DURAMAX

JATO_RaT · Aug 8, 2002

Wasabi, a hydrostatic has very little if anything in common with an automatic. You manually shift from low to medium to high. There is no torque converter, the common aspect is the fluid used to drive it but even that is considerably different.

I have heard very good results from folks with the new Duramax. Hope yours was a bad one that got away.

bgott · Aug 8, 2002

Timmer's in Pasadena has a fair reputation, BUT, I don't know if they have anyone competent on the Duramax. I'm curious, just how the he11 was that thing supposed to run with air in the fuel system? You might have to get the district manager involved to get this dealt with to your satisfaction. Make sure you get everything documented. They are scared s&%tless of having to do a buyback. I've had Dodge check out my Cummins and try to slide by without giving me any paperwork. If they don't fix the thing dead letter perfect keep taking it back and get a copy of the repair order each time. I can't remember what the criteria for a buyback is but you need to find out and let them know you know.They've already shown that they have no compunction against lying or else their service personnel might be a little on the incompetent side. Of course, they might have let a "B" tech check it out and now they have an "A" tech on it. Hey, everybody has to learn and gain experience somewhere, it might as well be on your truck.

I bought a new S10 in '97 and I had to take it back for a deceleration problem. You'd take your foot off of the gas and it would maintain speed for miles. It didn't have cruise control but acted like it. I went to the dealer and the service manager told me it was designed that way because fuel injection didn't have an accelerator pump like a carburator. I got pissed off and left. The more I thought about it the madder I got so I left work the next day and went back with my work clothes on, the ones with the ASE L-1 patch on the sleeve. I walked up to him and asked if he wanted to try explaining that again. He started cussing and walked off.

That was Davis Chevrolet, the home of the creative people. I also had to learn the procedure to reprogram the speedometer on my own and go back and explain it to them. I don't trust any dealership a whole lot. Their primary mission is sales, a competent liar is more important to them than competent service personnel.

AndyR · Aug 8, 2002

I've got just over 8000 on my 2500HD Duramax/Allison and it runs just fine. 'Don't know about you but talking to the service department is something I do BEFORE I sign the papers. The first model year or so shook the bugs out of this setup so I have no qualms about it now.

I am curious about all the air on the fuel system - was this related to the high temp. condition you were referring to?

john4nh · Aug 8, 2002

I like you didnt have any qualms about purchasing since I had hoped the bugs would be out. Maybe they are and I got a bad apple.

I did not talk to the service department. Its good you can tell they are gonna give you good service if you need it. I have had to deal with these guys before. To be honest in my area and my humble opinion it would be a waste of time. The managers are always changing they do not seem to make it to long. I have had both chevy, gmc and dodge (bad) dealing. The one that never gave me a problem was toyota. I always go for price (just me) The warranty is the warranty whereever you go or have to go. I always buy hoping Iam buying the best and will never need work, so I go for price. I use my truck for work so No matter where I buy I will take it to the closest dealer. At least this first go round and hopefully last.

Iam also curious about the air? But there was never any high tempertures..Never close.Nada. Iam not a mechanic but I wonder if it getting sucked in from the heads-intake or some combination? I just dont know.

john4nh · Aug 8, 2002

Thanks for the advice, I do plan on staying on top of this. No news today on the patient but maybe tommorow.

AndyR · Aug 8, 2002

Yeah, that air in the fuel lines thing is odd (but so is the rest of it).

chalk it up to an engine fart I guess. Keep us posted as to the outcome - mine is in for basic service tomorrow.

hayes · Aug 9, 2002

I have an 8.1L with the Allison tranny, 2001 2500HD, GMC.
We have had our problems with the transmission. After about 3000 miles we started to hear vibration (grinding) when slowly accelerating at 50 mph. In tow/haul mode we heard it at 20 mph. Finally get it in at about 20,000 miles. The dealerships first attempt (4th visit) at fixing it was to replace the radiator (thought it was the trans. cooler rattling). Their second attemp as to replace the transmission. The noise was still their, but went away about after a day of driving. Now at 32,000 miles thinking about getting an extended warrenty.

Have you noticed that after driving and when you go to put
it in park or another gear, that it shifts hard, kinda like its cathes on something?? And you can hear clicks??

Good luck with the dealership.

Larry

wasabi · Aug 9, 2002

You are absolutely correct....I stand chagrined and apologize for my rudeness and thoughtless comment./w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

john4nh · Aug 10, 2002

Havent noticed anything with the transmission. The only thing Ive noticed the last couple of times I drove it was that it wasnt downshifting all the time when I would speed up. I think related to other problem though.

Went by service department in the AM, the guys said best guy on it and should get it back in the PM. Well its almost mid-nite and still aint got it. I believe the mechanic is good no reason not too yet. The service rep. turned his back on me, so Iam thinking this next time if I get the same treatment Iam gonna talk to his boss. BTW I havent done nothing but smiled and acted dumb, to this guy so beats me. Maybe he just hates his job.

Hayes good luck with your tranni, I plan on buying the xtended warranty around 35000 miles also. They say to wait and buy it until you can use it. (hopefully not)