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

john&bet wrote:

transamz9 wrote:

thomasmnile wrote:

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.

Simple. My mechanic does not use aftermarket parts from the local Auto Zone, Discount, etc. He uses only OEM parts. Since you asked, his shop labor rate is $92/hr., the power steering pump, bracket, and reservoir (sold as separate parts by Chrysler) were over $700, and the front sway bar links and bushings were around $200. There was also tire service and alignment, an oil change, (Amsoil) & a new serpentine belt (Gates) which was taken out by the PS pump when the pump shaft broke, as part of the service.

Not to pour salt but your mechanic could have bought a lifetime warranty part that comes complete with reservoir from Napa for around $63. That is with a lifetime warranty. NCP (Napa Chassis Parts) also come with a lifetime warranty.

You stated in your earlier post that you was surprised that it didn't last longer so why pay so much to put the same parts back on?

Sorry, just forget about it. I don't want to high jack this thread. I just hate when people say that diesel trucks cost so much more to maintain and then someone post up some crazy repair bill. I believe I would fine another mechanic if he was charging me that for those parts.

But NAPA does not cover the cost of labor to replace thier failed parts under warranty. Dealer parts, dealer labor is covered by dealer if it fails. Just saying.