DURAMAX

cowboydoc · Aug 21, 2002

The guys I've talked to and the trucks I've seen it's been a different story. This summer when I was looking to get my new one I seriously considered the duramax. I have one friend that had his head go at 7,000 miles on a 2001. They gave him a new engine. He said he had talked to two other guys with the same problem. Two of the mechanics at Kriegers Chevrolet are my patients and they said they had several back with either transmission or head problems. That was enough for me not to buy one. But alot of good it did me as my Ford has been down for two weeks with a blown transmission so go figure. Ford also says that they don't have any problems with their automatics but go read www.ford-diesel.com and you will see a whole different story.

john4nh · Aug 21, 2002

Egon while I have no other reason not to believe that post other then what Iam going through. That is almost one year old. It really doesnt matter much to me since Iam already an owner but you gotta look where it is coming from. I have read contradictory stories about the Diesel.com page.

The dealer said the head on mine was over-torqued from factory. Still going for new motor. No new news though..

bgott · Aug 21, 2002

I've checked out the forums over there and it seems that everytime someone posted about head gasket problems a bunch of people called them a liar. I imagine that makes anyone with a legitimate complaint leery of posting about it. I don't have much faith in GM engines although I used to be a GM fanatic. Olds diesels, HT 4100 Cadillac engines, Quad 4s and a few others turned out to be OK after 4 or 5 years of " product developement" at the expense of the customer.

cowboydoc · Aug 22, 2002

You're right bgott. When has any mfg. Ford, Dodge, Chevy, any of them came out with the truth when there was a problem with their vehicles. They just don't do it. They deny it til the bitter end. Even then they settle on alot of the problems with a gag order that they people they settled with can't talk about it. I don't trust any of them when they say there's not a problem.

Perfect example is on the powerstrokes by Ford. Some of them develop a terrible "cackle" problem. This is a knocking in the motor that is very loud. Ford denied there was a problem, and still does. Yet they changed out the #8 injector on the new trucks which really does nothing for the problem. Some "backyard" engineers have come up with some fixes for it that really work but Ford will deny your warranty if you use any of them!!! Go figure. So if Chevy is saying there's no problem with the heads that probably means there probably is.

bgott · Aug 22, 2002

None of them would seed these internet forums with company men to ridicule people that post on pattern failures, would they?

Hoeman00 · Aug 22, 2002

I'm on my 4th Duramax HD 2500 LT x cab 4x4
I keep them 6 months (about 10k miles)
then sell at my cost and get another new on.
Being a GM employee I get around 10K off sticker.
I pull a 14,000 lb. trailer and haven't any problems yet.
Just heard GM bought controlling interest in Isuzi (they had 49%).

john4nh · Aug 22, 2002

Tim thats about the weight I pull, sometimes more sometimes less. I just wonder if you had a few more miles if you would notice any problems? My problem started after 10k but before 15k miles.

BTW I got a truck for a rental, without having to ask. The service manager is supposingly pulling for a new engine. But we will see, havent heard from the regional guy yet. I think no matter what I will be out of my truck and basically my side-line business for 2 to 4 wks. Just my speculation.

No matter what happens I will keep the people interested up to date.

wroughtn_harv · Aug 22, 2002

I'm sitting here looking at a fax from my dealer. 2003 5500 with 194 inch wheel base. 300 horse Duramax, Allison five speed, power everything including heated and powered mirrors. It's got the aluminum wheels with Michelins, mudders on the back. Air ride drivers seat. Sticker $46,330.50, written in with a marker, $35,500.00

Of course there's also this 6500 with all of the above but a 2002 with a Cat and a six speed stickered at $45,060.56 and the deal at $33,500.00.

Of all the times to be so badly bent I feel broke........./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

john4nh · Sep 4, 2002

Well got the truck back today!

Of course they never could duplicate the coolant loss and the engine locking up at start-up. To there defense I havent been able to duplicate the problem myself. Yet, I feel it is gonna happen again.

They gave me the number to start a case history on it, so will be doing it tommorow. All I can say is This Blows!! Anyone want a slightly used 1ton?