Something to discuss......

[lcoblentz]

OK guys and gals, I was over reading on the the F@rd site (entertainment value) and read something that I have heard before over the years. There is this claim that maintenance costs of a diesel *will* be higher than maintenance of a gasoline engine.



Now I've tried to figure out the logic, but it escapes me. When you look at the maintenance schedule for a diesel, it is basically fluid and filter changes. The Cummins is regarded as a reliable engine, and both of mine have been. We don't have any "tune up" like a gasser. So where is all this additional maintenance cost?? Perhaps it is inherent in the PSD



Seriously, does anyone here believe diesel maintenance costs more over a given time period (say 200k miles) than a gasoline engine? If so, please explain.

 

[chriscumminsdiesel]

To me the diesel will be cheaper in the long run,because of extended periods between oil changes,ect. But as with all things mechanical,if you don't keep up with your maintenace,it will cost in the long run be it gas or diesel. Now fuel is a different story,but we won't get in to that!

 

[Joe G.]

I think the diesel is more expensive to maintain for normal stuff because of the amount of oil used. But it lasts so long without breaking anything that more than offsets the extra cost. How many gasser trucks do you think you will have bought in 800K miles?

 

[lcoblentz]

Oil changes: I change the oil about half as often as I did the gasser truck, so not much difference there. A SLIGHT edge to gas.



For some reason, I haven't had to replace any spark plugs, cap, rotor, plug wires, or ignition coil Also, I haven't had my timing light out in quite some time... ... .



Fuel costs: I haven't run the numbers, so let's try it now: I know I get about 4 to 5 mpg more economy with the diesel over my 1/2 ton gasser. That's an extra 157 miles per tank. Based on my 1/2 ton gasser dodge (360 cid, 4x4), that's a savings of 13 gallons. Gasoline is about 2. 19 for the cheap stuff here, so that's a savings of nearly $14. 00. Easily offsets the additional oil.



OK, now my brain hurts..... :-laf



Larry

 

[Alan Reagan]

I think if you are running the same schedules as the gassers on oil changes now (7500) it will the diesel will be more expensive. Even if you run the 15,000, and the gasser is running the recommended 7,500 it the diesel maintenance will be more. The amount of oil and the 15,000 mile fuel filter change keeps the diesel cost higher.



With the Ford, they probably have to figure in the cost of glow plugs and injectors. Same with Chevy. :-laf

 

[pwerwagn]

It only costs me 23$ to change the oil/filter on my 98 ctd. It costs 14$ on the 98 360 gasser. so it is 9$ savings on the gas, however, I change the gasser more frequently, so It makes no diff to me. Also, at about the 75,000 mile mark, The plugs and wires and stuff had to be changed on the gasser, equating to about 150$. The CTD has had nothing maintenance-wise changed, other than the air, fuel and oil filters. The fuel filter has also had to be changed on the gasser, and the air filter gets changed as often as the diesel does, at about the same price.



Gasser at 100,000 miles: 20 oil changes (5K intervals) @ 14$= 280$. + 150 in tuneup = 430$ + 11$ fuel filter= 441$ total over 100K miles.

Diesel at 100,000 miles: 14 oil changes (7500K intervals) @ 23$ =322$. +3 fuel filters @8$ each = 346$ total over 100K miles.



So for me, Ive saved almost 100$ in maintenance on the diesel. However, both have had battereys replaced once, and the diesel needed 2, so that brings the difference down to about 50$. But, now with the gasser at 115K and the diesel at 140K, I am afraid that the gasser will not last much longer, and I am glad the Cummins is finally broken in! :-laf Pretty much sways the advantage to the diesel in my opinion.

Now if you wanna talk gas/diesel fuel economy:

The 360 averages 15mpg, meaning it will use 6,250 gallons of gas in 100,000 miles. Figuring 2$ average cost per gallon for gas, that makes 12,500$ in 100K.

The diesel averages 19mpg, using 5,263gallons of diesel in 100K miles. Figuring 2. 20$ average cost (diesel is usually . 20$ higher here in NM), that makes 11,578$. a SAVINGS of about 1,000$.

Again, the diesel gets my vote. And thats putting aside the power and towing ability.

-Jeff

 

[DPelletier]

I suspect that if you do the service yourself, you will come out ahead with the diesel as far as maintenance goes, but if you take it in for service (as many do), then you'll pay more to maintain a diesel. Fuel economy and longevity are separate issues and the diesel is clearly the winner with regards to these items.



Dave

 

[Cryppie]

Yet another reason I have been, and will continue to be, my own warranty (and service) station

 

[IC Smoke]

Main reason for diesels being higher... . FELLOW TDR MEMBERS they will pressure you to bomb and bomb again!! haha :-laf



Just dont think about it and you wont have to worry about the costs. I dont care when I pull to the pumps anymore. There isnt much I can do to change it and bit*hing about it wont have any effect on the $.



Keep on truckin'

Ian

 

[klenger]

Great summary pwerwagn.

 

[pwerwagn]

thanks klenger.

-Jeff

 

[nickleinonen]

gas or diesel vehicles, i do all the oil changes in my family 2x per year... pop runs about 15,000km between oil changes on his 99 5. 3 chevy gasser [running mobil1 5w30] mom runs like 15,000km per year so it gets done about 1. 5 times a year [same oil as pop] i run about 20,000km a year so every 10,000 oil and filter change out on mine... costs about the same for the oil, my filter is about 40% more than the filters on the above vehicles...