Duramax diesel clatter

gmhunter · January 13, 2004

I have a 2003 Duramax in a 2500HD. I have read over the months that this engine generally gets broken in around 20,000+ miles and that you should be recognizing the better performance, efficiency and operating quietness at or around this point. I have about 22K on the truck and I swear the engine is getting louder. Maybe it's just the cold weather and the winter fuel. Can the fuel you use have an effect on engine noise (premium vs #2, good vs. bad, winter vs. summer)? I have changed the oil every 3000 miles, using Shell Rotela. Would synthetic oil have any effect on the noise? I have changed the fuel filter once so far. Could a dirty fuel filter or some other part that needs maintenance cause it to run louder? I have been next to new Dodge and Ford Diesels and I swear they are quieter than the Duramax, which also is opposite of everything you can read or have heard about. I was in a older 6.2L in a 92 Chevy a few weeks ago and was amazed at how quiet it was. I know it's a completley different engine from a Duramax, but was amazed how much quieter it was.

I am not unhappy with the truck, just expecting the clatter to quiet down some. Anybody have any experiences, ideas, thoughts, etc. on this subject. Thanks for any insight.

Mike

BlackSilver · January 13, 2004

You might want to have it checked.

Other than startup clatter when cold, my DuraMax is no louder than my 5.3 gasser. On the highway it's quieter than the 5.3.

gmhunter · January 14, 2004

Black Silver,

Quieter than your 5.3!! Sounds incredible. Has it always been like this? Maybe "clatter" is a bad term, but nowhere close to the noise level of a gas engine, especially during slow acceleration. Do you have any idea what might cause one Duramax to be louder than another? Thanks for any help.

Mike

Machine · January 14, 2004

No flame intended, but you must have a bad case of piston slap if your DMAX is quieter than your 5.3 I really enjoy driving our 5.3 and 6.0 because they are so smooth and quiet at all speeds.

GMhunter - here's some feedback to your questions:

-Synthetic oil did not alter my engine noise

-Winter blend can make your engine louder

-Cold weather makes my Dmax much louder at start-up and then it settles down

The Dmax is quieter than most diesel engines out there. If yours is louder than other Dmax's, and you haven't modified it at all, then get her checked out.

04Chevy2500HD · January 15, 2004

Yeah mine is pretty quite and much quiter then my brothers Powerchoke. I would have it looked at. IF you don't agree with the answer you get, go to another chevy dealer and test drive one and see how yours compares. But drive a different vehicle to the truck lot.

-David

LARSONEM · January 15, 2004

It's a diesel - it's supposed to clatter! Seriously, I don't object to the noise mine makes. You can hear it in the cab at an idle and when you accelerate from a stop, but it doesn't produce any more noise at highway speeds than the 5.3 in my Tahoe. Unfortunately, winter weather does take a toll on the DMax and make it a noiseier motor when it is cold. I don't follow the Powerstroke or Cummins stuff too much, but was amazed last summer when a new CTD Dodge went by in the campground as to how quiet it was. I had to get on my bicycle and go check it out. It was amazingly quiet.

BlackSilver · January 15, 2004

No flame intended, but you must have a bad case of piston slap if your DMAX is quieter than your 5.3

Sorry "Machine" but you're out to lunch on this one. My 5.3l has no piston slap, and at highway speed, my DuraMax is much quieter than my 5.3l.

Machine · January 15, 2004

Sorry "Machine" but you're out to lunch on this one. My 5.3l has no piston slap, and at highway speed, my DuraMax is much quieter than my 5.3l.

Did I push a wrong button, BS? Sorry, amigo.

MCourson · January 15, 2004

I can understand being as quiet as the 5.3, but I am skeptical about it being MUCH quieter. On the highway the only difference in the sound of the Dmax and the 5.3 here is the turbo whistle.

BlackSilver · January 15, 2004

I can understand being as quiet as the 5.3, but I am skeptical about it being MUCH quieter.

Where do you live? If you want a demo, come to my house (I live in Mpls area) and I'll take you for a ride as I have one of each. At highway speeds (empty) the diesel is noticeably quieter than the gasser, probably due to lower RPM's. At highway speeds loaded or towing, the difference is even more dramatic. Both are extended cab, LT trim level, 2WD, 3.73 gearing. The 5.3L rides on Michelin LTX, the 6.6L rides on Firestone Steeltex AT's.

MCourson · January 15, 2004

I can understand being as quiet as the 5.3, but I am skeptical about it being MUCH quieter.

Where do you live? If you want a demo, come to my house (I live in Mpls area) and I'll take you for a ride as I have one of each. At highway speeds (empty) the diesel is noticeably quieter than the gasser, probably due to lower RPM's. At highway speeds loaded or towing, the difference is even more dramatic. Both are extended cab, LT trim level, 2WD, 3.73 gearing. The 5.3L rides on Michelin LTX, the 6.6L rides on Firestone Steeltex AT's.

I have already done my own little test here in FL. Highway cruising speeds up to 85mph.

2002 Tahoe LS 5.3 3.42 on Firestones.

2003 2500HD LS 3.73 on Bridgstones.

For me the Tahoe was quieter.

Shotgun · January 16, 2004

Ok let's break out the decibel meter... I'm with my buddy Courson on this one.

MCourson · January 16, 2004

Well since the local kart track is a city park they have to keep track of noise limits, and the club pres. is my neighbor. So I just MIGHT be able to get ahold of one.