Im pretty new here, I don't post to often but read alot.

My current truck im selling, and I think I may have it sold by this weds. If I can sell it this week, I plan to be in a new truck nextweek.

I have a few more questions reguarding a diesel. Im going to get the 3500 SRW, LS, 4x4, Ext Cab, Long Box, I think. However, im still not sure wether the diesel or gasser? I spend over $600 a month on gas for the gasser, so I'd spend less with a diesel because of the 14mpg where as im getting 7mpg with a gasser.

But my main concern about a diesel and why im having second thoughts is, what if you get some bad gas? and what about starting it when its really cold? I dont want to have an auto remote starter because I dont want to crank it every hour in the night because it'd wake the neighbors up, our houses are like 10ft apart. So when and if you plug it in, is it the same as starting it every hour or so? Because even if its in my garage, i will have to keep the door halfway open, and I think it'd still wake the neighbors up.

Also, I will have a warantee, and ive known the service manager my whole life, but still, arnt diesels real expensive to fix?

Thanks, I really want to get a diesel, but I know their not the best in cold weather, and the fact about bad gas. Hopefully you guys can help me out, because I really want a diesel, and no-one in my family has had a diesel so they cant really help me their.

Thanks again, and wish me luck on having the truck sold http://www.plowsite.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Again, to clairify, I really really want a diesel, but im scared about the bad gas and starting it in cold weather.

Thanks again guys! Wish me luck! I'll be looking forward to hopefully getting that diesel if I can figure out the bad gas and cold weather deal!

Duramax's are quiet and there are safeguards in place if you do get bad gas. The fuel filter system detects water in the system and lets you know about it. You just follow the directions to drain the water out and you are good to go.

I haven't read too many problems with cold weather. So far where I live its only gotten down to 25 this year, but still no issues here.

You will thank yourself for getting the Diesel in several ways..mileage, power, longevity and a few other things.

Yeah, I really want the diesel, and still plan on getting one.

I was just nervous and unsure about the bad-gas and cold weather issue...

I heard that if you do get badgas and the filter doesnt catch it, and you end up messing something up that the dealer wont take care of it.

But I should be fine as long as I take care of it, watch my gas, and plug it in when it gets cold at night.

Im so excited about getting a diesel. Ever sense I was like 10 I loved the way diesels sounded, and now that I know what is behind them with all that power and the mileage, im happy I can finally get one :)

Guys, can you inform me more on the diesels though, like what I should look for, hear for, how to drive it the first few weeks/months to break it in, and the best way to maintain it.

Thanks again!!!

I would suggest you read over all the forums on here, upkeep, issues, break in, oil types, schedules.. you will find it all on here with a few minutes of looking around.

If you decide to get a diesel the first thing you should add is a secondary fuel filter. Also dont put gas in it either it uses diesel. There's really no set break in period on these, just take it easy for 500 miles then drive it like how you like.....Just follow the manufacturer on maintance. Some guys change the oil after 500 miles then every 5000-6000 miles afterwards. The fuel filter needs to be changed every 15,000 miles per maunfactuer. I just switched over to Mobil 1 Truck/SUV 5W-40 oil on my last change.

To be honest, you have to keep a diesel pickup for a fairly long time for the increase in price equals the fuel savings. That being said:

They hold their value better than gasoline trucks.

Towing mileage/range is dramatically increased over gas engines.

They perform very well at high altitude compared to gassers.

Engine life is far longer due to the stronger design and lower RPM.

Adding HP to them is simple compared to gassers. To add 100rwhp to a gasser will cost you several thousand dollars, and mileage will suffer badly. Not to mention it usually require Premium fuel when you do it.

Awsome, thanks for the great tips guys.

McRat, I plan on keeping this for 7-10 years, so It should justify the fuel savings. Plus, I drive about 30,000 miles a year. Plus I tow and plow.

I have always disagreed with the logic that you have to keep a diesel a long time to pay back the extra cost of the motor in fuel savings.

While technically that statement is true, it is not the only determining factor in the cost of diesel ownership.

The simple fact is that your resale value on your diesel is going to be considerably higher then a similarly equipped gasser.

It might cost you $7500 extra now but when you resell it you are probably going to get another $5000+ for it then you would if it was a gas truck. Therefor you really only have to justify the savings in fuel of $2500.

These #'s are not actual costs but I am using them to prove my point. Your values may vary.

my gas savings were imediate. My previous gasser I would have to fill up at least 4 times a month..bottom line. with this diesel, I fill up at most 4 times a month. I can see it on my gas bill and money in my pocket.

and as Max states above, the resale on these is much higher than a gasser.

I buy my fuel at a truck stop Figure that they go through so much fuel a month that I will always get good product. As far as cold starts, the new LLY d'max has quick heat glow plugs that are hot in about 7 seconds. Now I also understand that Chevrolet installs a heater, so all you need to do is plug it in at night.

Tr;y the diesel. You can always unload the unit if it does not work out well for you type of use. Bet you keep it!!

Its a no brainer for a work truck! Your not going to save a ton of money on fuel, but you will save! In 2002 I replaced a 1 ton utility 4x4 5.7 gas and a 1 ton 5.7 gas van with 2 1 ton utility 4x4 duramax's. We went from a fuel bill or about $1200.00 per month to about $800.00. Change the oil, add fuel additive and replace fuel filters and you will love it! If you are worried about the cost of repair buythe extended warranty! Also if you fuel up at a good station that you know sells a lot of diesel you will be fine! We also went from fueling up every 2-3 days to once a week.

Yeah, Im filling up every 2-3 days, and im not EVEN using it for work yet. When its snowing out, and im out doing snow, I have to fill up twice a day. And when im pulling my trailer, its about everyday I have to fill up. But when im not working, I have to fill up every 2-3 days. I HATE IT.

But thanks guys. You cleared up my worries of a diesel now. Now I know im safe if I plug it in, and as long as I take care of it and get good gas, im set :)


Thanks again guys.

Cross your fingers I sell the ford!!!!

Around here, I get a good chuckle out of all of the Duramaxes you see plugged in, at temps barely freezing. Makes you wonder if they're diesel-electric.?.?. Not that it's right, wrong, or indifferent, but I have NEVER plugged in any of my Duramaxes or Cummins. Turned the key and started right up down to -20F. What good is having warm coolant if your oil is like molasses? Run Delvac 1 and worry not. If I were living somewhere where the temps were regularly at or below 0F, I'd throw on a basepan heater.

My .02

Ty

Howdy neighbor! You think we have it cold here? Read some of the postings from those North of the border. My glow plug light stays on about 3 sec. at 0 F. That is not even plugged in. The fuel additive issue is well addressed here, but Stanadyne is GM approved one. As for the "sound" your diesel will make...how about a high idle option that whistles to you when it's cold enough. Your neighbors will not be mad, the'll be JEALOUS!):h

Premier...

You will see a huge difference while out plowing vs gas... for trailering.. .lots more power... yea... a little more maintance than gas...
It will end up being the right move for you ...

Also I believe I saw you over at chuck's site.. correct??


Pete