Considering Trade from Gasser to Diesel

I guess nobody told my gas truck it can't go the speed limit or greater up an interstate grade. In fact I haven't found a grade yet that I was wishing it could go faster up. I can in almost all cases keep speed on the interstate without exceeding 3500 rpm.

When you look at pickuptrucks.com or the ford trucks enthusiasts hill climb meetup when you put the pedal to the floor the diesel and gas trucks are within about 2 mph or so up the hill.

I keep a truck past the expiration of the warranty and I don't want an engine/fuel system that gives the possibility of a 10k plus repair bill.

Lowsuv, my GM dlr might be less but the couple times i have had it there they made a mess so i dont go back. Have it done at local small shop keeping local people employed.

You said "are" built where "were" built may have been more accurate. My '98 Cummins was one of the last 12v's with it's P7100 fuel injection pump. I'll agree, that was a great engine and likely "less" potential for trouble than the 5.9 Magnum gas engine.

Hannibal wrote:
Lower end breakdowns are very rare with gas or diesel so the heavier construction of the diesel due to higher compression doesn't prevent breakdowns that gas or diesel engines may be prone to. In fact, modern diesels have shown to be far more susceptible to breakdowns than modern gas engines.

I suppose you are referring to the latest technology with common ramp and computerized delivery systems. I have the p7000 mechanical pump. I should consider myself fortunate. Mind you, I got a taste of diesel technology with the model R John Deere that was designed to last 200 years.

regarding the $ 89 oil change , i have only paid that high once .
it was palm springs in february .
i was used to paying about $59 at my local gmc dealer at the time .
i made the mistake of going to a jiffy gouge in california .
my last bill was $ 58.20 for the full service including 10 quarts of RPM-DELO 400 15/40.
this business of "Diesel Service " having its own high price is just BS in my experience . At least in Oregon .

Lower end breakdowns are very rare with gas or diesel so the heavier construction of the diesel due to higher compression doesn't prevent breakdowns that gas or diesel engines may be prone to. In fact, modern diesels have shown to be far more susceptible to breakdowns than modern gas engines. A diesel's fuel system can easily cost far more than an entire crate long block gas engine at the mere presence of a drop of water past the filter. The diesel's emissions systems are far more complicated than gas engines and require more expense to operate. All else has the same potential for roadside picnics.

Diesel engines are built stronger due to high compression, so breakdowns are not as frequent. I have the Cummins, you can say zero expense outside of regular maintenance (air and fuel filters, serpentine belt and oil change which are no different).

Rhagfo, as i posted i just change at 5k and it would be longer by the DIC. I Have done 5k oil changes for many years as its easy to keep track of and fresh oil never hurts.

nevadanick wrote:
I have a 2011 GMC dsl and it costs me $89 for an oil change which i have done every 5k mi and have the fuel filter changed every 10k mi and that runs the bill up to $129 for that service inc the oil. You dont have to do the service as often as i do if you go by the dic in the truck.

Not sure the oil capacity on the Duramax, but likely in the in 10 to 12 qt range. I do find it hard to believe that the recommended change interval for that engine is 5,000 miles.
I change at 10,000 miles and still have healthy oil per Black Stone Labs. My Cummins takes 11 qt. oil and fte run at most $15 a gal and $12 for a Cummins/Fleetgaurd filter that is twice the size of any gasser filter.
My old 460 change at 3,000 took 7 qt and. $6 Purolater filter, you do the math.
Yes repair cost out of warranty can be more but there is a reason those that tow heavy run diesel
Yes over all cost a a little more, but not the thousands of dollars the the nay Sayers state.

gmcsmoke wrote:
I need to get into the oil changing business

From reading all the comments on here I think I will too.

My second service will be wheel and brake service for trailers. (Remember, safety first, have a shop check those wheel bearing every 6 months or 2 thousand miles, which ever comes first) You can never be too safe! :B