New Duramax

[Rweb]

Hey everyone, new to the forum here. Have a keystone Cougar that weights 10,000 pounds. Just purchase a 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6 duramax. Upgraded from a 2007 GMC 2500HD gas. I've only had it for a couple weeks. I really like the power it has. I am really nervous about owning a diesel for some reason.
Maybe because I've never owned one or the fact some people I've talked to say they would never buy one. ( they aren't pulling trailers either though) I've also heard bad stories.

The manual states not to pull the trailer before having 500 miles or 800 Kms on it. Then after to tow the trailer not above 80 Kms for 800 kms. Has anyone followed this ? If anyone has any recommendations, advice, dos, don'ts etc that you want to pass along, please do. It might also help put my mind at ease somewhat. I really like the truck, and it will be my last truck that I plan to buy. This is my retirement gift. I am going to be retiring In December, then planing to winter in the southern US.

Thanks in advance.

[Jim & DJ]

:wlcm:

Don't be too nervous, just enjoy. My first diesel is or was new at the time, a 2007 Ford F-350 and it just turned 80,000 miles without any problems.

Enjoy your new ride....


A bit of our history:
DW from Florida
DH from So. Cal.
Michelin LT XPS
68 Harley FLH in a basket so to speak
2004 R-Vision Trail-lite (gone)
2007 Mountaineer TT 1st new one(gone)
2009 Montana F3465SA (The Best ever)
2007 F-350 4 X 4 6.0 D
2012 Shih Tzu (The boss)

[GMcKenzie]

I'd follow the manual for break in, would change the oil after the break in is done and then just enjoy the truck and your retirement. These trucks are really not that much trouble to deal with, so I would not worry much.

Congrats on both the truck and the upcoming retirement.

[Festus2]

rweb_
If I were you, I'd forget about the "bad stories" and the negative things you have heard from others about diesels. You've just purchased a diesel that has an excellent, all-round reputation and with proper care and maintenance, will last you for many years.

I'd also suggest that you adhere to the break-in period and carry out any oil change or other factory recommended servicing during this time.

So stop worrying, relax and enjoy both your retirement gift and your retirement.

And welcome to the forum too!

[Hansel]

:wlcm:

Congrat's on the new diesel truck"bouncey:

If you stick with the break in period, and then keep all the fluids and filter's changed regularly your truck should last a long time. I had a 2000 F-250 7.3L powerstroke that had 258K until some chick blew a red light and totaled it, and I kept all the fluids changed, oil every 5K fuel filter every 10K,etc....

Buy your diesel at a station that sell's a lot of diesel;)

[bsmith0404]

I'm on my second Dmax, my dad is on his 4th, neither of us have had a single problem with either....wait, I did have a Nox sensor go bad on my first one at 40k miles, still covered under the 100k mile warranty. Follow the break in and fluid change recommendations (there is a early spin on filter change for the Allison after break in as well). These trucks are bullet proof, you will love towing with them and if your like 95% of other owners, you'll never own a gas truck again. There's a reason you pay an extra $7k for that motor and tranny, it's worth every penny.

[mguay]

My 2nd DMax as well. Enjoy the ride...and the power!

Welcome to the club!

[KanTC]

Ditto - follow the manufacturer's recommendations! Bought our's new in 2006... still love it!! :D

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[rhagfo]

Well just wait until you hook up that 10,000# 5er!!

I tow a 11,000# 5er with an 01 Cummins and like the power (about 270hp, and about 550 lb. ft. of torque). so you will likely have no issues.

[bsmith0404]

Well just wait until you hook up that 10,000# 5er!!

I tow a 11,000# 5er with an 01 Cummins and like the power (about 270hp, and about 550 lb. ft. of torque). so you will likely have no issues.

Remember when those numbers seemed high/amazing. They haven't change HP much over the years, but the torque numbers have sure jumped. Of course, I think we have reached the tipping point on the diesels,. Seems like the 04-06 years got the best fuel mileage. Now we pay for all that extra torque at the pump.

[Rweb]

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? I am going to Kelowna BC, in July and am actually excited to see how it pulls the trailer. Also, the DEF, has anyone had any issue with this ? Anything I need to know about it? I am sure I will have some more questions at some point. The wife last night was looking at new cougars.... I new getting a diesel truck could also be bad, bigger trailer... :banghead:

thanks again.(tx)

[Lawdogs]

Funny you said that...as soon as i got my 2014 Ram 2500, we upgrade to a Cougar 5th wheel a couple of weeks later (DW's orders). As far as the DEF, it should not cause you any problems. I believe your truck will tell you that you need to add DEF so many miles before the tank is empty. Should get around 3000 miles on a full DEF tank. You will use more DEF while towing or under load. Most truck stops will have DEF pumps, cheaper than buying 2.5 gals. at a time. DEF will freeze, but your tank has a heater. For the fluids and filters, best to follow what the manufacture suggest, but would not hurt to do preventive maintenance after break-in period. Enjoy the new truck!!!

[Lawdogs]

One more point...DEF is nothing but Urea. If you spill some, make sure you wipe it up.:D

[Festus2]

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? )

You should check the owner's manual for information and directions about the break-in period and when you need to change oil and filters. If you can't find the answers there, contact the dealership's service department or GMC/Chev by phone or email.

[chris199]

Cant hurt to chg oil and filter. I did not...I follow the engine oil % life remaining and chg oil/filter in advance of a long trip. I also chg the Allison filter every other oil chg. Rotate tires every oil chg.

10 qts of oil and a filter arent too expensive...unless you havr the dealer do it.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[GMcKenzie]

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? I am going to Kelowna BC, in July and am actually excited to see how it pulls the trailer. Also, the DEF, has anyone had any issue with this ? Anything I need to know about it? I am sure I will have some more questions at some point. The wife last night was looking at new cougars.... I new getting a diesel truck could also be bad, bigger trailer... :banghead:

thanks again.(tx)

Where are you headed and which route are you taking? Coming here is going to show you how well your truck pulls in the mountains.

One thing I might suggest, and something I think every diesel owner should have, is to get an EGT guage added to your truck. I know I have to back off on the Coquihalla (snowshed hill) as my truck will go past 1350 F when pulling up that hill. Outside of the gauge, I would have had no idea the turbo was getting that hot. But there are no hills as bad between Kelowna and AB.

[bsmith0404]

The owners manual will tell you the break in maintenance requirements including which filters and fluids need to be changed. It's been a while and I haven't looked at it again to verify, but I d remember the spin on tranny filter needing a change early. One other piece of advice given to me by a very good tranny guy.....for the Allison, NEVER use a spin on filter that came here on a boat. If it says made in China (Fram and other bargain brands) leave it on the shelf. His shop has seen many transmission problems caused by these cheap $10 filters. The Allison, AC Delco, NAPA, filters are all good made in the USA filters and will run you about $30-$40 each. You get what you pay for in this case.

[Pentagon]

We just bought a Dodge Ram diesel 350 Mega cab Laramie long horn
we should get it on the 08 of July , I have a 2010 Laramie 250 diesel now
would not do without a diesel when pulling

[bobbecky]

Besides doing the break-in, which will go quickly, like has been said, do all the maintenance but don't need to get too neurotic about it, we do oil change and filter along with tire rotation every 7500 miles, and have been doing the air filter and Allison spin-on filter every 30,000 miles, which is sooner than is required, just because we are full time and tow the trailer a lot. One thing that sounds crazy, with these trucks, drive them like you stole it, don't baby them, or you will have trouble. They are made to work. We get great fuel mileage with ours, towing the over 15,000 lb trailer, we get between 9 and 14 mpg, and running without trailer, we get 22 mpg running 65-75 mph on the interstate. The good mileage is a direct result of the addition of the DEF in these newer rigs, allows the engine to run leaner with improved emissions. You will also enjoy passing everything while towing your trailer up hills. Oh, one more thing. When towing up hill, don't have a heart attack when the fan kicks in, it will sound like the engine is about to blow up, this is perfectly normal and won't hurt a thing. Just enjoy the new toy.

[Rweb]

Where are you headed and which route are you taking? Coming here is going to show you how well your truck pulls in the mountains.

One thing I might suggest, and something I think every diesel owner should have, is to get an EGT guage added to your truck. I know I have to back off on the Coquihalla (snowshed hill) as my truck will go past 1350 F when pulling up that hill. Outside of the gauge, I would have had no idea the turbo was getting that hot. But there are no hills as bad between Kelowna and AB.

We will go highway one from Calgary then after it's highway 97A I think. It's been years since I've been to Kelowna or into BC for that matter. Looking forward to it, except for the price of diesel and the HST. But oh we we'll I guess. Have a family gathering out there. I will definitely consider the EGT gauge.

Thanks everyone for all the information! Sure does help out a lot.

One thing I am concerned about, I notice a burning smell tonight, multiple times after stoping and getting out. Also notice a faint smoke coming from the hood. Now I looked under there, and it appears that it's near or around where you fill DEF. But I wouldn't/couldn't say for sure. I will be taking the truck in tomorrow and having the dealership take a look at it as I don't think that is normal at all. Any advice?

Thanks again everyone.

[bsmith0404]

If the truck is new, 0 miles, and this is the first couple times you've driven it it's probably just paint or detail overspray burning off. Doesn't hurt to get it checked.

As for the fuel mileage mentioned earlier, play around with your speeds. One thing about diesels is speed really has an impact. If I run 65-70, I'll get 20+, 70-75 will drop me down to 17-19, once I jump up over 80 mine will drop off to 14-15. These are empty numbers. When I hook the RV behind I get 11-14 towing at 65-68. Don't tow any faster than that so I don't have numbers for the higher speeds.

[mguay]

I think all the 14's and 15's came with 2 yrs of no charge service...Oil/Filters etc.

Check with your dealer.

[GMcKenzie]

Oh, one more thing. When towing up hill, don't have a heart attack when the fan kicks in, it will sound like the engine is about to blow up, this is perfectly normal and won't hurt a thing. Just enjoy the new toy.

^^^^^This.

The fan is real loud when it kicks in.

[concours]

Yes follow the instructions as a retired GM service manager and technician I have seen too many rear differentials get noisy and fail because they were not broken in. I also change the diff oil at the first oil change then you are good to go for many miles

[Rweb]

bsmith0404;132107]If the truck is new, 0 miles, and this is the first couple times you've driven it it's probably just paint or detail overspray burning off. Doesn't hurt to get it checked.

The truck is new. It has now just about 400 KMs on it. So I'm thinking it should have done it sooner. But I'm hoping that's all it is. I will run it over to the dealership this morning some time and see.


As for the fuel mileage mentioned earlier, play around with your speeds. One thing about diesels is speed really has an impact. If I run 65-70, I'll get 20+, 70-75 will drop me down to 17-19, once I jump up over 80 mine will drop off to 14-15. These are empty numbers. When I hook the RV behind I get 11-14 towing at 65-68. Don't tow any faster than that so I don't have numbers for the higher speeds.

Thanks for the info. I don't go above 65 towing the trailer anyway. Thanks everyone for all your replies.

[Rweb]

Yes follow the instructions as a retired GM service manager and technician I have seen too many rear differentials get noisy and fail because they were not broken in. I also change the diff oil at the first oil change then you are good to go for many miles

Thanks concours, will deffiently do that.

[AdkWoody]

I have a 2010 DuraMax and absolutely love it! The burning smell could be the burner doing a regen. As far as maintenance I have all fluids changed to Rotella full synthetic. I change the engine oil, change the spin on Allison filter and clean MAF sensor every 12,000 miles. Tires are done twice a year (every 6 months) along with washing my K&N air filter. (Not a huge fan of that kind, but $65 for a paper one every time or $90 ONCE.. I can do math.) I have also installed a boost gauge, EGT gauge and an oil temp gauge. When towing I make sure trans temp is on the DIC as well. The more information I have about my truck and what it's doing, the better the chance I'll be able to see something is wrong before it gets really bad. It also allows me to push the envelope of the truck without doing damage.

Now, as far as additives go, everyone will tell you something different..... I use Diesel Kleen silver bottle in the summer and white in the winter (I live in upstate NY) with every single fillip. No matter which brand you choose, MAKE SURE IT IS COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR EMISSIONS SYSTEM!!!!!!! The main purpose of this product is to add lubrication and additives to the fuel that the ultra low sulfur diesel making process takes out, helping to prevent wall wash that could damage the engine over time. I also highly recommend joining Duramaxforum.... .com of corse. (I have the same user name there as I do here) They have a wealth of knowledge about these trucks and are on top of helping you deal with dealerships too if needed.

I love my truck. I'm sooooo glad I went for the chevy. Best transmission, a very reliable motor that is beginning to rival the Cummins for durability, and of corse, the gobs of raw power that is able to haul my 12k lbs of camper and gear up windy mountain roads without hesitation and an exhaust (engine) break that will keep the control and speed without the need for breaks coming back down the other side. Chevy is also better at altitude where the air is thinner. Bottom line, it's my 1 million mile truck. Relax my friend and enjoy your travels!

[Rweb]

Thanks again everyone for all the help! Turns out the burning smell was just a sticker on the exhaust system. Gm dealer says they don't know why they do that. Love the truck so far. We're heading out camping next week to the mountains. Getting rather excited. I will have to add some fuel additives of some kind I think, not too sure which kind is best or which I should get. I should do that soon too. If anyone has advice, I'm all ears. Again thanks.

[GMcKenzie]

I wait for the Kleen-Flo to go on sale at Princess and buy the big jug.

I pour some into an old Stabil bottle I have with the squeeze resevoir to measure out. Put in one resevoir full for a 1/2 tank. 2 if the tank is under 1/4.

Not sure if that part makes sense but I don't know how else to describe it.

[LittleJoe]

A word of caution to those using K&N filters in a diesel application.

IF you do oil analysis you will see that the silicone (sand) percentage will be higher in contamination level than stock OEM filter.

Cummins actually has a technical service bulletin stating that engine warranty is void if using a K&N filter as it will cause "dusting " of and engines cylinders.
This is very fine wear caused by excessive micron size dirt that will leave cylinders polished and causing too much blowby.

I have personally seen the results and depending on your driving conditions it may take a long time but you are ingesting more dirt to your engine than OEM design.

I run a OEM air filter according to the filter minder and changing at about 75% of max allowable restriction I still routinely get 40-50K MILES on a filter.
A OEM filter is not restrictive to the max Hp your engine is designed for .

"rant off"

[GMcKenzie]

ilter.
A OEM filter is not restrictive to the max Hp your engine is designed for .


In fact, the OEM filters will handle a fair bit more HP than stock. Probably more than the tranny will handle.

[RaptyJon]

A word of caution to those using K&N filters in a diesel application.

IF you do oil analysis you will see that the silicone (sand) percentage will be higher in contamination level than stock OEM filter.

Cummins actually has a technical service bulletin stating that engine warranty is void if using a K&N filter as it will cause "dusting " of and engines cylinders.
This is very fine wear caused by excessive micron size dirt that will leave cylinders polished and causing too much blowby.

I have personally seen the results and depending on your driving conditions it may take a long time but you are ingesting more dirt to your engine than OEM design.

I run a OEM air filter according to the filter minder and changing at about 75% of max allowable restriction I still routinely get 40-50K MILES on a filter.
A OEM filter is not restrictive to the max Hp your engine is designed for .

"rant off"

The K&N's are also oiled filters, so that can get sucked into the motor and cause some problems.

I just bought my first diesel (F250) as well and love it so far. My dad's suggestions to me were to always fuel up where they go through a lot of diesel (because it can go bad fast) and to change the fuel filter every oil change. Seems extreme but he owns plenty of diesel trucks for his business and if you run into problems with your fuel injectors the dealership will try to blame it on bad fuel to try and get out of doing the work under warranty. Bad fuel injectors = big problems. Also the bad smell could be related to the exhaust system being cleaned.

Enjoy!

[b.d.m]

The best advice anyone ever gave me about owning a diesel truck.
1) only use diesel rated oil. Don't let just anyone do the oil change.
2) change the fuel filter often.

[Rweb]

Hey everyone, just wanted to post an update. Just got back home from our trip. Really impressed with the truck. Pull really good. Had no hiccups on any of the mountains. Sure wished I would have gotten a diesel before this.. Makes it so much less of a stressful drive.

Do have one question though. How long should the DEF last? I made it out to Kelowna about 900 KMs maybe abut more. and I had it add more.. Someone told me it should last 8000 KMs. Can't see it lasting that long. Any advice?

Thanks.

[mguay]

Hey everyone, just wanted to post an update. Just got back home from our trip. Really impressed with the truck. Pull really good. Had no hiccups on any of the mountains. Sure wished I would have gotten a diesel before this.. Makes it so much less of a stressful drive.

Do have one question though. How long should the DEF last? I made it out to Kelowna about 900 KMs maybe abut more. and I had it add more.. Someone told me it should last 8000 KMs. Can't see it lasting that long. Any advice?

Thanks.

Glad everything is good!

There aren't many dealers that fill the DEF when you purchase the truck. Mine went empty around 800 miles the first time and now goes around 5000 miles. When towing you will use more DEF. As MPG goes down, DEF consumption goes up. On a 4000 mi round trip to FL in March I used about 7 gal.