Duramax vs. Powerstroke

[Code54]

DMACE - sounds like you all have a BIG fleet - I was just wondering if you had any of the newer Cummins 6.7 and how they were holding up if the maintenance schedule was followed? The first ones seemed to have a tough time with the emissions but it seems they got it all worked out but was wondering what your experiences were?

 

[Dmace]

DMACE - sounds like you all have a BIG fleet - I was just wondering if you had any of the newer Cummins 6.7 and how they were holding up if the maintenance schedule was followed? The first ones seemed to have a tough time with the emissions but it seems they got it all worked out but was wondering what your experiences were?

As I said, we have 280-300 vehicles with the construction side (service trucks, bucket trucks, utility bodies, etc...) class 3,4 or 5 (3500, 4500, 5500) trucks making up probably 1/4 of that number. The RAM diesels have been very good, couple of early models (2008) had problems with stalling when idling long but a factory reflash took care of that. None of them are the High Output 800 lb.ft. either but that would be nice. The Ford's and GM's feel like race cars compared to the Cummins when empty but once loaded, they still can't match that low end Cummins grunt. The Aisin tranny is a thing of beauty too! Although, no problems with the Ford or GM trannies either. They're all very good now.

The Ford's gave us DEF problems with frozen injector and failed heater but that was replaced and upgraded. So far so good. I think Ford may have a winner with the 6.7l but still feel the Cummins and Duramax are simplier, proven and better overall still but time will tell. Tough to pick a bad one these days.

I personally take the RAM service truck because the interiors are the most comfortable (for a work truck) as well as the great engine/tranny combo. These trucks get used hard everyday and maintained very well which is exactly what they need!

 

[TheGoose]

I own a 2004 6.0 Cab/Chassis F-350. I'm the 2nd owner, bought the truck at about 115K. Last summer I had to have the engine oil cooler replaced. This was the 2nd time this was done. First time was under warranty.

Here's the deal with the 6.0 engine. The oil cooler is easy clogged, which in turn causes most of the problems you hear about. Clogged oil cooler = less flow to the EGR cooler = blown EGR cooler = water in oil/oil in water = blown head gaskets or worse.

Get a set of gauges like the Edge Insight. Keep an eye on your ECT/EOT (engine coolant to engine oil temps). When the engine oil starts running 15* hotter than the engine coolant your oil cooler is plugged. Have the cooler changed ($2500+ job BTW)out with the latest and greatest version, flush the engine very very thoroughly before doing this, and then get rid of the Ford Gold coolant and use CAT ELC coolant. Also add a coolant filter. Costs about $150 but if it keeps the oil cooler from being plugged it's well worth it. Also, while you're in there, "fix" the EGR valve or upgrade the EGR cooler.

Solve these problems and the 6.0 can be a very good motor. Also, I have a stick shift on mine so I can't comment about the auto transmissions.

I do have several people in my family who use duramax trucks to do heavy hauling (like 580 case backhoes etc) and they have proved to be very, very reliable.

When I had my truck fixed my mechanic told me to stay far, far away from the 6.4. I know my pop has had nothing but trouble from his.

 

[case245]

i say get an 2006 not much emissions on that year or old dmax in 2011 gm star adding exhaust fuild to there trucks i look at them i didnt like all the emissions on them i got a 3500hd gasser 4.11 rears i pulled 20k gcvwr it didnt like the hills that the only place i want the diesel engine

 

[Code54]

Thanks DMACE - it is always interesting to hear how they are doing and any problems that are "common"

As I said, we have 280-300 vehicles with the construction side (service trucks, bucket trucks, utility bodies, etc...) class 3,4 or 5 (3500, 4500, 5500) trucks making up probably 1/4 of that number. The RAM diesels have been very good, couple of early models (2008) had problems with stalling when idling long but a factory reflash took care of that. None of them are the High Output 800 lb.ft. either but that would be nice. The Ford's and GM's feel like race cars compared to the Cummins when empty but once loaded, they still can't match that low end Cummins grunt. The Aisin tranny is a thing of beauty too! Although, no problems with the Ford or GM trannies either. They're all very good now.

The Ford's gave us DEF problems with frozen injector and failed heater but that was replaced and upgraded. So far so good. I think Ford may have a winner with the 6.7l but still feel the Cummins and Duramax are simplier, proven and better overall still but time will tell. Tough to pick a bad one these days.

I personally take the RAM service truck because the interiors are the most comfortable (for a work truck) as well as the great engine/tranny combo. These trucks get used hard everyday and maintained very well which is exactly what they need!

 

[bdeboer]

I had the EXACT same problems with my 08 GMC except my dealer (at the time) said there was nothing wrong with the diesel fumes in the cab. :thumbdown: I also had a problem with not being able to keep batterys in it. They would only last a year. That being said, I liked that truck so much I just traded for a 13 GMC SLE. I only have 3500 miles on it so far but I am liking it more every day. No more smell at regen. I think they fixed that problem with the 9th injector. I'm also real happy with the engine brake they added. .

Mine still has the original 5 year old batteries, started no problem after sitting outside all last week. Glad the new one seems to be improved. I found a TSB on the downpipe on DieselPlace after the dealer I purchased it from said it was normal. Took it to the dealer I prefer, and they took care of it.

 

[PMA]

I have owned Ford F-250 since 1994. I have had three. 1994,2006, and now a 2011. Never had any problems with any of the motors. Only problem I had was with 1994 that had a vacuum pump replaced and the clutch in the fan. Just like Fords. And plus they didn't receive any stimulus money from our current regime.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[MIKE R]

Thanks all for your input. I think I will stay clear of the Ford Powerstrokes. I do like the look of them but doing more reading and talking to people I think I will stay away from them for now.

As for the Duramax engines how to people like the LLY and the LBZ engines?

I have been told they are one of the best truck engines for cold starts(-10 to -35 Celsius) not being plugged in.

 

[Dmace]

Thanks all for your input. I think I will stay clear of the Ford Powerstrokes. I do like the look of them but doing more reading and talking to people I think I will stay away from them for now.

As for the Duramax engines how to people like the LLY and the LBZ engines?

If you go with the older LLY engine, stick to a 2006 model. They're completely different from the 04-05 LLY engines and didn't have the overheating problems plus a big TQ gain (605lb.ft. vs 520lb.ft) . The 06 LLY was basically the LBZ engine with minor tuning changes. Being an "older" engine, you'll probably get a better deal on a 06 model too!

 

[crbr]

LBZ is the better generation engine in the classic body style (2006.5 - 2007). LLY is reliable but more of a spin-off from the LB7 (which was my worst engine after three of the Duramax powered trucks). I had an LBZ for five years and really like it as far as comparison to the LLY / LB7. I would not touch an LB7 again.

An early 2007 (classic body style) would be my preference. The 2007.5 model changed engines and body styles.