Ask the Car People.SM


GM Diesels Suck - READ ONLY

34 messages,  Last post on Sep 09, 1998 at 6:05 PM

You are in the Pickups - Archived Discussions Forum.

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Javascript runtime error--TypeError: obj has no properties-- see logJsError333.html for a stack trace discussion.

Messages Page 4 of 4

#25 of 34 cdean by cdean

Aug 07, 1998 (12:27 am)

as power goes up on a diesel, so does the price. It is very expensive to get that kinda power into that displacement. those pre powerstroke 7.3's damn sure didn't cost $4500. innercoolers, turbos, hightech injectors, cost lots of money, lots! then, once you give yourself the ability to make all that power, you have to beef up the pistons, block, crank, rods, and cooling system, all so you can handle the power and dissipate the heat. diesel engine prices won't go anywhere but up. unless the engines get simpler. right now, diesel motors are the most complicated motors in trucks.

#26 of 34 hcombs0 by hcombs0

Aug 07, 1998 (2:08 am)

     That's sort of ironic, isn't it? A diesel being more complicated than its gas counterpart?

#27 of 34 cdean by cdean

Aug 07, 1998 (4:08 am)

thats not ironic at all. i've worked on diesels since i was a kid. the simplest diesel is more complicated than the most complicated gas motor. Any average mechanic can go through an entire gas motor by himself. there are no complicated parts, nothing really special about them. newer motors with computers require you to have a code reader or some sort of software downloader. and thats it. the rest is like building a model airplane.


There is no way an average mechanic can go through a diesel engine all by himself, even older ones, like 80's model engines. fuel pumps on diesels must be sent to specialty shops that have special tools and test equipment built specifically for diesels. those pumps have incredibly tight tolerances, small gaps, special screens (interior filters that are so fine, water cannot pass thru), and other intricacies. your cheapest rebuild of a simple fuel pump in the late 80's early 90's was in the $300 range.


then there are injectors on diesels. there are only a few places in the country that actually work on injectors, and those are usually the producers. most of the time, you don't work on an injector; you buy a rebuilt set, and give yours to the dealer, and he sends them back to the factory in Timbuktu.


turbos are extremely expensive, and are only worked on, built, or fixed in specialty shops. turbos spin at such incredibly high rpms, they have very specific bearing tolerances, and lubrication requirements, as well as high tech metals used for material, so they can withstand the heat.


now, within the last 5 years, the diesels have become computerized. take all the crap i mentioned above, and throw in complicated fuel injection software that only a handful of engineers in the country actually understand. they only tell the servicemen how to fix it or reprogram it.


if you thought buying a diesel is expensive, you better sit down when it comes time to fix it. everyone says diesels last longer than gas engines, but truth is, over a period of 200,000 miles, the only thing that you really have to replace (given good maintenance) is distributor, plugs, wires---ignition stuff. fuel pumps on these new computerized diesels today rarely make over 120k-150k at the most. that eats up about $1000. then you have injectors to go wrong, head gaskets more prone to blow. i can buy a lot of caps and rotors for that money.

#28 of 34 hcombs0 by hcombs0

Aug 07, 1998 (4:36 am)

     I hear you, especially about the fuel pumps. One of the reasons people hate the GM 6.5L is the problem GM had with electronic fuel pumps in 1994-1996.


     I was just saying how ironic it is that diesels these days are so complicated, since when they are conceptually simpler (no ignition system). I'm sorry if I touched a nerve.


     I know I'm asking lots of questions here, but diesels interest me a lot, not just practically (towing power) but conceptually (efficiency, special concerns). This conference has been a great help to me.

#29 of 34 cdean by cdean

Aug 07, 1998 (3:55 pm)

no prob, you didn't touch a nerve, i just didn't want anyone to think diesels were simple, because i mechanic-ed them for a long time, and know there is a lot to go wrong. you are right about the chevy '94-96 fuel pumps. they had probs with fuel pumps themselves and/or software. the trucks don't even have throttle cables, just a wire running from you foot pedal to the pump. technology is tops, but if it doesn't put out, then who cares. the chevy diesel has been maxed out as far as how much they get out of the current design, and it is about time they go somewhere to get a better one. they were competitve in the pre powerstroke era. engine power same as ford, just under dodge, and engines lasted. in '94, they got left behind.

#30 of 34 glenn2 by glenn2

Aug 08, 1998 (5:43 pm)

I guess the title says it all.....

#31 of 34 bigfur by bigfur

Aug 12, 1998 (9:58 pm)

NO S#$T

#32 of 34 03061995 by 03061995

Sep 06, 1998 (8:39 pm)

I think that all of ya"ll are makeink a big deal out of nothing be cause i drive one with deseal in it and it does every thing i need it to.
   

#33 of 34 fredwood by fredwood

Sep 08, 1998 (8:26 pm)

The reason the chevy diesels are so disliked is that they really are an optional engine for the 350 not the 454. I can see why consumers would be pissed as spending a lot more money for an engine that does not provide as much or more hp and torque as the 454. I personally like the idea of a mid sized diesel engine (as long as its inexpensive). But the guys who need the power of a big block and want a diesel will be spending their money at the local dodge or ford dealer. Come on Chevy, get with it!

#34 of 34 kcram by kcram HOST

Sep 09, 1998 (6:05 pm)

The GM/Isuzu diesel was announced today:


http://www.auto.com/industry/qgm9.htm


6.6L V8 direct-injection turbo

Messages Page 4 of 4

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement