mgerra28 0 #1 November 5, 2004 I just bought a 2500HD v8 truck diesel. Just anyone out there know anything about diesel trucks. I've been told they last much longer than gas trucks. It's a 97 silverado. Anyone have any info on this truckhttp://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #2 November 5, 2004 I have my first diesel, a '97 stretch cab, long box, 4x4 Cummins Ram for 4 years now, and will never own another gasoline powered pickup truck. The entry price is higher, and right now - the fuel is more expensive, but there's nothing like hearing that lazy rumble as you effortlessly pull your boat or camper up and down hills, passing traffic. I tow and haul a lot, and it works out great for me. Enjoy your "oilburner". ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #3 November 5, 2004 so do diesel burn more oil then? its a 6.8 V8 supercharged i believe. Never owned a diesel before but heard nothing but good stuff about them. Also, has a 90 gallon tank on the back. So i can drive to perris on one fill up...So do the engines last longer then? It has 151,000 on the clock serviced all the time.http://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #4 November 5, 2004 Dunno about your particular vehicles, but here in the uk (where fuel economy is important!! ) diesels have much better economy although the fuel is a little pricier, and dependingon the type, they can go on for ever. 151k doesn't sound like very much - just check to see what the major service intervals are and if there is a timing belt change coming up (i think thats the expensive thing - any mechanics confirm??)Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SLIDER 0 #5 November 5, 2004 I work for GM - If it was taken care of, you should be able to get 250K without any problem. I've seen quite a few well over 200k --"there's a fine line between hobby and mental illness" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgerra28 0 #6 November 5, 2004 hey thanks. when should you do the full service on them. Is the oil change every 3000 like gas or can i get more mileage. Times like this wish i was a mechanic.lol Is there anything special to consider with this motor. All i will be doing is towing about 3000lbshttp://www.skydivethefarm.com don't sweat the small stuff, in fact don't sweat at all,, you get smelly!! ORFUN #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SLIDER 0 #7 November 5, 2004 keep the filters changed(fuel 15-20k) and air as nec and most people change the oil between 3k and 5k, I wouldn't recommend going any longer than 5k. Trans service about every 40k "there's a fine line between hobby and mental illness" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2fat2fly 0 #8 November 5, 2004 Quoteso do diesel burn more oil then? . I think that the reference was to the fuel, diesel oil. I like to call them and turbine aircraft "kerosine cookers"I am not the man. But the man knows my name...and he's worried Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mx757 4 #9 November 5, 2004 I just bought a 2005 VW Jetta TDI new "pump duse" diesel its a little 1.9 liter tubro disel, but don't let that little engine fool you.. its fast and I get 39mpg around town with a lead foot at that too and I always hit 48 or better on highways. diesel engines will last much longer than gasoline engines too.. if you do oil / filter changes on schedule. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dunesurfer 0 #10 November 5, 2004 The best advice would be WARM IT UP before driving. Also try to avoid short trips for less wear and tear and best economy. If you are goung to do any towing, the diesel is far superior in performance and economy to a gas engine rig. I have owned both vortec 454 and duramax diesel powered duallys and prefer the diesel hands down. My 97 454 turned 10 mpg town,14 freeway mileage, the duramax made 14 mpg town 18 freeway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #11 November 6, 2004 You have gotten some good advice on maintance.....I would tend to change the oil in a diesel more often then a gas engine....the higher compression of a diesel(esp. one with higher milage) tends to allow more combustion chamber gasses to bypass the rings and polute the oil....try not to go past the 3k mark....as far as the transmission goes...40k would be pushing it if you are towing alot...keep a eye on the fluid...if its discolored and smells burnt...change it!!....otherwise stick to the service schedule outlined in the owners manual...I would also rec. that you have the trans flushed as apposed to just dropping the pan and changing the filter.....a filter change only changes approx. 40% of the fluid where as a flush will change approx 80%.......one other thing not mentioned yet is the coolant.....coolants have anti corrision chemicals in them....they wear out....green coolant..change every 2 years....red coolant(dexcool)....every 5 years(if it were mine..every 2 years)....fuel filters are more critical on a diesel than a gas engine...make sure to change at proper intervals. Best bet is to find a mechanic close to you who specializes in diesels...have a chat with him/her and set up a maintance plan. I have 15 years in the trade....hold a Class A Interprovincal journeymans Lic. I am also a ASE Master Tech and a ASE Advanced Engine Performance Specialist. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites