Gas vs. diesel quesitons

[gmhunter]

I am planning on purchasing a new truck to replace my 97 Z71 1/2 ton in 2003/2004. Planning on the 2500HD crew cab. I do some towing today and hauling. I plan to get a bigger boat, 8K-9K lbs in the near future. I would like to get the diesel for the power options, better mileage, long engine life, etc. I plan to hold onto the truck for more than 5 years. I drive about 20,000 miles/year. The initial cost is not an issue for me, since i see this as a long term deal.

My question centers around what I have learned over the years that short trips for diesels don't allow them to get warm and some problems can occur. I have heard that without getting them warm, some engine fluids and condensation can leak down into the oil and mix in. I drive back and forth to work 4-5 days per week, 5 mile one way trips. Lots more long trips of 200-300 miles on the weekend going hunting and fishing and pulling boats and a number of longer trips for vacation and travel. I have read that changing the fluids can alleviate these problems, but was interested to hear from some of the experts and those with experience. thanks for the help.

 

Mike

[Shaners]

Mike, I am not a diesel expert, but my understanding is that these new diesels can be driven like a gasser without much harm.  Short trips in a gas engine are very hard on it too...

 

My friend had a 6.5L Turbo diesel in his Yukon and it was a daily driver.  It ran fine until it had a bunch of miles on it and finally lost a head gasket.

 

If you live in a cold climate, I'd be a little more concerned than if you lived where it was warmer.

[Colorado Kid]

In my opinion, for what it's worth, while the short trips are not great for any engine, when considering  your scenario which includes a longer trip every weekend I don't think a diesel will have any more trouble with that routine than a gasser.  I would avoid mixing any extended idling in with those short trips, as that would tend to compound the long running time at low tempurature problems.  As long as you take is out for a run pretty often the volatiles will cook out of the oil, and you'll be fine.  The other consideration is you could keep and old beater for the trip to work and let the diesel do what it was made for (the long trips, especially with heavy loads).  I live 45 miles from work, but I still use the old truck most days because it's going to spend the day in the sun either way.