Duramax Diesel Engine (Advantages and Disadvantages)
Diesel engines are similar to gasoline engines in that they both have internal combustion chambers. The only difference is that diesel engines do not require a spark to ignite the mixture. When the air itself comes in contact with the fuel, it ignites without a spark with the use of glow plugs.
However, this does not mean that all brands of diesel engines perform the same. There are some diesel engine brands that are preferred over others. The Duramax diesel engine is a good example. It is a V8 diesel engine developed by General Motors specifically for trucks.
Duramax is a diesel engine product line that stands for quality. You can find their engines in all kinds of vehicles, from small pickups to large trucks. When choosing a Duramax diesel engine for your vehicle, you need to consider how you will use your vehicle. What may be a benefit to one person may not mean much to another, so keep that in mind as you look at the pros and cons of the Duramax diesel engine below.
Duramax Diesel Benefits
Here are the top 4 benefits of the Duramax diesel engine:
1) Long Life
Diesel engines are designed to last longer than gasoline engines. Duramax diesel engines will last at least a few years longer than the average diesel engine. Of course, engine maintenance is also required.
2) Highly Efficient
The Duramax diesel engine produces a lot of energy, allowing your vehicle to move quickly and efficiently. Even when moving large, heavy trucks, this diesel engine always performs well. This also makes the engine more fuel efficient, which means less money at the pump.
3) Good for towing
If you are hauling goods on a trailer, the Duramax diesel engine is powerful enough to move your goods. In fact, the Duramax diesel 2.8L I-4 can move up to 7,700 pounds when used in a pickup truck. The reason this engine can tow so much is because of its excellent torque.
4) Exhaust brake
It helps to slow the vehicle down by using engine compression. This reduces the normal wear on the brake system when braking on inclines and hills.
Drawbacks of Duramax Diesel
The following are the three biggest drawbacks of the Duramax diesel engine.
1) Cost
General Motors may have developed a powerful V8 diesel engine, but that engine is going to be expensive. Any vehicle for sale with a Duramax diesel engine is sure to be expensive. And if your engine needs replacing, you might even have to consider replacing your vehicle.
2) Expensive Repairs
The Duramax diesel engine is certainly not your regular diesel engine. It is a very innovative technology with many advanced components and parts. You probably can’t go to a car mechanic and have them repair your engine. A mechanic or service center that specializes in diesel engines is the solution. But you still have to pay a lot for the repairs you need.
3) High Demand
Finding a truck with a Duramax diesel engine isn’t always easy. If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, you might have a lot of options. But for those who live in a smaller town or city, you might not have as many options when it comes to Duramax diesel engines.
