Diesel or not?

[Bart2500HD]

I test drove a 2003 2500HD silverado Crew Cab with a Duramax today. I'm thinking about trading in the 8.1 for the Dmax because our family is growing and the crew cab would be nice, but I don't want to skimp on power and I can't find no other 8.1's around. The truck I looked at has 55000 miles on it and I drove it for about 30 miles, town and highway driving. I have not driven a diesel truck in a long time and I was very impressed to see the two black streaks on the road when I punched her! LOL! Plus, according to the DIC, the fuel mileage hovered around 18 mpg. Anyway, the only reason I have the HD is to pull my 32' fifth wheel. Otherwise, I drive about 30-40 miles per day around town, to work, etc. I know there is a ton of diesel versus gas threads on various forums to read, but for what I drive, would I do more harm than good? What exactly is the problem with the short trips for a diesel motor? Can these new diesels be idled for extended periods with no harmful effects?

 

Just looking for some serious info for a newbie diesel owner (pending).

[ZZ327]

these new diesels are a big step up from the old days. they can be idled for long periods, they have a lot less emmissions, have more HP. better winter starts with newer glow plugs.

[Shaners]

I drive my Dmax just like a gasser.

[Machine]

For your situation, the diesel will work nicely. As far as idling for long periods of time; you’ll need to install a high-idle on that 2003 if you want to avoid wet stacking (Wet Stacking occurs when diesel engines run with little or no load for an extended period of time. Cylinder walls become cold and unburnt fuel can accumulate. This will cause damage if done often enough.) Winter time can really cause problems due to the engine remaining too cool while idling at a low rpm for extended periods.

 

As far as driving a diesel 30-40 miles a day – no problem.

[spacehog]

Short trips really arn't an issue these days, except for your economy.

 

As Machine mentioned, idling any diesel can cause problems with no load. What's your reason for idling long periods of time? If you're running in the store, shut it off. With the injection systems and glow plugs of today, starting the engine takes little fuel... much less than letting it run.

 

The Duramax is really the way to go. It makes great power and gets awesome mileage... I'm getting 21-22 at 20k miles and my 2004 got about the same with 50k... I met a guy with the Edge and an aftermarket exhaust with the same cc sb and he gets 26mpg highway. Go for it!

 

For your situation, the diesel will work nicely. As far as idling for long periods of time; you’ll need to install a high-idle on that 2003 if you want to avoid wet stacking (Wet Stacking occurs when diesel engines run with little or no load for an extended period of time. Cylinder walls become cold and unburnt fuel can accumulate. This will cause damage if done often enough.) Winter time can really cause problems due to the engine remaining too cool while idling at a low rpm for extended periods.

 

As far as driving  a diesel 30-40 miles a day – no problem.

 

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[Roofer]

I think for your situation it would work great. Smell that diesel in the morning and let that Dmax put a grin on your face!

[dogzapper]

I think for your situation it would work great. Smell that diesel in the morning and let that Dmax put a grin on your face!    

 

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Does that SILLY grin every go away?

 

I've been waiting and waiting...and I'm still grinning ear to ear.

 

Mega-power and fabulous fuel ecomomy, all wrapped up in one rig. The Duramax LBZ/Allison six-speed is a pure wonder.

 

Steve

[k3500CC8.1]

I can't help it guys...... but......

 

So far we've got the wonder truck and 26mpg claims so can some one please try to convince Bart2500HD that he will get more back on resale than he paid for the diesel option..

 

 

Can I get an AMEN!!!

 

 

It's all in good fun guys. Now go sniff your fumes...

[Shawn T]

I can't help it guys......  but...... 

 

So far we've got the wonder truck and 26mpg claims so can some one please try to convince Bart2500HD that he will get more back on resale than he paid for the diesel option..

 

 

Can I get an AMEN!!!

 

 

It's all in good fun guys.  Now go sniff your fumes...

 

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I have read your other posts. You sound like Snoman. A diesel basher. Your obviously a newbie, because diesel vs gas flame wars are a topic that is frowned upon around here. I have read just as many 8.1L bullsh&t replies as any. Does not mean that I have to comment on every one of them. Don't chime in on every question about diesels. You are obviously ignorant about them. The 8.1L is an excelent motor. Out perform a LBZ? Denial is an ugly thing. I think your the one who has been sniffing fumes.

[Bart2500HD]

Well, I got that silly grin now, I bought the truck yesterday. So far I love it. Too bad the wife don't. See my new post for any more comments.

[dogzapper]

Bart,

 

You are a bad, bad boy...the kind who will GRIN for a long time, just tooling along in your new Duramax.

 

Congratulations, my friend.

 

Steve

[Machine]

Well, I got that silly grin now, I bought the truck yesterday.  So far I love it.  Too bad the wife don't.  See my new post for any more comments.

 

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Allright! No doubt that you'll enjoy it.

[Shaners]

Well, I got that silly grin now, I bought the truck yesterday.  So far I love it.  Too bad the wife don't.  See my new post for any more comments.

 

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Congrats!! Enjoy the truck, because i know I enjoy mine!!!

[kjjz28]

QUOTE(Bart2500HD @ Sep 26 2006, 11:04 AM)

Well, I got that silly grin now, I bought the truck yesterday. So far I love it. Too bad the wife don't. See my new post for any more comments.

 

Give your wife time...mine says she hates driving the truck but if I'm parked behind her car, she always chimes in.."I'll just take your pickup"! They really love it, just don't want to admit it!

 

Talk about grinning, just went to fill up the pickup and had to grin when the Powerstroke next to me was rattling and the guy kept looking at me wondering where that nice sound from my DMax was coming from! Giddyup!