Diesel truck starting to look more attractive

cowboydoc · May 18, 2004

The oil changes started in 2003 with the introduction of the 6.0 litre powerstorke. The 7.3 was 5000 normal driving and 3000 under severe conditions. We usually run 5-6k on the 7.3's. We do oil analysis every couple of oil changes and even at 6k our oil is coming back still within normal parameters.

RobertN · May 18, 2004

Many newer engines can go longer on oil changes these days. For many, it is more capacity for oil, which does not get as heaviley recirculated and used. My wife's car uses 8qts of oil, and specs 7500 miles between change.

Of course, there is always the oil change places; they want to make you believe if you go over 3000 miles your engine will die a painful death.

In reality, many factors affect this on newer vehicles. Tolerances on engines are tighter. The oils have improved over the years. Some vehicles have the extra capacity.

My Cummins spec 7500 miles normal use...

RobertN · May 18, 2004

I do not know where he got his setup. He got the truck new in '76 and added the propane conversion shortly after. Most places that sell propane can fill a vehicle. They have to add road tax to it though; you do not pay that tax when filling the tank for your bbq ect.

Again though, like the ourageous prices we pay for diesel here in Calif, the price of alternative fuels in your neck of the woods might differ.

One thing that was neat on his truck. He could switch between propane and gasoline. He had his regular gas tank, an auxillary gas tannk, and 80gal propane tank. With all tanks full, he could go about 1200 miles between fillups /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

sassafraspete · May 18, 2004

It will be interesting to start seeing the diesel hybrid technology hit the road and where that leads to . I admire all of you folks with your Cummins diesels. I only dream of the day I might own one. I work at the company, and I've seen people drive their Dodge Cummins trucks in to show us they had a million miles on the engines. These are guys pulling loads all over the country. When I am out on vacation, I often find myself striking up a conversation with a dodge cummins truck owner. Before long , they have your head stuck under the hood taking a look. Have to be careful though, as it can be a time consuming side diversion...especially for my wife who would like to get on with her vacation. On my trips out west, I have been passed by many of these pulling stock trailers...and get left eating their dust...especially up those mountains. Now ....with one of these, pulling a brand new tractor or any tractor for that matter..... would be Nirvana.

sassafraspete

Cliff_Johns · May 18, 2004

> Diesel truck starting to look more attractive

If this is true, you need to get out more.

Cliff

jyoutz · May 19, 2004

I'd say the fuel MPG difference is far greater than 5 MPG IF YOU LOOK AT COMPARABLE HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. To compare trucks you would need to compare a big block V-8 or V-10 heavy duty truck. Most of these are not getting 20 MPG. 12 MPG would be generous for these type of gas engine trucks.

jinman · May 19, 2004

( We do oil analysis every couple of oil changes and even at 6k our oil is coming back still within normal parameters. )

That's what a neighbor of mine told me too. He is a fireman. and they do oil testing on the firehouse diesels and personal vehicles too. He said their tests showed the oil in the diesels could be pushed to 12-13k mi before any serious deterioration took place. I guess it's the quantity of oil and the superior cooling system of most diesels that keep the oil from overheating. It's able to suspend particles and not increase viscosity for much longer than the normal 4-5-qt gasoline engines.

I still change my oil and fiter at 6k mi. because I just "feel" better about it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Gatorboy · May 19, 2004

( I'd say the fuel MPG difference is far greater than 5 MPG IF YOU LOOK AT COMPARABLE HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. )

I was using Mosey's numbers for the calculations. I guess I should have put in a disclaimer: Your mileage/MPG may vary. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

chucko · May 19, 2004

I found this week a new f250 pwerstroke 4x4 4 door loaded for 35900. With the intrest rates being lower than they were on my 2001 dodge...I think I could get it for about the same payment. The wife is kinda of pushing me to get it because of the 4 full doors and the kids being cramped in the back of my quad cad.
Man when I was a kid parents did not care about kids confornt....they had a normal cab truck with a topper and we had to ride in the back

cowboydoc · May 19, 2004

We have done the actual costs/savings with a diesel by running them. On average you pay for the extra cost of a diesel engine at around 100k. If you plan on keeping one that long it will have paid for the cost of the diesel engine. You can also count on much higher resale value. After a 100k you can still count on selling a diesel relatively easy and you will get more than a gas engine.

Typically you can count on at least 300k before doing much to the engine and usually much more.