Diesel,,,, the rest of the story??

transamz9 wrote:

thomasmnile wrote:

GA1dad wrote:
As some of you may have read, I need to buy a bigger truck and am considering a dually ( among other things ). I've also found a few newer trucks with diesel engines that fall into my budget, but diesel is unknown territory for me. I gleaned some info off the web and decided to pass on a 2005 F-250 w/6.0L International motor,,, I hear the 7.3 is the one to have.

I've heard that there is much more to owning a diesel that buying a different fuel. I've heard there are pricey additives needed,,, high dollar fuel filters ( sometimes two ),,,,, glow plug costs,,,,, on and on,,,,,

So I turn to yo and ask,,,, what's the hidden reality of diesel ownership? What other tasks are needed over gassers,,,, maintenance???

-Jason

Bought a used 2005 Ram 3500 diesel in 2008. 20K miles on the odometer at the time. Other than scheduled maintenance (oil, oil/air/fuel filters, and coolant change), I have spent ZERO dollars on the engine. Sure, oil change and coolant service may be more $ than a gas engine, but I go farther on an oil change with the diesel than a gas engine, so that cost may be a wash. Coolant change is somewhat higher because the diesel has a much larger capacity (37 qts. coolant/distilled water on the 5.9 Cummins IIRC) than a gas engine. Barring a part failure (yes they can be costly) the first scheduled maintenance on a Cummins 5.9 is valve lash adjustment at 150K miles.

Now, as far as everything else on the truck, that's another story. My most recent expense was $2100 for a new power steering pump and front sway bar links and bushings at 66K miles. Seems like that stuff should last longer.........

WOW! I don't understand where you guys buy your stuff and have it installed? A power steering pump and sway bar links and bushings are $200 or less for all the parts. Who charged you $1800 to install them? Others are paying $20 for a $10 fuel filter. No wonder people think owning a diesel truck is so expensive.