Truck diesel engine maintenance

Gunn, I'm relieved to see your on the right track! Some people drink the koolaid and some don't! If you can afford to tow a beautiful 280, then by all means, tow it with dignity and the comfort of knowing you will get where you're going without the aid of a drop deck and triple A!!!!
 
Lazy Daze said:
Ah, I see. I'm not up to speed on the newer stuff - and, quite frankly, I hope I never have to be! But, can I assume it's a heat thing? Seeing as a diesel doesn't create much heat at idle, I mean. Do the traps get plugged up faster?
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It's heat as well as emission controls. The EGR allows exhaust gases to recirculate through the engine - this allows the particulates to go through which can be abrasive. It can also make the oil acidic which is not good for the internals. When the EGR fails is when bad things go really bad - the 6.0 Powerstroke was one of the worst. The elevated heat can cause the EGR cooler to fail which can then put coolant into the exhaust, the oil cooler can fail from having particulates in the oil which clog up the passages - then the heat builds up, etc. The idling for long periods of time contribute to the problem but low sulfur diesel has really helped reduce that.
 
tdappleman said:
It's heat as well as emission controls. The EGR allows exhaust gases to recirculate through the engine - this allows the particulates to go through which can be abrasive. It can also make the oil acidic which is not good for the internals. When the EGR fails is when bad things go really bad - the 6.0 Powerstroke was one of the worst. The elevated heat can cause the EGR cooler to fail which can then put coolant into the exhaust, the oil cooler can fail from having particulates in the oil which clog up the passages - then the heat builds up, etc. The idling for long periods of time contribute to the problem but low sulfur diesel has really helped reduce that.
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A lot of good info on here, and good cases being made for going both ways.

In my experience with diesels, maintenance is less often, but when it's needed, it costs more. For instance, I'm having my glow plugs changed for the first time on my truck after 163,000 miles. That's quite a bit longer than spark plugs usually last, but glow plugs cost 4-5 times more. You will certainly save on fuel costs over the years. My generation diesel got about 6-8 better mpg than gas, so I've saved 5,000-6,000 gallons of fuel over it's life, which more than makes up for the extra cost per gallon.
 
floriduramax1 said:
My fuel can be 12mpg if I'm playing with the ricers but if I drive "normal" and keep my foot out I can average 16 in town stop and go and 18-21 hwy depending on many variables. Funny thing is, when I let my father in law use it for a while, it comes back showing 20-21 all the time:huh:

I will never own another gas truck! This thing is just flat out fun! As was stated earlier, stay with 06-07 obs(old body style). Don't be afraid of a 06 with a RPO engine code of LLY (as is mine). This is a "detuned LBZ. Same engine and 6 speed. EFI Live can fix that little difference for ya...lol Be real careful buying. Look for gauges on the drivers pillar. If they were smart and put on a new pillar, check the passenger side exhaust manifold, back end for a pipe plug where the thermocouple for exhaust gas temps might have been installed. I gave you a web site to check and it is very thorough about the signs. Once you have a "hopped" up turbo diesel truck, you wont want to drive anything else!!! Vettes, Beamers, Stangs or anything else just wont do it for ya..lol
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I"ll second that.
I have an 05 LLY Duramax/Allison with a 100 HP tune and 4" straight pipe from the turbo back and can out accelerate almost everything else on the road WHILE pulling my 230. It is just plain fun without anything behind it. (Traction becomes a problem.) I won't ever go back to a heavy duty truck with a gas motor. Sure maint. is more expensive but its awfully hard to use the cost factor on most things when you own a boat.
If you drive by the EGT gauge and your head I can get right at 20 MPG or if you drive for fun as low as 11MPG.
What ever you decide just get a truck capable of pulling your load. Don't be fooled by factory tow ratings.
You don't want the tail wagging the dog..........:thumbsup:
 
ch435 said:
For instance, I'm having my glow plugs changed for the first time on my truck after 163,000 miles.
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Are glow plugs still used in the current generation of trucks...say '04 and above? I didn't think so...
 
Gunn said:
Are glow plugs still used in the current generation of trucks...say '04 and above? I didn't think so...
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Most if not all still use glow plugs. Some diesels used to use grid heaters, but even current pickups still use glow plugs.
 
ch435 said:
Most if not all still use glow plugs. Some diesels used to use grid heaters, but even current pickups still use glow plugs.
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Right. What might be confusing is comparing an older engine's glow system to a newer one. Newer ones fire off just about as fast as a gasser. For example, on mine it will take a good 10 to 15 seconds to fire nicely at 25*. On our Durabux's (at the shop), they can do the same in a fraction of the time.
 
floriduramax1 said:
I gave you a web site to check and it is very thorough about the signs. Once you have a "hopped" up turbo diesel truck, you wont want to drive anything else!!! Vettes, Beamers, Stangs or anything else just wont do it for ya..lol
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floriddurmax can you post the link for the websight your talking about. I am starting to do up-grads to mine and any info would be great. Thanks
 
MrFL54 said:
floriddurmax can you post the link for the websight your talking about. I am starting to do up-grads to mine and any info would be great. Thanks
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Sure dieselplace.com . I bet you will never guess my user name over there...lol I have to warn you though, it is a very expensive and addicting drug...lol

Edit: just noticed you have a Ford...that site will not help you at all. Check out powerstrokenation.com You are REALLY going to spend some dough modding a Power Stroke:wow::smt009
 
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floriduramax1 said:
Sure dieselplace.com . I bet you will never guess my user name over there...lol I have to warn you though, it is a very expensive and addicting drug...lol

Edit: just noticed you have a Ford...that site will not help you at all. Check out powerstrokenation.com You are REALLY going to spend some dough modding a Power Stroke:wow::smt009
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MrFL54 said:
floriddurmax can you post the link for the websight your talking about. I am starting to do up-grads to mine and any info would be great. Thanks
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Since you have one of the good trucks - try: http://www.ford-trucks.com/

Great info there - specific forums for your truck and then specific forums for each engine family.
 
floriduramax1 said:
Ha! Just can't help yourself, can you:smt021 Don't you have some tires to balance?? We all know how those Fords eat tires:smt043
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All if takes is one jackass who wants to pretend to know everything who then wants to bully anyone who offers contradicting information. Again - you can make fun of my shop but it's a fantastic way to make a living and one I'm very proud of. Don't you have a motorohome to shine up or something? Better hurry - don't want to be late!
 
tdappleman said:
At least you were smarter on this post.:smt038
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You know, looking back, I should have left that post up there! I thought I would make the first move, but now I see you are just a.....well never mind! People can make their own judgments.
 
tdappleman said:
All if takes is one jackass who wants to pretend to know everything who then wants to bully anyone who offers contradicting information. Again - you can make fun of my shop but it's a fantastic way to make a living and one I'm very proud of. Don't you have a motorohome to shine up or something? Better hurry - don't want to be late!
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Everything???? I answer specific questions asked. I seem to recall you stating this crap and saying you knew you would get a reaction....and I'm the jackass:huh:
 
Yes. As a matter of fact you certainly appear to be. I posted specific things back to the other post as well and you decided to just bash Ford products. My posts are not inaccurate - you may not like the answer but I don't really care.
 
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