06 Duramax ??

[lnbski3]

i am thinking about purchasing a used 06 crew cab chevy with a duramax and 133k miles, ..i am aware of the previous duramax injector issues in the 01-04 series motors. Anyone have experience with this year dmax???

[Rustic Eagle]

Good question to post. I know that there were some good and bad model years for the Duramax, just not sure what model year had what bugs.

Along with the replies from Jayco forum members, another good source for Duramax information would be here: http://www.dieselplace.com/

Bob

[dg1971]

I have an 05 with 90K. I was reading something this morning on the net under www.thedieselpage.com that mentioned GM had extended the 2001 thru 2003 Duramax warranty on the injectors to 7 years or 200,000 miles. This happened in 2006 so as of today, all the effected Duramax trucks would be out of extended warranty anyway. But the point here is, that the 04's thru the early 07's have the new and improved injectors and they should not give us any problems like the older ones did. I think that if you buy that 2006 Duramax and it has been taken care of, you should have many trouble free miles left on it. I am hoping, and performing maintenance on mine like it will last 300K.

[dg1971]

I see Rustic Eagle also posted something on the Duramax. There is no typo from either of us....there is both a www.dieselplace.com and a www.dieselpage.com and both have great info about the Duramax....good luck and happy researching.

[Crabman]

I am hoping, and performing maintenance on mine like it will last 300K.

It will, as will many of their V8 gas engines with proper care.

[dg1971]

True, Crabman. Today's engines are so much better than the 50's and 60's models that you had to overhaul at 90-100K no matter how good the maintenance was on them. I have a relative pushing 300,000+ on their V-6 Buick that has never missed a 3000 mile oil change. Also have good friend that is at 550,000 on his Duramax and he, as well, won't drive 2 miles to church if he is due an oil/filter change. Maintenance is the key.

[lnbski3]

Thanks for the advice, I have over 226,000 on my 5.3 chevy that has been trouble free. But an injector job would put a large dent in the camping budget.

[edatlanta]

There were two engines offered during the 2006 model year. The LLY and the LBZ. The only basic difference is a little more torque/hp with the LBZ, but it is all programming so I have been told. The only problem I have had with my LBZ is replacement of two glow plugs. One last year and another one a few weeks ago.
All of the GM trucks in this series have problems with the intermediate steering shaft. As you drive small bumps can be felt in the steering wheel which feels like the steering is loose. This isn't a major repair and only takes a few minutes to do it and the later models have a better shaft that seems to last longer.
Other than that, I get 12.5 mpg towing my Designer with plenty of power to spare.

[clutch]

Most of the Dura Max's hold up well. The truck may have the improved injectors in it already. You could also buy an extended service contract (warranty) when you buy the truck. Probably a $1500 peace of mind thing.

[dpwelsher]

Don't fix whats not broken. All these truck makers keep changing there platforms. It's like how Ford stop making the bullit proof in-line six built for 50 years. I owned 2, Some of the best trucks ever, and they got rid of them. For what the Triton V8, What a joke. Most the trucks out there have an engine under the dash board these days. I say get an '89 GMC 350 3/4 ton or 1 ton. It'll rip a house down, and is faster than most trucks on the road today. And you can actually fix it yoursrelf. These new and improved desiels are a desaster waiting to happen My step father owns a '89 3/4 ton Cummings long bed extended cab with oner 400,000 miles, a true tractor if I may say so myself. One keep your intake air cool valve, or fuel managment sensor, or any sensor for that matter goes bad on these new ones and it will cost you $900 to $1000 in labor alone.Thats why I stick with the time tested Chevy 350 in my TV and WT(worktruck) Both over 225,000 miles, not problem free but easy enough for a novice mechanich like myself to handle. Sorry just needed to vent, but go ahead and buy a $60,000 truck and I'll show you one for $4,500 That will eat it for breakfast and run 600,000 miles

[clutch]

The last 350 I pulled with couldn't decide wether to stay in 2nd gear or 3rd gear so it constantly shifted between them. It wasn't exactly a stump puller or a demolition machine. I will stick with my CUMMINS.

[Crabman]

[QUOTE

Originally Posted by dpwelsher

Don't fix whats not broken. All these truck makers keep changing there platforms. It's like how Ford stop making the bullit proof in-line six built for 50 years. I owned 2, Some of the best trucks ever, and they got rid of them. For what the Triton V8, What a joke. Most the trucks out there have an engine under the dash board these days. I say get an '89 GMC 350 3/4 ton or 1 ton. It'll rip a house down, and is faster than most trucks on the road today. And you can actually fix it yoursrelf. These new and improved desiels are a desaster waiting to happen My step father owns a '89 3/4 ton Cummings long bed extended cab with oner 400,000 miles, a true tractor if I may say so myself. One keep your intake air cool valve, or fuel managment sensor, or any sensor for that matter goes bad on these new ones and it will cost you $900 to $1000 in labor alone.Thats why I stick with the time tested Chevy 350 in my TV and WT(worktruck) Both over 225,000 miles, not problem free but easy enough for a novice mechanich like myself to handle. Sorry just needed to vent, but go ahead and buy a $60,000 truck and I'll show you one for $4,500 That will eat it for breakfast and run 600,000 miles

][/QUOTE]


The OP is asking a question about the Duramax diesel, so lets not turn this into a gas vs diesel thread please, we know how nasty those can get. -Lee

[Murphie]

I am glad this got posted. I too am looking for a similar truck. If I were to get a 06 duramax three quarter ton, what kind of milage should I be looking at and how long would it last. The other thing I wonder about is with amount of money a used dsl would cost, would I be wiser using that money to purchase a new gas model? A dsl isn't required for my trailer but I spent some time in a 06 duramax this summer and just loved it.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by Murphie

I am glad this got posted. I too am looking for a similar truck. If I were to get a 06 duramax three quarter ton, what kind of milage should I be looking at and how long would it last. The other thing I wonder about is with amount of money a used dsl would cost, would I be wiser using that money to purchase a new gas model? A dsl isn't required for my trailer but I spent some time in a 06 duramax this summer and just loved it.

A couple of years ago I was thinking the same thing. Diesel or gas. We ended up buying a two year old diesel with 20k miles on it. I could have bought a new GM with the 6.0 gas for the same money. We don't tow a lot but when we do we go a long ways. I am glad I bought the diesel.

All of the Duramax models hold up well and all come with a strong automatic transmission. You can find them with a stick but they have a dual mass clutch which is not the best system. With any newer diesel truck you should consider an extended warranty. Just count the cost as part of the cost of the truck.

[RVhiker]

Whatever kind of tow vehicle you use, you have valid reasons for doing so. Here is my experience:

I've pulled an approximate 8500 pound fifth wheel with both a Chevy 6.0L gas engine, and with a Duramax diesel engine. For me, the diesel makes a much more capable tow vehicle. It just does not strain up steep long grades as my gasoline engine Chevy did; on the downhill side, the combination of the compression of the engine and the Allison transmission result in very controlled descents down those steep grades. The diesel is able to enter freeways much more easily and smoothly.

The fuel mileage of both engine types varies quite a bit, depending on load, grade, winds, and speed. Generally, in my experience you could say, roughly, that the gas engine mileage was about 7 to 8 mpg, and the diesel is 9 to 10 mpg.

Due to its power, I find the diesel much easier to drive. I'm not at all sure that you can "pay" for the extra cost of the diesel with savings on fuel cost. But the diesel helps me be somewhat less frazzled after a long day of towing.

[poohbear]

Missed this earlier.I have an 03 3/4HD crew longbed with the DuraMax pulling a 321RLTS.i also have a 3/4 chevy ext cab HD with a 350 and on its best day cant begin to compete with the DuraMax.
i get an average close to 20 unloaded and about 12 with the 5er.i got 158K on the DM with no mods except a TommyLift tailgate on both trucks( adds about 400lbs),run Rotella synthetic.No major problems & I bought it with 90K on the odometer from a guy that pulled a bigger 5er.
Nothing to think about,just write the check.You wont be sorry.I'll buy another one.There is also a forum www.duramaxforum.com
i believe the injector problem was the fuel flow checkball was too soft and wore a flat spot but beginning mid 03 were changed.

[lnbski3]

well I bought the truck

2006 silverado 2500hd 4x4 crew cab
Lt3 package, leather, power etc
Dvd, sunroof, midnight blue ext
Duramax lbz 6.6 with the Allison 6sp trans

131,000
19500

I cant wait to go camping !!!

[dpwelsher]

Congratulations! sounds very nice. Go Chevy and go camping.

[edatlanta]

The only problem I see with your truck is the Bow Tie! GMC all the way, as if there is any difference.
I tow the 5'er in my signature and my '06 got 12.8 mpg towing it to the races this weekend. This is over a 260 mile trip. I'm pleased with that.

[clutch]

Good decision.. Congratulations