High Performance Duramax

[HBarlow]

Maybe I'm just bias since I know someone that this kind of thing has happened to. A friend had a Kenworth with an N14 Cummins that had a bearing issue and was rebuilt at least 4 times under warranty. So being tired of them (the morons at cummins) simply patching it up, the next time it started to knock he held it to the floor and waited for the bang. Guess what they fixed it right the next time.



Funny how some idiots are quick to judge a products quality by one bad run when it's not the brand they like. But then completely ignore the problems with their brand.

Yes it is funny how some people do that.



Harvey

 

[MCummings]

It's not just this one guy. This is a very big problem with that year GM. These engines run super hot, even when not towing. I had a friend whose truck ran consistently at 230* with the fan roaring, and he was only cruising 70MPH down the highway. 100% stock. With a load it was crazy, he couldn't do over 55mph with the truck derating in power, and all the bells and whistles going off.



This is a design flaw, and I'm glad he captured it. To prove it in court, he had to drive the vehicle just like and person would have. He drove it how it was designed to be driven.



He followed every rule GM laid out for the truck, and the truck could not perform as designed, or advertised. He is not the only one, he is not a fluke. This is very common, and GM just says it's your fault, and no problem found.





Merrick

 

[HBarlow]

It's not just this one guy. This is a very big problem with that year GM. These engines run super hot, even when not towing. I had a friend whose truck ran consistently at 230* with the fan roaring, and he was only cruising 70MPH down the highway. 100% stock. With a load it was crazy, he couldn't do over 55mph with the truck derating in power, and all the bells and whistles going off.



This is a design flaw, and I'm glad he captured it. To prove it in court, he had to drive the vehicle just like and person would have. He drove it how it was designed to be driven.



He followed every rule GM laid out for the truck, and the truck could not perform as designed, or advertised. He is not the only one, he is not a fluke. This is very common, and GM just says it's your fault, and no problem found.



Merrick

I was in Chanute, KS last weekend at the city-owned RV park waiting for a service appointment Monday morning to have something done to my Hitchhiker at the factory service department. Sunday afternoon seven separate couples pulled in towing HHs for appointments on Monday also. One of the fellow HH owners walked up to me and my RV park neighbor who was driving a Duramax to ask a question about his Chevy Duramax. He said his truck pulled great and he loved it (he was a GM koolaid drinker) but it overheated on every grade. Having recently seen the video that is the source of this thread and then having followed up with other websites I was familiar with the issue so I asked him what year his truck was. Yep, it was a 2004 Chevy Duramax with the LLY engine. He had already visited several Chevy dealers and had had water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, and other parts replaced. His truck only had 86,000 miles on it. I offered him my sympathy and encouraged him to trade it off.



Harvey

 

[Champane Flight]

Was looking for this..

One of my kids was looking for this video, thanks for finding it for me.



We had a discussion on the Medium duty vs Lightduty engine scenario. As most 5. 9 owners know the Cummins is de-tuned to the point of silly for the Dodge chassis/drivetrain, while the Dmax is tuned for everything it can get. The big difference in the two engines is the design factors, heavier components, ect. The Dmax has proven itself to be a good engine, as the older 7. 3 Powerstrokes.



Most of the classification differences however are emission ratings, not actual duty cycles. The benefits of each engine are different, the V-8 is a faster accelerating engine, with less low end torque, and slightly worse fuel mileage. While the I-6 is a slower accelerating, with more low end torque, and better fuel mileage. Now if I bring my drivers experience with both engines in play, both are designed for different types and areas of driving. Some like the D-max and Pstroke for general highway driving with a payload of 6-10,000#s, with a frequent trade in cycle.

While the Cummins shows its true blood carrying 10,000 to 15,000 on heavy grades for years to come. This is based on my personal opinion, and what I have observed, by no means a scientific study. However, if any D-max or Powerstroke owners are P/Oed by my opinion, I can be found on many Colorado passes throughout the summer months, look me up, you will like the look of my tail lights. . :-laf

 

[Salt Dog]

One of my kids was looking for this video, thanks for finding it for me.



We had a discussion on the Medium duty vs Lightduty engine scenario. As most 5. 9 owners know the Cummins is de-tuned to the point of silly for the Dodge chassis/drivetrain, while the Dmax is tuned for everything it can get. The big difference in the two engines is the design factors, heavier components, ect. The Dmax has proven itself to be a good engine, as the older 7. 3 Powerstrokes.



Most of the classification differences however are emission ratings, not actual duty cycles. The benefits of each engine are different, the V-8 is a faster accelerating engine, with less low end torque, and slightly worse fuel mileage. While the I-6 is a slower accelerating, with more low end torque, and better fuel mileage. Now if I bring my drivers experience with both engines in play, both are designed for different types and areas of driving. Some like the D-max and Pstroke for general highway driving with a payload of 6-10,000#s, with a frequent trade in cycle.

While the Cummins shows its true blood carrying 10,000 to 15,000 on heavy grades for years to come. This is based on my personal opinion, and what I have observed, by no means a scientific study. However, if any D-max or Powerstroke owners are P/Oed by my opinion, I can be found on many Colorado passes throughout the summer months, look me up, you will like the look of my tail lights. . :-laf

Amen... ... . brother !:--)

 

[JFaulkner]

JFaulkner, do you even have a Dodge? Geez!

Yes, a 2005 2500 6pd. BUT I'm not blinded by brand loyalty and I understand that ALL BRANDS have their version of junk.

Like the poster above asked, are you a Dodge Cummins owner or just on this site to criticize the product? You might be happier over on the Duramax website. You are awfully generous with your "retarded" and "idiot" labels for the other TDR members who you disagree with. Is that the only way you are capable of communicating?

Harvey

Judging by your reaction you must be offended, and people don't get offended unless the comment hits a little too close to home. Here is what I said that seems to have some panties in a bunch.

Funny how some idiots are quick to judge a products quality by one bad run when it's not the brand they like.

but yes to answer your question I do own a dodge. I just can't stand a bunch of people on an internet forum patting each other on the back. You act like a bunch of school girls. The LLY did have a cooling issue, not all of them but some of them. Sort of like Cummins an their 53 block, not all of them cracked. Not all VP44's failed, some haven't had lift pump issues, bad common rail injectors, leaking CP3's, blown plastic intercoolers, dropped valve seats..... the list goes on and on. So next time you feel the need to brag on your trucks remember nothing is without it's faults and if you brag too much it may just come back to bite you. You know when that duramax or powerstroke passes you when an injector sticks and melts a piston, or you drop a valve seat. Open your minds a little, it's a big world. :-laf



P. S. Diesel engines are like bananas, they aren't any good until they turn yellow.

 

[HBarlow]

JFaulkner,



You must be a real smooth charismatic guy. A truly great communicator. I bet you make lasting friendships wherever you go. Your style makes everyone want to exchange posts with you.



I have put 550,000 miles on two Dodges with Cummins engines. Most of those miles were run pulling heavy trailers. I have never experienced any of the problems you are apparently so proud to pound the table top about.



On the '01 which I sold at 325k miles I replaced one Jacobs exhaust brake, several APPS, two fuel transfer pumps, two water pumps, and one head gasket. On my current '06 with 225,000 miles I have replaced one water pump, not because it was leaking, but because I didn't want to experience a leaking pump on the road. Recently I replaced the FCA but the original was not bad when removed.



I'm a happy owner.



Harvey

 

[JFaulkner]

JFaulkner,



You must be a real smooth charismatic guy. A truly great communicator. I bet you make lasting friendships wherever you go. Your style makes everyone want to exchange posts with you.

Actually I am, most people that know me will tell you I'm really easy to get along with. However they also know that I will give you my honest opinion and if they say something dumb or make a bold claim I'm not afraid to voice my opinion, and I expect the same from them. If your one of those people that need other "yes" men around you to all the time, then I'm sorry to disappoint you. What do you want to hear?: "... . your right man the Dodge Cummins is quite possibly the best motor vehicle ever made!! There should never be any other truck or car on the market!!" "I don't know why NASA doesn't use the 5. 9L on the next moon mission" Please!!:-laf

I have put 550,000 miles on two Dodges with Cummins engines. Most of those miles were run pulling heavy trailers. I have never experienced any of the problems you are apparently so proud to pound the table top about.



On the '01 which I sold at 325k miles I replaced one Jacobs exhaust brake, several APPS, two fuel transfer pumps, two water pumps, and one head gasket. On my current '06 with 225,000 miles I have replaced one water pump, not because it was leaking, but because I didn't want to experience a leaking pump on the road. Recently I replaced the FCA but the original was not bad when removed.



I'm a happy owner.



Harvey

Good for you, I haven't had many problems with mine either. However there are others on here that are not as fortunate as you and I. And for people to act as if the Ford or Chevy diesels are the only ones with problems is a bit naive don't you think? Now why don't you do a quick search and you should find several threads with people who are less than satisfied with their trucks. Just like the owner of the Duramax in the video.

 

[HBarlow]

JFaulkner,



Your willingness and right to express your opinion does not include the right to insult other members by referring to their posts as "retarded" or "crap" and calling them names like idiots, morons, etc.



When you speak to others that way you simply cause others to dismiss you as an ignorant, uneducated man who is intentionally rude and insulting. Not an ideal way to communicate, win arguments, or get anyone to pay attention to your ideas.



Reasonably well educated persons read your posts and decide privately that what you write is not worth reading because of the way you crudely present your opinions. You'd get better results if you learned to be at least a little more polite and respectful to those you are having a discussion with.



I enjoy discussing ideas and arguing my position as well as most. But nobody enjoys a discussion with someone who writes like you do.



Harvey

 

[MZupkow]

I know it's stay right to be considerate, but very few states have an actual left lane law, so without knowing the state this took place that argument is also retarded.

Actually, it was stated a few times in the video that the "test" took place on I-10, in Texas, just outside of Kerrville,(west of San Antonio in what they call the "hill country"). When I lived there, it was "slower traffic stay right". I think that a written ticket would say something about "impeding the flow of traffic".

 

[JFaulkner]

JFaulkner,



Your willingness and right to express your opinion does not include the right to insult other members by referring to their posts as "retarded" or "crap" and calling them names like idiots, morons, etc.



When you speak to others that way you simply cause others to dismiss you as an ignorant, uneducated man who is intentionally rude and insulting. Not an ideal way to communicate, win arguments, or get anyone to pay attention to your ideas.



Reasonably well educated persons read your posts and decide privately that what you write is not worth reading because of the way you crudely present your opinions. You'd get better results if you learned to be at least a little more polite and respectful to those you are having a discussion with.



I enjoy discussing ideas and arguing my position as well as most. But nobody enjoys a discussion with someone who writes like you do.



Harvey

I find it funny how you can't argue with substance, only the way it's presented. If you didn't enjoy the discussion you wouldn't keep replying. Most of us only slam our hand in the door once, we don't keep doing it while complaining the whole time. :-laf



Your just disappointed that not everyone jumped on the bash the dmax bandwagon.



Have a good day.

 

[HBarlow]

JFaulkner,



Thanks for a pleasant and well written response.



No, if you read back over what I wrote you won't find me calling anyone a liar or trying to deny that some Dodge-Cummins trucks have had defective parts. Many do report problems here. I have had a few bad parts on mine as well. They are not perfect. My reason for questioning whether you owned one was the tone and substance of your earlier message. You sounded to me and others like someone who was just on the site to bash the product rather than someone who owned and appreciated a CTD. That suspicion was backed up by the fact that you didn't list a vehicle in your signature.



Most TDR members, although some have certainly experienced occasional problems with their trucks, are very loyal to the brand because they understand their great strengths and appreciate them.



I don't care whether you or anyone else bashes Duramax Chevys or not. I posted the video because, as a loyal Dodge Cummins owner, I enjoyed it and thougth others might also.



If you have a strong dislike for Dodge Cummins trucks why do you own one and why be a member of the TDR? You are certainly free to be a member if you choose and free to be critical I guess but you don't seem to be a happy owner.



As they say, it's a free country. We can own what we like.



I wish you a great day as well.



Harvey

 

[GaryOwen]

Thanks for posting the video Harvey - I thought it was hilarious!



Gary

 

[brods]

It is an amusing video that’s been around a while. I am surprised no one has pointed it out that towards the end of the clip this guy is video taping and talking on the cell phone while driving! Impeding traffic by staying in the left lane is just an added bonus. He should have gotten someone else to tape while he concentrated on driving. If I was the judge in the case I’d allow the tape in as evidence, but also have the police ticket the driver for reckless driving and for any other Texas law he broke during the video! Worse yet this is take two of who knows how many! Wonder how many miles this guy drove distracted by his video camera, laptop, cell phone, etc??

 

[tgordon]

Thank you for posting tha, I had never seen it before. I find it interesting that he backed the truck onto the trailer, is that suppose to be better than forward? I think what they should do is give a rated pull on the truck, then that would include the load on the engine by the "sail" he was pulling. I belive the on eof the tests mfg use is to put a giant wall on a trailer and tow it around, gives the same effect as towing a lot of weight without actually haveing it on the trailer.



When the truck went into the limp mode at the end, it was to do with fuel rail pressure, is that a common problem with these trucks, or an indicator he may have a box or something installed?

A friend had a Kenworth with an N14 Cummins that had a bearing issue and was rebuilt at least 4 times under warranty. So being tired of them (the morons at cummins) simply patching it up, the next time it started to knock he held it to the floor and waited for the bang. Guess what they fixed it right the next time.

QUOTE]

Unfortunatly that is the way it has to be done sometimes to get the suits to fix it right. The dealership is usually cought in the middle as mfg will only allow certain repairs and they may not be correct, and so the end user gets screwed and must beat up the engine to get it right, glad to hear he did this before the warranty was up.



Troy

 

[dpuckett]

JFalukner- kudos for going against the grain. I didnt find anything you posted offensive. People have gotten so pansified that they cant take any negative comments or ciritcism anymore. So what if you called someone's argument retarded or stupid? Not that I agree with it, but that's not my point. You other guys need to toughen up a bit- he called no one a liar or laid any other accusations of ill character against you. Call a spade a spade. If an argument is stupid or retarded, dont sugarcoat it.



I enjoyed the video. I finally got to hear his comments with the new sound card. Just wish he had gotten behind my 1stGen with about 10tons of hay behind it. I normally went 65-70mph, up, down or flat. Rough, ugly looking thing... ...



Champane Flight- I think this is the second time I have agreed with you , though most of our disagreements have been of a political nature, not regular everyday life. I especially liked the "you will like the look of my tail lights. ":-laf:-laf



Daniel

 

[NIsaacs]

Humm... ... 10 tons of hay, plus pickup, plus trailer=about 32,000 lbs GCW.



D-Max GCW=21,700 lbs, I think ya mighta got passed





"NICK"