I am considering buying a new GMC or Chevy 2500HD with the Duramax diesel and Allison Auto Trans. I plan to use it a lot to drive up and down the Baja highway to Cabo San Lucas. Does anyone know if there are GM dealers or independent mechanics in Mexico who can repair Duramax engines, or even do simple service to them?

A few years ago(2-3?) I had my FWD quit and went to the GM dealership in Puerto Vallarta for service. Nice manicured lawn in front. In the shop they had nothing. Not even a $10 circuit tester (which I carry but mine was broke). I had service manuals. They didn't. Get the picture?

On the other hand, I had a non-stock alternator freeze up on a Saturday night outside of Hermesillo, and in a dark side street, handed it down from under the hood to a Mexican who had disappeared by the time I hit the ground. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gifHe showed up about midnite with my alternator with a hand rewound field and new bearings. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif $50 and it got me to Phoenix. Can't get service like that in the states.

I will be taking a Tech II and the service manuals on a CD with me when I hit the Sierra Madres in two months.

Last time I was there, about 10 yrs ago, the goverment didn't allow diesels in anything but big trucks, so service was hard to find. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

You are kidding right? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif SERVICE IN MEXICO? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Thanks for your responses. Regarding the capability of Mexican mechanics, I have experienced similar "miracles" with my gasoline engine cars. Standard procedure in Baja is to take spare parts down with you so they can fix things for you. That is probalbly what I will do. Also, I will get a service manual on CD, maybe in spanish if such is available. Regarding the ban sale of diesels for small trucks and cars in Mexico, that is still in force. However, there are thousands of such trucks in Baja at any given time due to the huge popularity of diesel engines in RVs and off road pickups. Also, the cost of diesel is about 2/3 of gasoline as of my last trip in April. I plan to license my truck in California, anyway, because I do not want to lose out on the opportunity to help our state's tax treasury. I just took delivery of my new Chev 2500HD with LLY engine yesterday, so one way or the other, I am now committed.

John -

Mexican mechanics are great. Unlike the typical "mechanic" in the US, who should more appropriately be call a "replacement specialist", the Mexicans know how to fix things. There, as in most "underdeveloped" countries, they have been forced to all of their lives due to $. For example, in my situation that I related earlier, I found a well stocked parts store but they didn't have a single alternator on the shelf. What they did have was a great selection of winding wire, brushes, and bushings. But who knows, times are changing fast. When you get back, maybe you will be the expert on current conditions.

My suggestion to you is to trust your truck, use common sense, not worry about it, and go. If you do have a breakdown, you're not going to die and you'll just have a better story to tell for years later. Your "trip" will have turned into an "adventure". Also, a breakdown would result in your making some very good new friends. That's because, once again as a result of a history of not having extra resources laying around, everybody helps each other and if you break down you will have lots of help.

Common sense - Except in upper class tourist hotes, only drink liquids from bottles whose seals are intact, no fresh fruits or veggies that you can't peel or cook. Carry a jerry can of fuel, some tools, and at least two extra fuel filters.

If you are not open for an adventure, stick to the good old USA and the freeways.

OOPS! Sorry John, I didn't read your post until after mine was in the air. It sounds like you've been there, done that.

Where are you heading in Baja? I've followed each coast taking every semblance of a track toward the water that I could find. Not much time spent inland other than checking out the petroglyphs. That's worth doing if you're so inclined.

The last eight years I have been poking around the Sierra Madres. The last three years focused on the Copper Canyon area. Maybe the ultimate in escape from the (other) tourists.

Freddyo,


You sound like an old Baja hand. We have only been driving down for about 3 years and have pretty much stayed on the pavement. However, last year we bought our retirement house, which is on the Sea of Cortez 12 miles north of San Jose del Cabo on the East Cape Highway.

The East Cape Highway is actually not a highway, but a not-often-bulldozed dirt trail. So we are learning not to fear off- pavement driving and plan to start taking the some of the other roads that branch off from Hwy 1 up and down the peninsula as we go back and forth to our house. The idea of getting a 2500HD with a diesel was to have something that can do the dirt roads, as well as take us up and down I-5 carrying loads of furniture from our old house to our new one. Once we do that, we plan to get over to see the rest of Mexico, starting with the Copper Canyon. Meanwhile, lets hope Pemex keeps the diesel price at the low subsidized prices.