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Diesel Questions/Problems in General (non specific makes)

166 messages,  Last post on Aug 23, 2011 at 8:31 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Engine, Exhaust, Diesel, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

This topic is for diesel car and truck owners who have not been able to find satisfactory information in the forums dealing with their particular vehicles (please use SEARCH on left of page before you post here).

Messages Page 16 of 17

#147 of 166 Researching to buy a new truck! by hi7echredneck

Dec 21, 2009 (12:10 am)

So I've always had old trucks and its finally going to be time for me to buy a new truck this summer (2010) I am currently a college student and I also work for a construction company in the summer and on holidays. When I'm out at school the majority of my driving is in town. About twice a month I make the trip back home about 150 miles and hauling stuff in my 1/4 ton truck over the pass is killing it! The contractor that I work for has a 2002 Chevy 2500HD (gas) and a debris trailer that when loaded up is usually around 10,000lbs. The truck there is beat to hell and I hate driving it. I currently have to switch trucks all the time which is very irritating. After school I intend on getting into the trades and I need a good truck. Being that I'm in school I really don't have a ton of $ for repairs so i need something reliable! I need your guys help deciding. I've read a lot of bad things about the 6.0L in the Fords. But I'm not opposed to a Ford. WHAT BRAND AND ENGINE SIZE WILL BE BEST? I don't want a crew cab or a long bed. Just simple extended cab and short bed. I've been stressing over the differences and I need some opinions from guys that have owned these trucks. THANK YOU ALL!!!

#148 of 166 Re: Researching to buy a new truck! [hi7echredneck] by fphilli1

Dec 21, 2009 (7:32 am)

Replying to: hi7echredneck (Dec 21, 2009 12:10 am)
I worked for Ford for over 30 years and have driven all the compitition over the years and my vote is for a Ford. the new 6.0 diesel did have problems when they first brought it out but those days are over. I drive a 7.3 Excursion with over 150k. Keep in mind with a Ford you get more truck and when loaded a better ride with a F-350 vs a 250. The front suspension is different. See if you can get a family and friends discount with someone you know at Ford. If you don't I would be glad to sponser you for an X Plan. Good luck..

#149 of 166 Re: Researching to buy a new truck! [hi7echredneck] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 21, 2009 (9:50 am)

Replying to: hi7echredneck (Dec 21, 2009 12:10 am)
So are you going to do heavy hauling in your work or just a metal toolbox and a shop-vac and some buckets? Sometimes I think contractors get into "overkill" when they buy a diesel truck. Diesels are great for heavy work but they aren't necessarily "less" maintenance---they are more like "different" maintenance.

#150 of 166 Re: Researching to buy a new truck! [Mr_Shiftright] by hi7echredneck

Dec 21, 2009 (6:43 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 21, 2009 9:50 am)
Well its a family business and I stand to take over it in the future. As i said we do have the debris trailer that, when loaded, exceeds 10,000 lbs. I'm also an equipment operator and so from time to time I'll be moving machinery. I just can see that the gas engine in out 2500HD is strained with the load. So to answer your question, yes, there is some heavy hauling to do even though it isn't every day. The problems that I personally face are not the payments for the truck but the insurance, registration, and the maintenance. I have no idea what some of those things relatively cost. That's part of the research I'm doing. So I'm realistically looking at getting something a few years old, maybe 05' or 06'.

#151 of 166 Re: Researching to buy a new truck! [fphilli1] by hi7echredneck

Dec 21, 2009 (6:46 pm)

Replying to: fphilli1 (Dec 21, 2009 7:32 am)
That's wonderful! I may need to take you up on the discount offer, although I don't know if that factors in for a used truck. I do have one question though, What is going to be the relative millage difference between a 7.3L and a 6.0L. I just don't want to get myself in a hole with fuel prices! Thank You again!

#152 of 166 New to a diesel by charlie6869

Dec 28, 2009 (3:12 pm)

Just got a 97 F250 with about 260k miles. Want to try and get another 260 but also want better mileage. In Fl. so cold is not problem what kind of oil should I use? Just a newbie to forum and diesels. Help

#153 of 166 Re: 03 Dmax problem [arizona3] by jdgreen

Jan 02, 2010 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: arizona3 (Dec 03, 2007 8:07 pm)
go to this website. www.dmaxwrenchkit.com

#154 of 166 Re: 03 Dmax problem [cayadopi] by jdgreen

Jan 02, 2010 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: cayadopi (Dec 10, 2007 2:17 am)
same happened to me. I went to dmaxwrenchkit.com and had my fuel filter housing rebuilt and my truck has never run better! that was two years ago.

#155 of 166 european diesels by waltingram

May 06, 2010 (8:21 pm)

Are there any european diesel suvs that can be brought back to the states that are not already imported. I am interested in buying one there, using it and then shipping it back. thanks

#156 of 166 Re: european diesels [waltingram] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 07, 2010 (7:39 am)

Replying to: waltingram (May 06, 2010 8:21 pm)
No, if it's not certified for the USA it's not coming here without enormous difficulties and no guarantee of success.

Messages Page 16 of 17

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