Duramax Service

eagle · May 8, 2002

I scheduled a service appointment with my local chevy dealer to repair an oil leak on my 1.5-week old Duramax (less that 650 miles on the odometer). After the truck sat at the dealership for almost two days the assistant service manager calls and says they can't work on Duramax motors unless they get special approval from GM. The service manager goes on to say he doesn't know when he will hear back from GM.

Has anyone else had this problem. I live in a relatively large city (300,000 pop), if I am having problems getting service here what will I do if I break down on the road? The service manager also said the situation is the same for the Allision transmission. All it needs is a new oil pan gasket.

Shaners · May 8, 2002

First off... Welcome to the Forum!!!

I think GM should be able to give approval for a gasket!!! Ask the dealer for a number for the area rep, or call another dealer and ask them.

It is possible that this dealer doesn't have anyone certified to work on that motor and that could be the problem. I hope this gets resolved quickly.

In the meantime, I wouldn't settle for anything less than a Silverado for your temporary wheels. If you are driving a Cavalier or some other form of econo-box as your rental I'd start barking loudly!!!

Good Luck...

Kansas Kid · May 8, 2002

Just so you know, replacing a oil pan gasket on a Duramax isn't exactly a simple task. It will involve transmission removal because the aluminum crankcase has two fasters which can't be removed with the transmission in place....

eagle · May 9, 2002

After much negotiation and several calls to GM customer assistance I was able to get a courtesy truck (1500 Silverado). No one would give me the area reps name (top secret stuff). The process to replace the oil pan gasket will also involve removal of a portion of my 4wd. Yes, the dealership has a duramax certified mechanic. It just seems that if you buy a $40K truck they should be able to service it for you with out having to get special permission from GM. The estimated repair time is two days to a week.

Shaners · May 9, 2002

Just so you know, replacing a oil pan gasket on a Duramax isn't exactly a simple task. It will involve transmission removal because the aluminum crankcase has two fasters which can't be removed with the transmission in place....

Thanks man... I didn't know that!!!

Eagle, I'm glad they gave you a Silverado to drive!!! I hope you get your truck back soon!!!

sillsmack · May 10, 2002

Kansas Kid,

How did you know about the trans removal ?

Any chance you're a Dmax tech ?

CMNTMXR81 · May 10, 2002

After much negotiation and several calls to GM customer assistance I was able to get a courtesy truck (1500 Silverado). No one would give me the area reps name (top secret stuff). The process to replace the oil pan gasket will also involve removal of a portion of my 4wd. Yes, the dealership has a duramax certified mechanic. It just seems that if you buy a $40K truck they should be able to service it for you with out having to get special permission from GM. The estimated repair time is two days to a week.

It isn't just as simple as that. Having been there, I know this first hand.

Since the DuraMax requires a special and costly procedure to remove and fix the problem, with your minimum amount of mileage, it may have just been easier (and cheaper) to put a whole new DuraMax in.

What many fail to realize is that even though it'll be covered by warranty by GM, the dealer itself has to pay out of their pockets for all warranty repairs upfront. They then get re-imbursed by GM usually within 90 days for that warranty repair PROVIDING it is warranty'able. This is where the authorization came into play. The dealer ISN'T going to shell out several thousands of dollars to fix something they are not sure they will get re-imbursement on from GM. Wouldn't you do the same if you were in their shoes?

Hypothetically it should and most likely will be covered, but when the cost and technician's time/labor mounts up to some big $$$$, they are just covering their a$$es.

Kansas Kid · May 10, 2002

sillsmack,

I'm not a Dmax tech. I have just had a few talks with the techs who have worked on a few of these motors over the last year and a half. From what I have gathered, the Dmax really isn't all that hard to work compared to the other diesels. It just requires a good bit of time, and someone who follows the procedures exactly as outlined. These guys told me the Dmax is kind of a layered motor. The parts need to be removed/replaced in a particular order, or it won't go back together.

The guys I feel sorry for are the Ford techs who are going to get hit with the G2 PSD next fall. The top end is looks very strange, and appears to have many many gasketed surfaces. To top it off, the oil filter is actually located on the top of the motor. It is no longer a fully self contained and disposable "spin on" type cartridge. It is more like cars of the fifties, where the ELEMENT is removable from a cartridge, so rather than remove the entire cartridge, you will only remove the internal element. Sounds like a great way to oil the whole engine compartment down.

saulsse · June 10, 2002

The internal filter element cartridge that you meantioned for the new Ford motor is similar to of all things the Volkswagen TDI Diesel.

Have had one of those cars, (it was the trade in on the used 2500HD that I bought), the filter element was a weird bug-aboo to change. The oil will drain backwards into the engine and down into the pan. Down side of this is that you got one tiny gasket that is required for that setup to change that element. A second gasket goes on the filter element cap on the assembly itself.

It is not a fun process.

(One reason I got the Duramax is that EVERYTHING is so simple to get to.) Adding fluids to the Durmax is great. The TDI in the Bug was a chore to add fluids.

Another down side of a New Beetle was that itwasa chore to get it on ramps. The 2500HD it is high enough to get under and work on it too.