This factory service and repair manual for the 1988 Chevrolet W6500 Tiltmaster has two diesel sixes to keep straight, and they are not the same size. One is a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter of 396 cubic inches; the other is a turbocharged 5.8 of 353. A shop that identifies the wrong one will be working to the wrong clearances, so the engine material is kept separate throughout. The body side is simpler: a single low tilt straight truck built as W6R042.
Engines covered
- 6.5L inline-six (396 cu in) — naturally aspirated, diesel
- 5.8L inline-six (353 cu in) — turbocharged, diesel
Body styles covered
- Straight truck, low tilt
Trims covered
- W6R042
Known issues on the 1988 W6500 Tiltmaster. Nothing has been recorded against this truck at the federal level — no recall action, and no complaint from an owner. That makes coverage the whole of the question. Both diesels are documented in full, from injection and air handling through cooling and lubrication, with the torque values and service limits each one takes. The chassis sections then carry the frame, driveline, brake and steering hardware and the wiring that ties the tilt cab to all of it.
