duramax diesels

[Dozernut]

Those new Cummins are quiet and a very good engine. As far as noise, I have to shut my DuraMax off at a drive-through or they can't hear me over the diesel clatter. However on the road the cab is nice and quiet and have no trouble hearing the radio or phone. One thing I do like about GM is the OnStar system. I would never have gotten a truck with OnStar, but the truck came equipped with it, along with a free subscription. Once I tried it, I was hooked. The hands free phone system is great, push a button on the steering wheel and it is all voice activated. The truck also has XM satellite radio where you have the same stations coast to coast.

 

[HGM]

No problem, it happens all the time here too....

That makes more sence, the newer diesels tend to run a Mass Air Flow sensor to monitor EGR flow(Ford eliminated it in '05). This sensor will become coated by the oil. On a gas burner, it could spell major fuel calculation troubles, but as far as Ford diesel goes, it would have little effect on the fuel calculations on a PowerStroke. Either way, I refuse to believe the benefit could outway the dammages they will alow in a diesel engine.

Also, as mentioned in another reply, about letting it idle for 8hrs. DONT DO IT...... That is the singe worst thing you can do to a modern diesel engine. They produce no heat at idle. As it idles it cools itself from the inside-out, it's just a big air pump. There is no restriction for it to fight against, hence no load= no heat, this also allows the EGR being flowed into the intake to cool and cake on everything in the intake including the EGR valve & Turbo. The misconception that most people have is "truckers do it all the time". If you notice, they have idle kickers and blankets covering the radiator to help retain heat. They are also running to produce electricity for thier sleepers, not soley to keep the engine warm. Just a word of caution.

 

[Dargo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They produce no heat at idle.)</font>

What??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

The diesel engine was invented by Rudolph Diesel in 1892. He received a patent for his "heat", or "compression" engine on February 23, 1893. The entire concept of the engine is that it runs on heat. Every diesel engine made produces heat by compression. That is what they do. That is how they run.

Perhaps what you meant to say was that most diesel engines have cooling systems on them that are designed to cool them when they are under a load, and may prevent them from maintaining a correct temperature when they are at idle.

 

[anthonyk]

I used the Kand N filter on my old truck and when I sent the oil sample in for analysis (amsoil synthetic) they said it had some sort of problem, and that it was directly related to the filter. They were able to pinpoint exactly what the contaminant was, and that it originated in the air filter oil. Never used one again.

anthony

 

[HGM]

Dargo,
Obviosly there is sufficent heat produced to ignite the fuel in the cylinders. What I was refering to is the inherant cooling action of the "air pump" ,for lack of better terms, that the engine becomes at idle. Since there is no load, heat production is at a minimum, exadurated if the vehicle is run at low ambiant temps. This only becomes an issue, to my knowledge, on the EGR equiped engines. We have seen many new trucks with severe carbon build-up over the past couple of years, they have all been on the soccer mom's, construction forman,rescue, or transit type vehicles that tend to idle for extended periods of time.

 

[Jeff396]

I've also heard that it isn't good to idle stock diesel pickups for long periods of time unless you can kick up the idle as the big rigs do. However, the reason I heard is that at idle the burn of the fuel is not as efficient (which I suppose could be the result of lower operating temps) and that all of the fuel isn't burned. After a while so much fuel is built up in the cylinders that it begins to wash the lubricant off of the cylinder walls and causes wear. I believe they call it "wet stacking".

Jeff

 

[kokopelli2]

For the information of others can you expand upon this?
Full Exhaust = 4" pipe from header to tailpipe?
Programmer = Replacing the computer chip with a programmablel model? Which brand and how do you like it?
Airbox = the K&N kit?

What did all this run you? <font color="brown"> </font>
All of my mods have been Bully dog brand, and I guess I have about a grand in everything outside the plow. I love all of it. I get great milage, better acceloration, and even tows nicer.

as for how long will a Duramax last, there are 2 guys on Diesel page that have over 400k miles on theirs.

 

[HGM]

Thats a good point as well, unburned fuel in the exhaust will contribute to the sooting.

As far as how long they can last. Its also true, if properly maintained, they can last seemingly forever.. I know of quite a few 7.3's with well over 700000mi and nothing done to them. Diesels are lubricated by all that goes through them, good fuel and clean air is the key.

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also, as mentioned in another reply, about letting it idle for 8hrs. DONT DO IT...... That is the singe worst thing you can do to a modern diesel engine. )</font>

Both my old 2002 7.3 Powerstroke and my 2005 6.0 Powerstroke are programmed from the factory to only idle for a few minutes then the program raises the engine rpm up significantly for a period of time automatically.

 

[HGM]

The 7.3 did have an exhaust backpressure valve that will cause a restriction in the exhaust and help to create more heat. Not a problem there.

The 6.0 has the capability if it is hooked up. Chances are you may be hearing the EGR close, this is part of the latest calibration changes that keep the EGR from working at an extended idle, just for this concern. I believe if you watch the tach, you wont see an RPM change on the 6.0. Not saying your wrong, its just a feature that doesnt come standard.

How has the 6.0 been treating you?

 

[GeneD14]

So far the 6.0 has been excellent. I only have 6,000 miles so far but have noticed: stronger, quieter, better mpg than the 7.3
The only downside so far is cost of oil filters are double, air filters are triple the cost, draining water off the fuel filter now I have to crawl under the truck and use a wrench. On the 7.3 to drain the water off the fuel just pop the hood and turn a yellow lever for a few seconds.

 

[HGM]

Yea, there's some differences. The nice thing about the air filter is that it should last about 3x as long, of course it depends on the environment. I do recomend changing the fuel filters regulary at 15k, they have been known to have injector issues from low fuel pressure. Good luck with it, enjoy.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

I have a Cummins motor wrappped in a Dodge body, but my brother has an 04'Duramax.

He loves the thing, nice ride, he is a city boy though. If he drives 60-65 he can get about 19mpg going 70 it starts to drop off. He towed his 6,000 pound boat/trailer from Seattle to Lake Powell, and he really like it.

As mentioned you can't really go wrong with any of the three unless you happen to get the lemon, and that is all a role of the dice.

steve

 

[wroughtn_harv]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( As mentioned you can't really go wrong with any of the three unless you happen to get the lemon, and that is all a role of the dice.)</font>

Truer words never spoken.

 

[deere755]

I thought maybe I could find a good used Duramax but they are hard to find. The dealer I deal with said he rarely gets a good used one in and when he does it doesn't last long. I am going to keep looking' But I may have to go new. Now I just have to convice the wife.

 

[HGM]

Have you priced new? That might be your best bet, with the new finance rates, employee discounts(untill Sept 4,I think) and the new models rolling out, you oughta be able to get a really good deal... I wouldnt even think used right now, just a thought.....

 

[deere755]

I hadn't really thought about it that way. I am suprised the dealer didn't think of that.

 

[Tevi]

They all have plus or minuses.Try driving each brand.I like Ford for looks and interior room.Dodge has the new Mega Cab coming out but I think it's only a 6 ft bed

 

[HGM]

Yea, I feel the same way myself Tevi, I've always been partial to the Ford's fit and finnish. I think the '07 will be pretty impressive as well, they all keep getting bigger and better.

They all have the same deal for Family Plan, its worth looking into if you need a truck, especially if you are financing. It could end up a hundered or two cheaper per month with a new truck.

 

[bdog]

I have had them all.

Fords:

87 6.9 diesel:roller lifter failure at 185k
92 7.3 diesel: Running fine when I sold it with 262 k
(never had a newer powerstroke)

Dodge:
2001 cummins: Lots of injector pump probs. Had pump go out twice under warranty. Third time it went out at 160k I traded the truck. Other than these problems was an awesome truck.

2004 cummins: This is the company truck I drive. Only has 9k on it now. Zero problems so far, and it pulls great

Chevrolet:
2002 Dmax: My current truck. 78k. Injectors were replaced at 60k under warranty. Comfort factor is the best truck I have ever been in. Does not seem to have as much power as the dodges, but has no problems pulling the 12k trailer I pull.


My opinion, Get any of the three and you will be happy. If buying used just make sure you get one that has been taken care of. In my experience the dodges get the most mpg. I hear a lot of high claims with the dmax but I have never got over 17.5. My dodge got 18-20 and my buddy with a short bed dodge gets 22.

I am completely happy with my dmax, but the next truck I buy will probably be a dodge. Fords are solid and I buy them for work trucks at my job, but I would not want one for a personal truck. They just have too much of the "work truck" feel to them. I have a buddy who has a brand new 2005 Powerstroke with every option imaginable that I think he payed close to 50k for. It still looks like a work truck to me. I think the chevy an dodge have a more comfortable feel to them.