Hi all, I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a ford or dodge. My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not a mechanic).
Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the diesel and lack of experience with them? thanks for your time, Joe
Opinion only! A gas engine at 100,000 miles in a hard used truck ain't going to have a lot left in it. A diesel will usually, with proper maintenance, go at least 300,000 miles before a rebuild. Of sourse getting the rest of the truck to survive that long requires some tlc.
"Joe remski" <3str...@gulftel.com> wrote in message
> Hi all, > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > ford or dodge. > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > a mechanic).
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them? > thanks for your time, > Joe
Vehicles today are much more reliable than they were 20 years ago. Most pickup trucks run empty most of the time. I would not be afraid of a 100,000 mile truck, given a good mechanical checkout, good compression, etc. Would you buy a 100,000 mile car?
I think that gas vs. diesel is much ado about very little. The diesel maintenance costs will be higher, and even a gas engine today will outlast the rest of the truck. You will also pay more out front for the diesel. If you take an honest look at the numbers it is hard to make back the extra money you pay out front for the diesel, especially if you factor in interest and the cost of money. I believe that the diesel people just like diesels. I don't personally like the smell or the noise.
When I went looking at used trucks I was shocked and appalled at the prices. They were asking $15,000 to $18,000 for 3/4 or one ton trucks, 5 or 6 years old, with 100,000 miles on them. I had trouble with the idea of paying more than half of the new price for a 100,000 mile vehicle. I ended up paying $30,000 for a new one, special ordered the way that I wanted it.
> Hi all, > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > ford or dodge. > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > a mechanic).
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them? > thanks for your time, > Joe
Richard Ferguson wrote: > Vehicles today are much more reliable than they were 20 years ago. > Most pickup trucks run empty most of the time. I would not be afraid > of a 100,000 mile truck, given a good mechanical checkout, good > compression, etc. Would you buy a 100,000 mile car?
> I think that gas vs. diesel is much ado about very little. The diesel > maintenance costs will be higher, and even a gas engine today will > outlast the rest of the truck. You will also pay more out front for > the diesel. If you take an honest look at the numbers it is hard to > make back the extra money you pay out front for the diesel, > especially if you factor in interest and the cost of money. I > believe that the diesel people just like diesels. I don't personally > like the smell or the noise.
> When I went looking at used trucks I was shocked and appalled at the > prices. They were asking $15,000 to $18,000 for 3/4 or one ton > trucks, 5 or 6 years old, with 100,000 miles on them. I had trouble > with the idea of paying more than half of the new price for a 100,000 > mile vehicle. I ended up paying $30,000 for a new one, special > ordered the way that I wanted it.
> Richard
Resale value of the diesels are much higher. Maybe some of the used trucks with the shocking prices were diesels? Kelly Blue Book says my diesel pickup ('99 F250) is worth about $6,000 more than the same truck with a gasoline engine. Since the truck only cost about $4,000 more when new (with the diesel) you could say that while the truck around it was depreciating, the Power Stroke was appreciating!
Joe remski wrote: > Hi all, > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > ford or dodge. > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > a mechanic).
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them? > thanks for your time, > Joe
100,000 miles would not scare me off on a gasoline powered truck. I believe that most will run 200,000 with normal maintenance. That being said I would want some proof of maintenance and the right to have a mechanic examine the vehicle, as I would on any high mileage vehicle. A well maintained gas truck will not last as long as a Diesel with the same maintenance, but it will last a considerable length of time. One other thing I would consider is gas engines are generally less expensive to replace in the event of a complete engine failure, and cost less initially. My sister in law has a little Chevy Astro van with a V6 in it and as of last month the odometer read 317,000 miles, and it still runs pretty good. Mileage only means that somebody drove it. Jack Cassidy
"Joe remski" <3str...@gulftel.com> wrote in message
> Hi all, > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > ford or dodge. > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > a mechanic).
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them? > thanks for your time, > Joe
I marvel at grown men who act like children on these issues! For adults who are weighing the options, here are some non-emotional thoughts to consider:
NOISE (-). Despite claims that the latest GM diesel is so quiet people are engaging the starter after it's running, for many people (especially the ones not in the cab!) diesel clatter is a serious drawback. (Yeh, I know some love it, too!)
FUEL EFFICIENCY (+). Diesels are a clear, hands-down winner in this category, though this isn't a big deal in economic terms because the price of fuels fluctuates and diesel is often higher.
LONGEVITY (+). Though often wildly exaggerated by diesel proponents, the kinds of diesel engines commonly used in rv's do have a longer life-expectancy than competing gas engines. This is not because diesels are inherently that way, but simply because the ones in use are originally designed for commercial service. Most can outlast the vehicle they are shipped in!
DEAD WEIGHT (-). With the possible exception of the new GM diesel, there is a significant weight penalty. The engine is a lot heavier - harder on tires, chassis, etc.
COST (-) While proponents rationalize this issue, you pay a big premium to own a diesel. You may of course get some of it back when selling, but those of us who buy for ourselves rather than for the next buyer really can't justify the cost on economic grounds unless we drive so many miles that the fuel efficiency offsets the cost -- and that is a LOT of miles!
TORQUE (+/-) The rhetoric about diesel "torque" is mostly bafflegab. Fact is truck diesels are designed to produce their power at moderate engine speeds (compared to gas engines) in order to last a long time. The perception that they "pull better" is not imagination, but so what? They also require more gears because they are not as flexible. The typical truck engine also will not produce the raw horsepower of an equivalent gasoline engine, and would self-destruct if revved up to try. In this regard they are simply *different*, neither better nor worse.
REPAIR COSTS (-) Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, it is going to cost MORE to fix a diesel if/when it breaks. Modern gas engines have very long service intervals, and if you do suffer an actual engine-related failure, you can replace the whole engine for the price of a repair job on a diesel.
SERVICE AVAILABILITY (-) The increased popularity of diesels is changing the situation, but at this time you can find more people competent to fix your small-block Chevvy than are available to fix your PowerSmoke.
FUEL AVAILABILITY (-) While widely available, even off the beaten path, even die-hard diesel owners admit you must be careful where you buy to avoid getting contaminated fuel, and much more finicky to keep water out of it. And there are many MORE places where gas is available.
ENGINE BRAKING (-) Not a Big Deal but nevertheless a fact - diesel engines are more efficient in part because they don't pull a vacuum on the intake, and thus have less drag with the throttle closed. That is part of why there are so many engine brakes sold.
WINTER STARTING (-) Face it - even tho modern diesels are much improved in terms of cold-weather starting, they do NOT handle bitter cold as well. Gasoline does not turn to jelly on cold days, nor does it grow algae in humid conditions!
BIG RIG? (+) Diesel is the only way to go even if you hate the smell of the fuel. While Chrysler & Ford have recently built V10's for light-duty trucks, nobody builds any gas engines that are really suitable for hauling heavy loads. IMO if you are running a GCW over 8-10 tons, you probably ought to be running a real diesel truck engine rather than a stressed-out T'bird gasser.
BOTTOM LINE: Diesel vs Gas need not be an emotional choice, and it is virtually made for you if you feel you must have a really large rv. But for the rest of us, a gas engine might actually be a better choice. When it comes to getting the job done, what counts is not whether the engine is diesel or gas, but whether it is well matched to the load, the transmission, and your expectations.
=============================
This lecture brought to you free by Will Sill KD3XR, who hopes you are not offended by anything you read, inferred, assumed, presumed or otherwise guessed I might have possibly meant as demeaning - unless of course you are personally a humorless nitwit who WANTS to be insulted. In which case be my guest.
I have just 50k on my gasser v10 Ford but plan on using it another 100k. My brother traded his gas Ford at 192,000 miles and it was still running great and still towing his fiver. His current gas Ford has over 120k (60k when he bought it) and is going strong. Neither of his used anyoil between changes, same experience as mine. The diesel will go longer than the gas but 150k to 200k for a gasser is not unreasonable if the vehicle receives normal maintenance and care. steve
"Barry Fuller" <bful...@proaxis.com> wrote in message
> > Hi all, > > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > > ford or dodge. > > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > > a mechanic).
> > Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > > diesel and lack of experience with them? > > thanks for your time, > > Joe
I wouldn't say it was appreciating, maybe depreciating at a lesser rate. Used trucks are expensive, as previously noted, whether diesel or gas. Add 4x4 and the prices jump, at least in this area where 4x4 is actually used during the winter. $15k-18k for 100k miles on 3/4 or 1-ton trucks in good shape is right in the ballpark from what I've seen. steve
"john treankler" <johnNOSPAMtreank...@direcNOSPAMpc.com> wrote in message
> Richard Ferguson wrote: > > Vehicles today are much more reliable than they were 20 years ago. > > Most pickup trucks run empty most of the time. I would not be afraid > > of a 100,000 mile truck, given a good mechanical checkout, good > > compression, etc. Would you buy a 100,000 mile car?
> > I think that gas vs. diesel is much ado about very little. The diesel > > maintenance costs will be higher, and even a gas engine today will > > outlast the rest of the truck. You will also pay more out front for > > the diesel. If you take an honest look at the numbers it is hard to > > make back the extra money you pay out front for the diesel, > > especially if you factor in interest and the cost of money. I > > believe that the diesel people just like diesels. I don't personally > > like the smell or the noise.
> > When I went looking at used trucks I was shocked and appalled at the > > prices. They were asking $15,000 to $18,000 for 3/4 or one ton > > trucks, 5 or 6 years old, with 100,000 miles on them. I had trouble > > with the idea of paying more than half of the new price for a 100,000 > > mile vehicle. I ended up paying $30,000 for a new one, special > > ordered the way that I wanted it.
> > Richard
> Resale value of the diesels are much higher. Maybe some of the > used trucks with the shocking prices were diesels? Kelly Blue Book > says my diesel pickup ('99 F250) is worth about $6,000 more than the > same truck with a gasoline engine. Since the truck only cost about > $4,000 more when new (with the diesel) you could say that while the > truck around it was depreciating, the Power Stroke was appreciating!
Although I prefer gas engines I have to agree that if gcwr is above around 20k the only good option available today is diesel. We're at 19k gcwr and the gas V10 does just fine. But if we ever go bigger than that, I'll probably go diesel. steve
> I marvel at grown men who act like children on these issues! For > adults who are weighing the options, here are some non-emotional > thoughts to consider:
> NOISE (-). Despite claims that the latest GM diesel is so quiet > people are engaging the starter after it's running, for many people > (especially the ones not in the cab!) diesel clatter is a serious > drawback. (Yeh, I know some love it, too!)
> FUEL EFFICIENCY (+). Diesels are a clear, hands-down winner in this > category, though this isn't a big deal in economic terms because the > price of fuels fluctuates and diesel is often higher.
> LONGEVITY (+). Though often wildly exaggerated by diesel proponents, > the kinds of diesel engines commonly used in rv's do have a longer > life-expectancy than competing gas engines. This is not because > diesels are inherently that way, but simply because the ones in use > are originally designed for commercial service. Most can outlast the > vehicle they are shipped in!
> DEAD WEIGHT (-). With the possible exception of the new GM diesel, > there is a significant weight penalty. The engine is a lot heavier - > harder on tires, chassis, etc.
> COST (-) While proponents rationalize this issue, you pay a big > premium to own a diesel. You may of course get some of it back when > selling, but those of us who buy for ourselves rather than for the > next buyer really can't justify the cost on economic grounds unless we > drive so many miles that the fuel efficiency offsets the cost -- and > that is a LOT of miles!
> TORQUE (+/-) The rhetoric about diesel "torque" is mostly bafflegab. > Fact is truck diesels are designed to produce their power at moderate > engine speeds (compared to gas engines) in order to last a long time. > The perception that they "pull better" is not imagination, but so > what? They also require more gears because they are not as flexible. > The typical truck engine also will not produce the raw horsepower of > an equivalent gasoline engine, and would self-destruct if revved up to > try. In this regard they are simply *different*, neither better nor > worse.
> REPAIR COSTS (-) Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, it is > going to cost MORE to fix a diesel if/when it breaks. Modern gas > engines have very long service intervals, and if you do suffer an > actual engine-related failure, you can replace the whole engine for > the price of a repair job on a diesel.
> SERVICE AVAILABILITY (-) The increased popularity of diesels is > changing the situation, but at this time you can find more people > competent to fix your small-block Chevvy than are available to fix > your PowerSmoke.
> FUEL AVAILABILITY (-) While widely available, even off the beaten > path, even die-hard diesel owners admit you must be careful where you > buy to avoid getting contaminated fuel, and much more finicky to keep > water out of it. And there are many MORE places where gas is > available.
> ENGINE BRAKING (-) Not a Big Deal but nevertheless a fact - diesel > engines are more efficient in part because they don't pull a vacuum on > the intake, and thus have less drag with the throttle closed. That is > part of why there are so many engine brakes sold.
> WINTER STARTING (-) Face it - even tho modern diesels are much > improved in terms of cold-weather starting, they do NOT handle bitter > cold as well. Gasoline does not turn to jelly on cold days, nor does > it grow algae in humid conditions!
> BIG RIG? (+) Diesel is the only way to go even if you hate the smell > of the fuel. While Chrysler & Ford have recently built V10's for > light-duty trucks, nobody builds any gas engines that are really > suitable for hauling heavy loads. IMO if you are running a GCW over > 8-10 tons, you probably ought to be running a real diesel truck engine > rather than a stressed-out T'bird gasser.
> BOTTOM LINE: Diesel vs Gas need not be an emotional choice, and it is > virtually made for you if you feel you must have a really large rv. > But for the rest of us, a gas engine might actually be a better > choice. When it comes to getting the job done, what counts is not > whether the engine is diesel or gas, but whether it is well matched to > the load, the transmission, and your expectations.
> =============================
> This lecture brought to you free by Will Sill KD3XR, who hopes you > are not offended by anything you read, inferred, assumed, presumed > or otherwise guessed I might have possibly meant as demeaning - > unless of course you are personally a humorless nitwit who WANTS > to be insulted. In which case be my guest.
I think Will did a good job summing up the relevant points below. Thanks.
For a particularly well written article on the same topic, see http://www.rvcentral.com/gasdiesel.htm. It's on an RV rental outfit's site, and the usual disclaimers apply. That is, I have no financial interest blah blah blah blah.
I'd be interested in people's thoughts on that web page's info.
On Tue, 17 Sep 2002 12:07:07 GMT, Will Sill <w...@epix.net> wrote:
>I marvel at grown men who act like children on these issues! For >adults who are weighing the options, here are some non-emotional >thoughts to consider:
>NOISE (-). Despite claims that the latest GM diesel is so quiet >people are engaging the starter after it's running, for many people >(especially the ones not in the cab!) diesel clatter is a serious >drawback. (Yeh, I know some love it, too!)
>FUEL EFFICIENCY (+). Diesels are a clear, hands-down winner in this >category, though this isn't a big deal in economic terms because the >price of fuels fluctuates and diesel is often higher.
>LONGEVITY (+). Though often wildly exaggerated by diesel proponents, >the kinds of diesel engines commonly used in rv's do have a longer >life-expectancy than competing gas engines. This is not because >diesels are inherently that way, but simply because the ones in use >are originally designed for commercial service. Most can outlast the >vehicle they are shipped in!
>DEAD WEIGHT (-). With the possible exception of the new GM diesel, >there is a significant weight penalty. The engine is a lot heavier - >harder on tires, chassis, etc.
>COST (-) While proponents rationalize this issue, you pay a big >premium to own a diesel. You may of course get some of it back when >selling, but those of us who buy for ourselves rather than for the >next buyer really can't justify the cost on economic grounds unless we >drive so many miles that the fuel efficiency offsets the cost -- and >that is a LOT of miles!
>TORQUE (+/-) The rhetoric about diesel "torque" is mostly bafflegab. >Fact is truck diesels are designed to produce their power at moderate >engine speeds (compared to gas engines) in order to last a long time. >The perception that they "pull better" is not imagination, but so >what? They also require more gears because they are not as flexible. >The typical truck engine also will not produce the raw horsepower of >an equivalent gasoline engine, and would self-destruct if revved up to >try. In this regard they are simply *different*, neither better nor >worse.
>REPAIR COSTS (-) Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, it is >going to cost MORE to fix a diesel if/when it breaks. Modern gas >engines have very long service intervals, and if you do suffer an >actual engine-related failure, you can replace the whole engine for >the price of a repair job on a diesel.
>SERVICE AVAILABILITY (-) The increased popularity of diesels is >changing the situation, but at this time you can find more people >competent to fix your small-block Chevvy than are available to fix >your PowerSmoke.
>FUEL AVAILABILITY (-) While widely available, even off the beaten >path, even die-hard diesel owners admit you must be careful where you >buy to avoid getting contaminated fuel, and much more finicky to keep >water out of it. And there are many MORE places where gas is >available.
>ENGINE BRAKING (-) Not a Big Deal but nevertheless a fact - diesel >engines are more efficient in part because they don't pull a vacuum on >the intake, and thus have less drag with the throttle closed. That is >part of why there are so many engine brakes sold.
>WINTER STARTING (-) Face it - even tho modern diesels are much >improved in terms of cold-weather starting, they do NOT handle bitter >cold as well. Gasoline does not turn to jelly on cold days, nor does >it grow algae in humid conditions!
>BIG RIG? (+) Diesel is the only way to go even if you hate the smell >of the fuel. While Chrysler & Ford have recently built V10's for >light-duty trucks, nobody builds any gas engines that are really >suitable for hauling heavy loads. IMO if you are running a GCW over >8-10 tons, you probably ought to be running a real diesel truck engine >rather than a stressed-out T'bird gasser.
>BOTTOM LINE: Diesel vs Gas need not be an emotional choice, and it is >virtually made for you if you feel you must have a really large rv. >But for the rest of us, a gas engine might actually be a better >choice. When it comes to getting the job done, what counts is not >whether the engine is diesel or gas, but whether it is well matched to >the load, the transmission, and your expectations.
> =============================
>This lecture brought to you free by Will Sill KD3XR, who hopes you >are not offended by anything you read, inferred, assumed, presumed >or otherwise guessed I might have possibly meant as demeaning - >unless of course you are personally a humorless nitwit who WANTS >to be insulted. In which case be my guest.
Roadwarrior <NoS...@All.com> recently wrote these words:
>I think Will did a good job summing up the relevant points below. >Thanks.
>For a particularly well written article on the same topic, see >http://www.rvcentral.com/gasdiesel.htm. It's on an RV rental outfit's >site, and the usual disclaimers apply. That is, I have no financial >interest blah blah blah blah.
Thanx for the kind words, but the site you referenced seems to have a strong pro-diesel bias (perhaps rightly because they admit it addresses 32' and bigger class A's.) But the clearest indication of bias is the statement late in the writeup that:
"Finally there is the matter of price and affordability. If price was not an objective, I suspect that almost everyone who wanted to own a motorhome would buy a diesel pusher."
That I do not even slightly agree with. Many of us - particularly those who cho eschew the Bigger Is Better mantra - are quite satisfied with gasoline power.
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them?
Having just bought my first diesel this spring I might not have the most experience, but I would never go back to a gas engine again. The others have done a good job of summarzing the various pros and cons of gas vs. diesel so I won't rehash them.
However, I take many things I read on the diesel pages with a grain of salt. It seems to me that many of those guys get their kicks from modifying their engines "eight ways from Sunday" and driving them hard. It seems to me that if you start messing around with power packs and other performance boosters sooner or later you're going to cause problems. In most cases I think a stock diesel has plenty enough power for towing purposes.
So, don't get scared off by what you read. If you do buy a diesel, just make sure you get the proper owner's manual with it and read it. It will provide good solid information specific to your truck and will vut through a lot of the conflicting advice you read on the diesel pages.
> So, don't get scared off by what you read. If you do buy a diesel, just > make sure you get the proper owner's manual with it and read it. It will > provide good solid information specific to your truck and will vut through a > lot of the conflicting advice you read on the diesel pages.
> Just my opinion.
> -- > Dan Overes
> 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 > 2001 Mallard 19N
Well I'll have to agree with this fellow. I drove a 18 wheeler over-the-road for a number of years after leaving the service a few years back. I never read any "manual" on any truck. I came from a truck driving family and didn't need no stinking manual!
After buying this diesel pusher, I sat down and read every manual. I remember getting the advice when I was a truck driver " break it in the way you want it to run..." The CAT manual states: every CAT engine is broke in at the factory on a dyno, there is NO break in period. I remember leaving my truck idling sometimes for a days on end during the winter. I was told that the truck could idle for 24 hours on 5 gal of fuel. The CAT manual clearly states: "do not let the engine sit and idle for long periods of time." It's very hard on a diesel to let it idle, causes carbon to build up on the pistons and when you put it under load most of the carbon goes out of the exhaust pipe but some of it gets trapped down by the rings causing wear. In fact the CAT engine can be programmed to power off after 1 1/2 to 5 minutes (if the throttle or break isn't touched after shifting to neutral).
I may not have everything exactly correct according to the police on this NG but the point I am trying to make is READ THE MANUAL. Lots of good info in it.
>>Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, >>depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the >>diesel and lack of experience with them?
> Having just bought my first diesel this spring I might not have the most > experience, but I would never go back to a gas engine again. The others > have done a good job of summarzing the various pros and cons of gas vs. > diesel so I won't rehash them.
> However, I take many things I read on the diesel pages with a grain of salt. > It seems to me that many of those guys get their kicks from modifying their > engines "eight ways from Sunday" and driving them hard. It seems to me that > if you start messing around with power packs and other performance boosters > sooner or later you're going to cause problems. In most cases I think a > stock diesel has plenty enough power for towing purposes.
> So, don't get scared off by what you read. If you do buy a diesel, just > make sure you get the proper owner's manual with it and read it. It will > provide good solid information specific to your truck and will vut through a > lot of the conflicting advice you read on the diesel pages.
> Just my opinion.
> -- > Dan Overes
> 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 > 2001 Mallard 19N
Having fairly recently lost a 6.2 (Suburban) diesel engine, because of oil pump failure -- out of cell phone range and having to sit for 2 1/2 hours in the rain; my question is about diesel durability. I have been told on this newsgroup that my problem was having a 6.2L diesel engine. It was a 1986 and had run 236,000 Km. I've been told a good diesel truck with proper maintenance should last 400,000 Km and on this group 300,000 miles. I am looking for a Ford F250 diesel truck with a 7.3L engine. What is the experience of this group as far as DURABILITY is concerned?
If anyone tells you that they have extensive experience with non-comercial diesel and gas trucks, I bet they have big calluses on their butts.
My point is that no one on this group could possibly have tried all combinations.
I think you are going about it the right way. At least that is the way I went about it. Look for smoke and then try to determine if there is a fire of a problem. I went with gas, but I bought new. Didn't look much at the used diesel market. Good Luck.
3str...@gulftel.com (Joe remski) wrote in message <news:3d8697bd.23569592@news.gulftel.com>... > Hi all, > I thought i'd decided on purchasing a used diesel tow truck. Either a > ford or dodge. > My decision based on the fact that in my price range $12,000 > a gas job would have in excess of 100,000 miles on it. > So... I start to read up on the diesel sites/groups ect. and frankly > the problems i'm reading about kinda scares me. Cavitation, various > oils and coolants ect. All new to me and lots I don't know about (not > a mechanic).
> Are gas engines getting so that 100,000 miles is not too bad? I know, > depends on maintence, but in general? Or am i running scared with the > diesel and lack of experience with them? > thanks for your time, > Joe
