New Diesel vs. Older Models

ksss wrote:

jus2shy wrote:

ksss wrote:

Redsky wrote:

Something that is very different with diesels is the rate of change with the manufacturers coming out with new versions which fix problems with prior year models but introduce new flaws. Gas V-8 engines can be sold for decades with minor changes (post unleaded gas) but GM for example has had 5 different engine designs in the past 10 years.

Really? Care to elaborate on the 5 different engine designs of the Duramax?

LB7 - The Original
LLY - Known for overheating, but had VG Turbo
LBZ - Fixed overheating, most reliable known
LMM - 2007 emissions compliance
LML - 2010 emissions compliance (DEF)

You consider these to be separate engine designs? The basic design of the Duramax has not changed since inception.

It is true that certain items can be retrofitted, but they all have slightly different architectures. It's almost as simple as the chevy LS small block. It's been the same basic motor for the better part of 10 years, but each generation where GM designates a new code has quite a few improvements and changes (even though they're difficult to tell). Here's a good webpage showing the design changes through the generations: Diesel Power Magazine

Wikipedia has a nice breakdown as well: Wiki

The power stroke in the F550 is rated for LESS power than the pick-up bodies counterparts - at least for the 2011 and up.

These trucks have copious amounts of power. I don't care to be fastest or first up the hill. But I can say that towing distances with our new 13 Ford is much more relaxing with more confidence than the 02 Ford 7.3 we had before. The 02 is gone solely because the truck rusted away around the engine.

Chop me down for this but; most of the guys on here are not buying a truck. They are buying a toy, plain and simple. If they can't pull the steepest grade in the rockies at 85 mph, somethings wrong.

My brother drives delivery trucks for a lumber company and one of them is a 2011 F 550 with a 12' hoist flat on it. He said that truck is stupid powerful. Never even when hauling a full load of prefab construction fence, with skid steer and trailer has that truck even thought of slowing down.
I don't know if Ford lets you spec your engine in a 550 so I am assuming its a Powerstroke.

The old trucks did the same job just not with the speed and muscle, and luxury the newer ones do. Most of the guys on here could get by with a lot less than they have but "getting by" takes the fun out of it.

jus2shy wrote:

ksss wrote:

Redsky wrote:

Something that is very different with diesels is the rate of change with the manufacturers coming out with new versions which fix problems with prior year models but introduce new flaws. Gas V-8 engines can be sold for decades with minor changes (post unleaded gas) but GM for example has had 5 different engine designs in the past 10 years.

Really? Care to elaborate on the 5 different engine designs of the Duramax?

LB7 - The Original
LLY - Known for overheating, but had VG Turbo
LBZ - Fixed overheating, most reliable known
LMM - 2007 emissions compliance
LML - 2010 emissions compliance (DEF)

You consider these to be separate engine designs? The basic design of the Duramax has not changed since inception.

GoPackGo wrote:
Here's the 2 things that I wonder as regards the older diesels -

1. ULSD. Will those older engines have problems over the long term because of this stuff ? Will ULSD have a nasty effect on the fuel pumps ? I have not heard of any new requirements but what if there's a new and even more stringent requirement in the works ?

Earlier when ULSD first came out, there were lubricity issues. But the suppliers have long fixed that and now have the proper lubricity needed for those older motors. Heck, some states require using biodiesel blends which as a side effects helps that lubricity.

2. I just noticed a sticker on the pump at my local Murphy that stated they are now pumping B20 biodiesel. While my truck can take up to 20% biodiesel, what happens WHEN you run B20 in the older diesels.

I'm not for or against older diesels as regards the original question. I would just want to know the answers to the above questions before I got too serious.

Tim

The only thing you have to be careful about on the older vehicles in regards to biodiesel is seal compatibility. Anything made with Butyl style rubber that comes into contact with biodiesel will eventually corrode or break down. Biodiesel has some solvent properties and with older vehicles (even if it has compatible hoses and such), it will clean out the tank and fuel system and you'll probably clog your fuel filters a few times. We ran into this with our bus fleet at work. Once all that gunk is cleaned out though and you have the proper hoses and seals, you should be good to go. In fact, once the proper hoses and gaskets are used, old diesels can tolerate on running 100% blends of biodiesel since they're more tolerant with fuel contamination and such. I'm talking pre-common rail motors from the manufacturers. And 7.3 or older for the Ford powerstrokes.

ksss wrote:

Redsky wrote:

Something that is very different with diesels is the rate of change with the manufacturers coming out with new versions which fix problems with prior year models but introduce new flaws. Gas V-8 engines can be sold for decades with minor changes (post unleaded gas) but GM for example has had 5 different engine designs in the past 10 years.

Really? Care to elaborate on the 5 different engine designs of the Duramax?

LB7 - The Original
LLY - Known for overheating, but had VG Turbo
LBZ - Fixed overheating, most reliable known
LMM - 2007 emissions compliance
LML - 2010 emissions compliance (DEF)

N-Trouble wrote:
New truck advantages
- Quiet & clean (on par with current gas trucks)
- Improved tow ratings, brakes, exhaust brake, etc. Overall more capable tow vehicle

New truck dis-advantages
- High pressure fuel system repairs can be very costly (+$10k)
- Emissions (DPF, DEF) seem to be the most problematic issue on the newer trucks.

Pretty much sums it up.

New diesels are the gorgeous girlfriend who likes expensive things and just might leave you for a rich guy or a 24-year-old with a six pack someday.

Older diesels are that average looking wife you've known for years who maybe has put on a few pounds and consigned her high heels but has a big heart & isn't going anywhere.

Redsky wrote:

Something that is very different with diesels is the rate of change with the manufacturers coming out with new versions which fix problems with prior year models but introduce new flaws. Gas V-8 engines can be sold for decades with minor changes (post unleaded gas) but GM for example has had 5 different engine designs in the past 10 years.

Really? Care to elaborate on the 5 different engine designs of the Duramax?

Here's the 2 things that I wonder as regards the older diesels -

1. ULSD. Will those older engines have problems over the long term because of this stuff ? Will ULSD have a nasty effect on the fuel pumps ? I have not heard of any new requirements but what if there's a new and even more stringent requirement in the works ?

2. I just noticed a sticker on the pump at my local Murphy that stated they are now pumping B20 biodiesel. While my truck can take up to 20% biodiesel, what happens WHEN you run B20 in the older diesels.

I'm not for or against older diesels as regards the original question. I would just want to know the answers to the above questions before I got too serious.

Tim

New age diesel = Americas air cleaners.