Diesel Question

[WM75Guy]

It is a cummins, but its not a semi's engine. I asked the drealer about the possibility of increasing the pick up in the engine when i had the transmission rebuilt, and they WONT do it.

I'm glad you understand that, a lot of guys don't. The last time I looked at the 5.9 Cummins it could be configured from 175 to 275 HP from the Freightliner factory in an FL70 chassis. Same motor in a Dodge PU had 185 HP with a drive train to match.

Some farmboy would turn the injector pump up (there was a wax seal on the screw to show if you tampered with it), load 30,000 pounds of round bales behind it in the field, and dump the clutch. Then he would complain about the weak drivetrain when the driveshaft twisted loose or the gears stripped in the rear end. When you send HP and torque to rear tires that are not going to spin something has got to give.

 

[RollingsFarms]

I agree totally!! I know I can justify a 2500HD for my next truck, but it will be a gas 6.0, just can't justify a DMAX. Wish they would put an Allison behind a 6.0 though.

wait for them to drop the 6.2 in the HD's if you can hold off for a couple years. 2014 model year I believe. i have it in my 1/2 ton crew cab and lemmie tell ya, it's a hoss!:thumbsup:

 

[lostcause]

the fuel economy difference is minimal now and the extra cost of diesel fuel probably makes that number close to a wash.

modern gas engines generally all pretty good at lasting for many years and miles if taken care of, so a diesel won't necessarily outlast a gas engine vehicle now - not because of the engines, but because the vehicle underneath is likely to be well worn by the time the engine goes bad.

diesel maintenance does cost more - double the oil capacity, much more expensive (and in some cases multiple) fuel filters. we're not talking thousands here, but depending on how often you change it will add up. finding sources for inexpensive filters is key too. around here dmax fuel filters are retailing for nearly $80, but can often be had for closer to $40 if you look around.

new diesels generally cost several thousand more than a comparable gas truck, and none of the above factors will really help justify a diesel, so the only way i believe they can be justified is if you are going to be hauling a heavy load a lot. there's no question you'll be happy with the power when you need it. it's a balance of whether the cost can be justified for that power and that's an answer each person has to make themselves.

my personal experience is that when they're working they're great. when they need repairs you wish you had a gas one. i have an older duramax that i bought used, and it ended up needing injectors. i did a lot of searching and ended up paying $169 each instead of $350 each from gm. both were rebuilt and had the same warranty. ended up being close to $2400 for the injector job and a glow plug wiring repair. i got a small local gm dealer to do the repair with my parts, so i paid a premium for labor, but i didn't know any local independent shops who were proficient with the duramax.

my truck is known for injector issues, but i believe that the previous (lack of) maintenance may have been a contributing factor. i suspect it was often filled from private tanks and not a gas station. the first few fuel filter changes showed a lot of crud making its way to the filter. it's notably cleaner now, but to be safe i still do my fuel filter changes at 5k. expensive, but cheaper than another injector job.