<!-- / icon and title -->Duramax might be adequate in your 2500 or 3500 daily driver but it can't live up GM's claims as a commercial-type engine in their Medium Duty truck line.

We run 4500 Kodiaks and deliver power boats and yachts - all loads are below GM's listed GCWs.

After a 4 month battle, GM repurchased one of our units under the Texas Lemon Law. It wouldn't, couldn't run despite 4 different dealerships trying to make it run. Turbo, catalytic convertor, left cylinder head, injectors and numerous sensors, etc. replaced. Problems started at approx. 19,000 miles. What a piece of junk, costing us some $87,000 in lost business. The dealer we delivered this unit to, still has it in storage since 7/'04 waiting for GM to collect it.

The truck that replaced this one is now encountering similar problems. RPM drops to 2000, no power. It has 24,000 miles on the clock. It's broken down at the 10th dealership in a row, over some 2200 miles, in Englewood, CO. On this journey, truck was towed into Tucson, just before Thanksgiving, where they took a week to replace the turbo. (We believe this was not our problem). Good luck in finding any parts for your LLY at the dealers! It made it 60 miles from there to Benson and was towed in and delaer replaced the fuel filter. (even though fuel filter was replaced 1000 miles prior).

Then broke down in Albuq., NM where another fule filter was replaced. Driver insisted this fuel filter be cut open and fuel tanks checked for water or contamination. Filter absolutely clean and tests on tanks negative.

Driver limped in to Dallas (home base) and dealer took complete fuel delivery system apart as too high vacuum readings. After a week forund small cracked plastic fitting on fuel filter housing.

Truck went to Detroit. Electrical problems on the way. That took 3 dealers before was correctly fixed. After loading power boat in Detroit for San Diego - 2000 RPMs and no power. Dealer diagnosed bad catalytic convertor. 3 days to order and install (this is Detroit! Motor city! Not far from Flint! No dealers have any in stock!)

After encountering same problems en route, and 3 more dealers, scratching their asses (which also requires some sort of diagnostic code!) we're now down in CO still trying to get to Calif. and deliver a 7800 pound boat. No way will it make the grades through CO.

In our experience this engine is Isuzu junk and just doesn't cut it. If have to replace this unit we'll have to go up to a 6500 and get the Cat. Too bad GM doesn't offer the Cat in their smaller class trucks - then again many more complaints like ours, they just might have to.

Wow that's some serious problems. I love my Dmax but I guess if I was having problems like you are, I'd start to wonder about the mill too. Nick

That is worrying to hear about - I haul more weight than that, and if this truck cannot do it, I will probably go bankrupt. Interesting prospect.

Mylash

<!-- / icon and title -->Duramax might be adequate in your 2500 or 3500 daily driver but it can't live up GM's claims as a commercial-type engine in their Medium Duty truck line.

We run 4500 Kodiaks and deliver power boats and yachts - all loads are below GM's listed GCWs.

After a 4 month battle, GM repurchased one of our units under the Texas Lemon Law. It wouldn't, couldn't run despite 4 different dealerships trying to make it run. Turbo, catalytic convertor, left cylinder head, injectors and numerous sensors, etc. replaced. Problems started at approx. 19,000 miles. What a piece of junk, costing us some $87,000 in lost business. The dealer we delivered this unit to, still has it in storage since 7/'04 waiting for GM to collect it.

The truck that replaced this one is now encountering similar problems. RPM drops to 2000, no power. It has 24,000 miles on the clock. It's broken down at the 10th dealership in a row, over some 2200 miles, in Englewood, CO. On this journey, truck was towed into Tucson, just before Thanksgiving, where they took a week to replace the turbo. (We believe this was not our problem). Good luck in finding any parts for your LLY at the dealers! It made it 60 miles from there to Benson and was towed in and delaer replaced the fuel filter. (even though fuel filter was replaced 1000 miles prior).

Then broke down in Albuq., NM where another fule filter was replaced. Driver insisted this fuel filter be cut open and fuel tanks checked for water or contamination. Filter absolutely clean and tests on tanks negative.

Driver limped in to Dallas (home base) and dealer took complete fuel delivery system apart as too high vacuum readings. After a week forund small cracked plastic fitting on fuel filter housing.

Truck went to Detroit. Electrical problems on the way. That took 3 dealers before was correctly fixed. After loading power boat in Detroit for San Diego - 2000 RPMs and no power. Dealer diagnosed bad catalytic convertor. 3 days to order and install (this is Detroit! Motor city! Not far from Flint! No dealers have any in stock!)

After encountering same problems en route, and 3 more dealers, scratching their asses (which also requires some sort of diagnostic code!) we're now down in CO still trying to get to Calif. and deliver a 7800 pound boat. No way will it make the grades through CO.

In our experience this engine is Isuzu junk and just doesn't cut it. If have to replace this unit we'll have to go up to a 6500 and get the Cat. Too bad GM doesn't offer the Cat in their smaller class trucks - then again many more complaints like ours, they just might have to.
If you want it hauled through the mountains I can help...

Howard

Ouch. I sure like to see what all the issues was. That is the worst yet.I have been on the fence to get 5500's to replace F550's and frankly I'm surprised. What are your max GCVW ?

5500 4x4 is rated for 26kGCW which is really low in my mind, but it is the only spec I have seen. No where is that number given in to me in any of my owner documents. GVW is 19.5k

Howard

My F-550' are GCVW of 32K with the right specs.

I just replied to the same thread in another forum.. HMMM
You didn't think one copy was enough?

Well this is just your opinion and based on your use of the truck. This is not by-far based on the market use of this medium duty truck. I know several businesses using this truck to do what you are doing and others use them for different reasons and none of them have had any issues such as you are speaking of. Not sure what to tell you. Guess you might want to switch trucks and purchase as Semi with a Cat or International...

Detroit 4 cycle Best fuel milage out there

I think the most simple answer is to buy a dodge

I think the most simple answer is to buy a dodge
-:t

Well this is just your opinion and based on your use of the truck. This is not by-far based on the market use of this medium duty truck. I know several businesses using this truck to do what you are doing and others use them for different reasons and none of them have had any issues such as you are speaking of. Not sure what to tell you. Guess you might want to switch trucks and purchase as Semi with a Cat or International...
To pull 16 or 17,000 pound loads? You are joking, aren't you?

If you think I'm the only individual having problems with their Duramax, read other postings.

I had a conversation with the GM area service field manager for the Detroit area who freely admitted GM's having problems, especially so with injectors. Look for GM to coming up with a future modification.

If you want it hauled through the mountains I can help...

Howard
Hi, Howard

Pulling a measly 14,000 pounds on this haul.

One thing learned for medium-duty owners to insist upon - DO NOT allow GM roadside assistance to tow you into a regular Chevy dealership. Insist upon being taken to a Medium Duty GMC or Chevy dealer (Then hope they have some decent techs.)

Evidently, regular chevy dealership techs. talk to their GM tech. assistance up to the 3500 level only.

Even though the engine might be similar, 4500 and up, medium duty dealership techs. talk to a different level of GM technical assistance.

This is what I've been told by a couple of techs. at GMC and Chevy. Medium duty dealerships. Perhaps some of the techs. reading this can verify this.

To pull 16 or 17,000 pound loads? You are joking, aren't you?

If you think I'm the only individual having problems with their Duramax, read other postings.

I had a conversation with the GM area service field manager for the Detroit area who freely admitted GM's having problems, especially so with injectors. Look for GM to coming up with a future modification.
You know, on the old forum software there was a guy that had a user name that looked like a zip code. Same belly aching, trolling posts. Funny you should now start to mention injectors. The other guy was always complaining about injectors. If the Duramax is such a crudy truck why not just get rid of it an go buy a Ford. I hear the 6.0 is a real sweet motor. Or something with a Cat in it then maybe you will be happy, but I doubt it. And don't give me any noise about the money you would lose on a trade. You complained enough about the money you've lost in motel and meal bills and lost business.

Your not here looking for help. You here to troll and cause turmoil, perhaps because you think the General will cut you a better deal. From the warrenty report it doesn't look like you will be getting a very good deal. If you don't have anything more construuctive why don't you just go buy Ford, Dodge, International or some other heavy duty truck and be done with it.

Jim, wishing this forum had a kill file.

Broker,

I sent you the vin# on this truck so you could track it's breakdown history.

We haul yachts and power boats. Only up to 14,000 pound max. payloads. Add 6,200 pounds for our transporter trailer and the total hauled is only 20,200 pounds...maximum. All well within GMs parameters.

The GM area rep. mentioned the injectors. We're not having injector problems.

And if this site isn't for one to air their engine problems, seeking input from others, just what is it for?...A rah, rah site for only positive happenings? Give me a break!

I SMELL A TROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!:mad:

I SMELL A TROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!:mad:
naw, a seagull. Flys in, makes a bunch of noise, cr@ps all over the place and then flys out.

Jim

The GM area rep. mentioned the injectors. We're not having injector problems.

And if this site isn't for one to air their engine problems, seeking input from others, just what is it for?...A rah, rah site for only positive happenings? Give me a break!
Plenty of engine, transmission, differential, overtemp and many other problems are stated. Advice is asked and given. Generally one states a problem, asks for input and we go from there. You basically pulled a seagull. I really don't know what you looking for, other than we all have a mutual cry.

It's a new year. Start with a new truck.

Jim

Common guys...I see what he's saying. He's asking You...the Fellow Duramax owners, if they know what is going on! IF nothing else, let the poor guy vent! He's on his second truck with issues. His livlyhood depends on this truck. How about the Seagull approach for the complainers of this post. Run in, Deposit no usefull information, just make a bunch of noise and leave. Give the guy a hand here!

DD

Will some mod please kill this thread....this is becoming ridiculous!

I Just Got My New 2005 4x4 Crew Cab 5500. I Put A Chevron 20 Aluminum Car Hauler Bed On It With Wheel Lift. The Truck Weighs 15,880 Pounds. I Took It On It's First Trip To New York To Pick Up 2 Jeeps. The Truck Struggled Through The Hills Of Pennsylvania When Loaded. I Thought That This Truck Would Be Much Better Than My 99 F-450 4x4 Diesel. THE 450 PULLS MUCH BETTER. What Can I Safely Do To Make The Truck Pull Better. It Has The Duramax, Allison With 5.13 Gears. I Do Not Want To Add Anything That Will Hurt My Warranty. I Would Also Like To Add An Exhaust Brake. The Crew Cab 4x4's Are Not Made With That Option Anymore?? Anyhelp Is Appreciated. I Do Not Know How To Post On Here Or I Would Show You A Picture. Davey The Jeepman.
DL2217@MSN.COM

Some reason 4x4 does not allow exhaust brake. 15880 tare weight? if that is correct you only have 3620 for payload. Certainley not enough to carry any of todays cars.

I don't think that the 5.13 gearing is doing the the trucks any favors. It is out of its powerband with the allison.

Howard

hi, the weight is 15,880#. i had to take it to get it weighed to put plates on it. another thing i do not like is, the front axle rides on the bump stops. it was that way before we put the bed on it. it rides very rough. davey

Butting in where I don't belong... ;)

I'm going on the assumption that the 5500 has the same LLY (300HP/310HP) as the light duty truck, and not the detuned commercial version.

The LLY does it's best pulling at 2000-3000 rpm. Keeping it in that range certainly makes it climb hills better loaded. Not sure which tuners are compatible with the 5500, but you might try a 50HP tune. My only experience towing uphill at high altitude is at a combined weight of 17k, and a 50HP tuner will allow it climb easily at 2000-2500rpm (75mph'ish). There are tuners that plug into the harness that you can remove in 2min for dealer service calls. A 50HP tuner really wakes these motors up when towing.

steer me in the right direction. what kind will be good? thanks, davey

Well, not knowing for sure if programmers are compatible with the LLY medium duty trucks, your choice would probably be a harness box, like Edge, Bully Dog, PPE, Banks, TS Performance, or Van Aaken. These take a couple minutes under the hood with no tools to install. Your best bet would be to locate someone in your vicinity with one of these and get them to let you borrow it for a day or so.

If the engine computer is the same (not sure how you'd find out), you could use a programmer instead. They plug into the data port, upload a higher HP program, then you remove the device. You can return the truck to stock by reversing the procedure.

Call some of the vendors on this forum, or post a "Which LLY tuners work on Medium Duty trucks" thread in the LLY or Performance sections.

I would think all the stuff for the LLY Light Duty Trucks would work on the medium duty, but not sure.

Thanks!! Davey

The PCM's are the same. They are even easier to access than the light duty trucks. If you're just looking for towing edge would probably be ok on lower levels with LLY. The thermocouple is a cinch to install on those trucks.

ok, i think i have decided on a edge monitor and chip combo. where is the best deal?? i am ready to buy. davey

DL2217@MSN.COM

They are releasing an "updated" LLY Edge very soon. Check with vendors as to it's release date.

The Edge with Attitude monitor will require installing a pyrometer lead to get full benefit out of the unit. It's a good thing to have anyways when towing. The Edge without the Attitude does not require a pyrometer.

You know, on the old forum software there was a guy that had a user name that looked like a zip code. Same belly aching, trolling posts. Funny you should now start to mention injectors. The other guy was always complaining about injectors. If the Duramax is such a crudy truck why not just get rid of it an go buy a Ford. I hear the 6.0 is a real sweet motor. Or something with a Cat in it then maybe you will be happy, but I doubt it. And don't give me any noise about the money you would lose on a trade. You complained enough about the money you've lost in motel and meal bills and lost business.

Your not here looking for help. You here to troll and cause turmoil, perhaps because you think the General will cut you a better deal. From the warrenty report it doesn't look like you will be getting a very good deal. If you don't have anything more construuctive why don't you just go buy Ford, Dodge, International or some other heavy duty truck and be done with it.

Jim, wishing this forum had a kill file.

That sums it up. If you only pull these 10000 pound boats then why not have a 3500 anyways.