I am new to this forum (todays the first day) and hope to get some information about the Duramax engines.

I have always been a die hard Chevy guy and am looking at getting a used HD2500 crew cab 4X4. My one hold out is that it has the duramax. I have heard mixed revies of the engine but I dont know how reliable the information is.

How good is this engine in comparision to the Ford diesel.
Are there known issues that should prevent me from buying a Duramax.

Is there certain year models to stay away from.

Thanks in advance for the information.

Terry - AKA - Love2Hunt

Terry, welcome to the forum!


Your 2001 & 2002 Duramax's have a 200,000 mile warranty on the injectors which seem to be the D'max's only down fall so far. Even then, its not all of them.


Most people here will tell you the Chevy/GMC is a better truck. But if you do go with the F**d, stay away from the 6.0 liter diesels. F**d is having tranny issues also. I have never heard of any major problems with the Allison.


If you are a Chevy guy, then you will like your D'max, especially if you "Juice" it up.


Best thing to do is find one that has a good maintenance record which seems to be critical on on Diesels. Regular filter changes, oil changes, etc.

I am currently looking at an 03 hd2500 crew 4x4 with the duramax. Dealer Demo vehical with 6000 mi. $34000. Not much to maintain so far. How dificult is it to add thinks such as Supplemental Oil and Fuel filters?

I am a Chevy guy. My current truck is pushing 200K without any engine or transmission work. Just basic maint.

GM has not extended the '03 warranty’s...............yet. . But I am sure they will.


Fortunately, you still have 94,000 miles left of warranty on your truck so I would not sweat it. Buy it and enjoy it!!


Secondary oil and fuel filters are a good precaution but not everyone believes they do much better than just keeping a regular maint. schedule.


There are several DYI's in this forum on how to install both. Just do a search and you will find lots of information.

love2hunt: Buy the da&^ thing, very few have any problems at all. Mine is stock ( and will stay that way ) except for banks 4" exhaust which gives it a GREAT sound! Do it and stop worrying.

If its a demo vehicle, I say "jump on it" Hasn't been towed with. No performance hop ups. No one has driven the stink out of it. If you like it, can afford it, will do what you want - GET IT.

love2hunt,

Don't buy it and run away from this forum as quick as you can!!! Get rid of your computer if that's what you have to do!!!! Run - Run now!!

JUST KIDDING! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I started out not too long ago asking the same type of question that you did. Next thing I know I've got an '05 DMax on order and the bench is already full of mod.s (and my wallet's a little lighterhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif )

If it is a Demo, then it should still have the warrentee up to 3 year/42,000 miles for everything except the DMax, and up to 106000 for the DMax. I don't think that it gets registered until someone buys it and when they do, the warrentee starts at the stated milage. That was the way it was on my Z28, but you may want to verify that first. Edited by: Reineke

love2hunt,

Don't buy it and run away from this forum as quick as you can!!! Get rid of your computer if that's what you have to do!!!! Run - Run now!!

JUST KIDDING! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif



Thanks for the input. I think I will go buy a truck this afternoon. Then I am going to throw my computer out and start runninghttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif