.
A transmission adapter will have to be machined/fabed to couple the engine/ trans.
The good news is, the hyd pumps run off the trans, so no extra pump mounts will have to be made.
And, I already drug home a super rusty 89 dodge pickup that has a 1980 slant 6 in it....which runs pretty good....probably better with a tune up, but no smoke or lifter noise. $200 for the truck...

Oh, and I checked.....the slant 6 looks like it turns the same direction as the Mazda.....don't need THAT surprise!

Would this F/L have ever of had a slant 6 engine in it?
Any chance of finding an adapter plate already made that would hook the chrysler to the SAE bellhousing on the F/L automatic trans?

This is more of a hobby project for me than an all out requirement to get the machine functional.
I need forklifts for my business (machine shop) a half hour or so a week, not 8 hours a day.

Your thoughts?

dan k
  • Posted 18 Oct 2009 05:46
  • By dkmc
  • joined 18 Oct'09 - 48 messages
  • New York, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
The transmission is the same for GP LC to the GDP LC. I believe the GLP LC had the slant six in it from the factory. The torque converter and plates are different. Good Luck.
  • Posted 20 Oct 2009 10:58
  • By garland_m
  • joined 16 Oct'09 - 205 messages
  • Virginia, United States
"I had to put 2 pistons, bearings , and gaskets in a TM Mazda a couple years ago. The pistons were $400 each without rings, oil pan gasket $100, head gasket $100, etc."

Thank you for confirming the parts price insanity mrfixit!
They will scare the heck outta you at Yale parts Dept.
I think Piston rings were like $25....EACH.
Forget that BS....

On the gearing, I think it's close to the same believe it or not. I -think- both motors in the F/L application are used at 2200 max RPM....I'd like to confirm that on the diesel tho...
The good news is the /6 makes peak torque at 1600RPM.

Flywheel/TC adapter will be the biggest challenge of the project. I am hoping to use the Cast plate that was between the trans and the diesel on the /6 with some machining and modifications. If not, then a new plate altogether....
  • Posted 19 Oct 2009 03:47
  • By dkmc
  • joined 18 Oct'09 - 48 messages
  • New York, United States
Even a 3K G83P had the slant 6. I think they called it a ramp climber, and it could certainly climb a ramp, even at 1/4 throttle.
I had to put 2 pistons, bearings , and gaskets in a TM Mazda a couple years ago. The pistons were $400 each without rings, oil pan gasket $100, head gasket $100, etc.
Keep in mind a slant 6 operates at a much higher RPM than a diesel and I would think a diesel forklift is geared for a slower turning motor. You will also have to figure out how to connect the flywheel to the torque converter.
  • Posted 19 Oct 2009 00:38
  • Modified 19 Oct 2009 05:04 by poster
  • By mrfixit
  • joined 11 Dec'08 - 1,434 messages
  • New York, United States
"In that era Yale used the slant 6 starting in the class four models. (11k capacity through 15 k capacity.)"

Wow, a slant 6 in those big trucks??
I have a 1970 G83 (only 4K) that has a slant 6 in it.



Thanks for the link, but I have given up on the Diesel for cost reasons.
It will still be probably $2000 or more to rebuild it.
Just not worth it for my application.
If I could find a reasonably priced ($500-1000??) used diesel, I would consider that option.

dk
  • Posted 18 Oct 2009 22:49
  • Modified 18 Oct 2009 22:52 by poster
  • By dkmc
  • joined 18 Oct'09 - 48 messages
  • New York, United States
Try E.P.S. (engine power source) for a crank and a reman kit for the diesel engine. That lift would have never used a slant 6. In that era Yale used the slant 6 starting in the class four models. (11k capacity through 15 k capacity.)
  • Posted 18 Oct 2009 15:49
  • By bigGlittlestar
  • joined 12 Aug'08 - 139 messages
  • United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Global Industry News
edition #1237 - 3 July 2025
While innovation and new technology are evolving at what seems to be an ever-increasing pace, the need to capture the data (telemetry) from this tech, and the ability to utilise it (telematics) for efficiency and cost savings, is one area attracting more and more attention ... Continue reading
TOC Europe wraps up Rotterdam, Netherlands

PREMIUM business

Yale Lift Truck Technologies
Yale offers a full line of forklifts to help customers adapt to today's demanding supply chain.
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025