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Duramax 3.0l - One and done?

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16K views 98 replies 27 participants last post by  fpdmotor  
#1 ·
Just seeing if you all with the 3.0l baby Duramax are happy and willing to buy another or once you replace the truck it'll be with a different engine. I've owned 3/4 ton trucks with diesels and found there wasn't much savings maintenence wise. But they certainly hauled my trailers great.
Just trying to decide if I want to mess with a diesel /def /and expensive oil changes (I figure they are) as a driver not a hauler.
 
#7 · (Edited)
If this truck needs to be replaced it will be another 3.0 if it's still in production. The only additional maintenance cost is, it uses another 2 quarts of oil on a change. The fuel filter is under $50 and it's 20K or two years so no big deal. The fuel economy when not towing is just outstanding. RV towing I'm at least 5mpg better then my buddy who tows the same size and weight trailer with an F-250 diesel.

I would absolutely do it again.
 
#8 ·
GM suggests changing at the first of
-- for 3.0, 30,000 miles or 2 years or when filter minder trips
-- for 6.6, 22,500 miles or 2 years or when filter minder trips

It's the same filter -- but naturally the 6'6 puts more fuel through it.
 
#10 ·
GM suggests changing at the first of
-- for 3.0, 30,000 miles or 2 years or when filter minder trips
-- for 6.6, 22,500 miles or 2 years or when filter minder trips

It's the same filter -- but naturally the 6'6 puts more fuel through it.
Yeah I knew it was 30k my OPS... I know until I retire I will wear out the 2 years first having a company ride. I got mine in January of 23 and I only have just under 16K on it. So it's fuel filter time for me this month.
 
#11 ·
I think I read somewhere that 'average' vehicle gets run 10 or 12 thousand miles per year.
(maybe that's why 3 yr / 36,000 mile b to b warranties ??)
Anyway, if that's close, many 3.0 owners will be on the 2 year schedule.
 
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#12 ·
I think I read somewhere that 'average' vehicle gets run 10 or 12 thousand miles per year.
(maybe that's why 3 yr / 36,000 mile b to b warranties ??)
Anyway, if that's close, many 3.0 owners will be on the 2 year schedule.
That's my driving. I've had my truck for 23 months and I'm just under 20,000 miles. Being the diesel is less than the 6.2l (which runs on premium) it kinda makes sense for me to look at the 3.0l. My downside from personal experience is the need for some gloves to keep in the bed for filling up. I hate to smell like a diesel mechanic after a fill up. And I'll need to find a new refueling spot. I buy gas at Sam's and they don't carry diesel. So I'll have check with gas buddy to see who is selling "cheap" diesel. I know....big problems. Sounds like maintenance costs aren't a big difference and fuel economy and purchase savings will more than cover it.
 
#13 ·
I hear ya on the gloves.
The place I usually fill the nozzles are almost always clean.

We did a 5000 mile loop last summer and most of the nozzles encountered were also clean.

I carry a little box of nitrile gloves.
Use 'em and then toss into the garbage.

These, or similar, are very cheap.
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#14 · (Edited)
2024 Sierra Denali with 3,000 trouble free miles so far. Happy with it and fuel mileage is my main reason to buy it. 6.2L was expensive at over $4+ gallon for 91 and 17 mpg. Last fill with diesel was around $3+- and averaging 27 mpg. About all I tow is a 7x14 ALUMA trailer with a RZR XP 1000 <4000lbs.
 
#16 ·
Never, ever go by the book as far as oil changes.
I have seen two dead 3.0 diesels that were neglected due to a lack of oil changes.
Full of soot, sludge and broken parts.
I would still change oil at 3,000 miles and certainly never more than 5,000 miles.
You spend a large amount for a vehicle so don't abuse it. Replacement engines and labor is super high too.
Be sure to run a good fuel conditioner at all times.
The ultra low sulfur fuel is dry without the sulfur so it lacks lubricity.
Run something good to restore that lubricity as the fuel system can be a $10,000 item to restore.
Ultra low sulfur fuel has caused billions in fuel system repairs.
Don't be one caught in this government scam.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Never, ever go by the book as far as oil changes.
I have seen two dead 3.0 diesels that were neglected due to a lack of oil changes.
Full of soot, sludge and broken parts.
I would still change oil at 3,000 miles and certainly never more than 5,000 miles.
You spend a large amount for a vehicle so don't abuse it. Replacement engines and labor is super high too.
Be sure to run a good fuel conditioner at all times.
The ultra low sulfur fuel is dry without the sulfur so it lacks lubricity.
Run something good to restore that lubricity as the fuel system can be a $10,000 item to restore.
Ultra low sulfur fuel has caused billions in fuel system repairs.
Don't be one caught in this government scam.
After 60 years of working on and modifying diesel motors, that is the best advice I could give for any diesel motor, especially the little 3.0. The 3.0's tight clearances and the necessary 0w-20w oils will break down quicker with soot than heavier-viscosity oils. Pair this with the fantastic low-end torque in the 3.0, equal to diesel motors three times the size of the 3.0. That fact right there demands good clean lubrication.

The 3.0 stock "throw-away" oil pan drops in the front and retains about 1/3 quart of dirty oil after draining. (See the picture below.) I've never been a fan of motor add-on $ gimmicks like we see every day, but I've changed my mind in this case. So, I bought a PPE oil pan at full price with the PPE filter and will add about 2.5 quarts of oil overstock, which will add service life to the oil.

The 3.0 oil temperature runs on the hot side anyway, so the additional capacity and a little more cooling area on the pan will not hurt. My 2020 High Country is lifted 4.5" after I trashed the intercooler core and front-end plastic in deep snow one night. The RC 4.5-inch tru-lift makes the PPE pan installation a lot easier, as the differential and cross member are already lowered out of the way.

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#17 ·
Just seeing if you all with the 3.0l baby Duramax are happy and willing to buy another or once you replace the truck it'll be with a different engine. I've owned 3/4 ton trucks with diesels and found there wasn't much savings maintenence wise. But they certainly hauled my trailers great.
Just trying to decide if I want to mess with a diesel /def /and expensive oil changes (I figure they are) as a driver not a hauler.
I absolutely love my 2023 GMC 1500 Denali 3.0 and would buy it again in a heartbeat. It’s my first truck and diesel and love it to death.
 
#23 ·
Good way to starve the bearings further down the supply oil path considering the extremely tight clearances and the use of a variable displacement oil pump. Thicken up the oil and the pump will see higher pressures which will cause it to reduce the flow rate and potentially starve the bearings near the end of the oil passage way.








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#25 · (Edited)
Traded in my 2023 Gladiator Rubicon 3.0 Eco diesel for my current 2024 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with 3.0 Duramax, was a good decision I will say. I LOVE the 3.0 Duramax, remarkable engine. We took it to Daytona Beach Fl from Columbus Ohio and averaged 27.9 MPG including slow cruising all around Florida for a week and driving 75 MPH the whole way there and back and only used 2 gallons of DEF. This engine is smooth and powerful and sounds great, love the diesel knock. I would like to have the GMC Yukon with this engine next.
 
#27 ·
Just seeing if you all with the 3.0l baby Duramax are happy and willing to buy another or once you replace the truck it'll be with a different engine. I've owned 3/4 ton trucks with diesels and found there wasn't much savings maintenence wise. But they certainly hauled my trailers great.
Just trying to decide if I want to mess with a diesel /def /and expensive oil changes (I figure they are) as a driver not a hauler.
2023 3.0 Denali and it's my first diesel and I absolutely love it, and would buy again in a heartbeat.Went to Monterey from Fresno Ca 37.2 mpg!I have 11700 miles on it.
 
#29 ·
Almost 118k miles. Tows travel trailer well.
Cruises at speed limit with between 28 to 30 mpg depending on wind, grades and how aggressive I am.
Best full tank at steady 70 mph, hand calculated was 620 miles for 20.5 gallons

Oil changes at 7 quarts are no difference than my old 5.7 V8 Tundra with 8 qts. Extra mileage makes up for higher fuel and DEF costs. Inline 6 is smoother than V8 with better torque.
 
#34 ·
Love mine. I came from an F150 with a 3.5 EB that loved premium fuel. $60 fillups beat $90 tankfuls. Did an oil change last week. 2 jugs of ESP-x2 and I have plenty of extra oil for the next change. Throw in a PF66 for $9 and I was at $66 with tax. Local oil change place charged me $30 to do the labor and properly dispose of the used oil. $96 this time but will only be about $65 for the next one. Figure $80 an oil change which is not excessive.
 
#36 ·
Topped off tonight. Didn't need it but we were going past the station with the cheapest per gallon diesel. I don't typically hand calculate but it was simple being new. Anyway, 10.9 gallons and 265 miles driven. 24.3 mpg. I'm thrilled with that.