Navistar to start building GM midsize Vans

blt2ski wrote:

garyp4951 wrote:
I hope they don't use a Navistar engine.

Navigator in general builds one of the better motors out there. Issue becomes, when others try to modify it beyond its design limits. IE Ford with the 6.0/6.4 v8. Or not using the proper or not using filters as required. While I will not put ALL the blame on Ford, they are more than half of the issue imho.

Marty

I completely disagree with Ford being responsible for more than half the issues, but that's another story. As a matter of fact Ford financially blocked several hostile take overs of Navistar and loaned out their designers/engineers to help improve the looks and product design of the Navistar line up so Navistar could stay afloat and oontinue to supply Ford diesel engines.

Navistar design philosophy for the 2010 emissions standard was to increase EGR usage that just about killed their reputation and their business. I thought I read there was a period where they had to outsource all Cummins engines for their trucks because their emissions design methods wasn't working and they were in a serious pickle including their CEO. This occurred right after Ford divorced Navistar.

On a different note, I personally know one guy at work who has a '09 6.4 PSD that gets driven mostly highway miles that has over 250k miles and the engine hasn't been touched except for a idler pulley. As a matter of fact he recently had his transmission replaced due to the fact it still had the factory oil and filter so it's obvious this guy doesn't stay on top of maintenance. The 6.4 IMO is only good as a highway runner just like the first year Duramax and Cummins with DPF's and all three suffered from "Making Oil" with the Duramax handling the DPF emissions equipment probably the best.

I wish GM well with this new relationship, but they better perform routine manufacturing audits and keep their finger on the pulse to ensure Navistar makes a quality product.