GM I6 Diesel Impressions

[Tractorable]

Something I didn’t see mentioned in this thread are some of the questionable engineering choices GM made with this 3L diesel.

The oil pump is driven by a rubber belt located on the back of the engine. It has a 150k mile service interval and the transmission has to be dropped to change it. It has “active coolant management” which is numerous coolant valves actively routing coolant to different parts of the engine based on what the computer decides. It also has a dual EGR emissions system.

This might be all fine and dandy while under warranty, but if you buy used trucks, or are the “buy and hold” type who plans to drive the truck for hundreds of thousands of miles, it’d behoove you to be aware of the thousands of dollars you’ll be paying to maintain it.

This is going to be a huge cash cow for the dealerships because when they’re billing you a few grand to pull the transmission to replace the $20 rubber belt, it’d be the perfect time to upsell you on overhauling your 150,000 mile GM transmission, or low-ball you on a trade-in. By then, the cost of the service might be more than the truck is worth.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks for that. I think I just lost all interest. They can keep their RUBBER belt. Just Like the VW timing belt!

Makes the thing worthless as a DIESEL except for bragging rights.

I guess my idea of what a diesel engine is all about and that of these "NEW" Engineers is quite different.

 

[Hay Dude]

Thanks for that. I think I just lost all interest. They can keep their RUBBER belt. Just Like the VW timing belt!

Makes the thing worthless as a DIESEL except for bragging rights.

I agree That is a less desired way to run a oil pump. However, I would add also that most of our vehicles would be disabled by a belt failure, like a serpentine belt failure, too.
I could probably see my way to working with a belt driven oil pump IF it was accessible without removing the transmission. THAT is pretty ridiculous

 

[Industrial Toys]

Reminds me of a friend that bought a Generac with Mitsubishi engine, for use on his Gas Wells, so something expected to accumulate hours in a hurry. He went ballistic when he found, not only that they had a non metalic timing belt, but that it was an interferance engine!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Thanks for that. I think I just lost all interest. They can keep their RUBBER belt. Just Like the VW timing belt!

Makes the thing worthless as a DIESEL except for bragging rights.

I guess my idea of what a diesel engine is all about and that of these "NEW" Engineers is quite different.

It does have a rubber belt, but it's a timing chain in the rear and you do have to pull the tranny to change it.

I didn't think you had to pull the tranny to deal with the rubber belt though?

SR

 

[Tractorable]

The timing chain and the rubber oil pump belt are both on the back of the engine and require removal of the transmission to service.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

The timing chain and the rubber oil pump belt are both on the back of the engine and require removal of the transmission to service.

OK, thanks for updating me on that. SR

 

[lostcause]

The timing chain and the rubber oil pump belt are both on the back of the engine and require removal of the transmission to service.

I'd put money that says something seemingly trivial and emissions related will cause you a big hurt to the wallet long before something mechanical will on a new diesel. As much as I may like a certain vehicle I'm not going to get emotionally attached to a new diesel daily driver like this. These new diesels are great as long as you aren't paying the repair bill. Once that happens you will wish they are someone else's.

 

[s219]

Here's a good video on the engine -- they talk about the oil pump belt in the first couple minutes.

What you don't know about the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel - YouTube

 

[Hay Dude]

I'd put money that says something seemingly trivial and emissions related will cause you a big hurt to the wallet long before something mechanical will on a new diesel. As much as I may like a certain vehicle I'm not going to get emotionally attached to a new diesel daily driver like this. These new diesels are great as long as you aren't paying the repair bill. Once that happens you will wish they are someone else's.

And I壇 be betting same right alongside you. I lost DPF systems on all 3 of my 08 Superduty 6.4L diesels. One was replaced by previous owner. One I did by buying a used one off a young man who decided to remove his for $700 and the other I traded in on my RAM with a shot DPF. Dealer didn稚 care or even check.
Done by Ford with Ford parts, it was a $3,000+ job.