I've been running my Duramax on 7 and ignoring the check engine light for about 6 months. They're not really any fun either.
CK5
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84 K20 "Ethel" Not an Sbc/NV4500/241C
- Thread starter sreidmx
- Start date
Semi restoration of a 1984 K20 pickup.
5.3 LS, nv4500, np241c.
Grid heater. That is the simple answer.
And Bob is right, the A.C. box makes the job less fun. So does the turbine setup.
454Sub
5/8 ton status
I solved all these problems by switching to gasoline.
Mines easy enough to get to and the plugs my truck run are typically from 6-10$ each anyway, and it'll take me 6 years to put 30k miles on this truck so it's cheap to me.
I've put all of about 10,000 miles on my truck since I got it on the road in late 2003..its all the sitting,and frequent re-starts that eat up the glow plugs along with road salt rotting issues that has required me to buy two complete sets and a few new replacement plugs over that time period..
Seems like whichever plugs dont rot away are the ones that died electrically,and being tempted to get every last mile out of the still working rotted ones can prove unwise when its finally time to get them out..
I battled the first set of originals I removed a good 2 hours before I got 7 out of 8 out without busting any off...I put a good dose of anti-seize in the new ones threads and I barely torque them at all when I tighten them--that tapered seat only needs a light touch on the wrench,they will be unlikely to loosen on their own,too many "mechanics" torque them down too tight and ensure the next time will be a big project...
I've heard horror stories from dealership techs that do the diesel repairs--they have to drill out broken glow plugs and or use any method possible other than pulling the head off to remove them,and say its a miserable job...most of them say owning a Duramax is a love/hate deal--you'll love it for its great torque and towing power,and when its running good,--hate it when it needs work like injectors,glow plugs,and valve cover gaskets.."bitch to work on" is a common comment I hear from those guys..
Seems like whichever plugs dont rot away are the ones that died electrically,and being tempted to get every last mile out of the still working rotted ones can prove unwise when its finally time to get them out..
I battled the first set of originals I removed a good 2 hours before I got 7 out of 8 out without busting any off...I put a good dose of anti-seize in the new ones threads and I barely torque them at all when I tighten them--that tapered seat only needs a light touch on the wrench,they will be unlikely to loosen on their own,too many "mechanics" torque them down too tight and ensure the next time will be a big project...
I've heard horror stories from dealership techs that do the diesel repairs--they have to drill out broken glow plugs and or use any method possible other than pulling the head off to remove them,and say its a miserable job...most of them say owning a Duramax is a love/hate deal--you'll love it for its great torque and towing power,and when its running good,--hate it when it needs work like injectors,glow plugs,and valve cover gaskets.."bitch to work on" is a common comment I hear from those guys..
Dealing with an IDI 6.2 engine, the pre chamber only has a narrow slot connecting it to the cylinder. Significantly smaller than the injectir hole. Taking the head off won't be much use unless you also remove the pre chamber.
I'm not a 465 fan. Ford kicked GM's tail in the manual tranny market during this time period.
Not particularly a 700R4 fan, either. And the three speed without T/C lockup was already obsolete.
Old trannys just plain suck, that's what. 6-speed FTW!
The SM465's were overkill for sure,their gearing spacing sucked for the most part though...
As for old transmissions,I'd take any of the old 3 speeds over a 700R4,and live with the higher revs at highway speeds and a few less mpg ...at least the TH400's and TH350's held up..(as did the Torque-Flite Mopar and C-6 Ford trannys)..
It seems like no manufacturer has had a decent overdrive automatic,the 4L80E is a decent one,but all of them are prone to solenoid and electrical issues..simple worked best,they should have stuck with it..
I'm not a big fan of having a computer and wires controlling "everything" including the transmission really..
As for old transmissions,I'd take any of the old 3 speeds over a 700R4,and live with the higher revs at highway speeds and a few less mpg ...at least the TH400's and TH350's held up..(as did the Torque-Flite Mopar and C-6 Ford trannys)..
It seems like no manufacturer has had a decent overdrive automatic,the 4L80E is a decent one,but all of them are prone to solenoid and electrical issues..simple worked best,they should have stuck with it..
I'm not a big fan of having a computer and wires controlling "everything" including the transmission really..
Man I don't read for a few days and this has a 4500 in it? Dang! I am prepping for my nv4500 swap in a few weeks. Got any details?
beags86
Eastbound and Down
No, he is talking about his gay Dodge.
Cummins dodge!
Sent the dodge back. We went out to JV today and it changed my mind, Ethel has to stay, wife's orders. So I'll keep with the Ls swap plan for now and stuff that in there next year sometime..
yea yea.. I know I know I changed my mind again...
yea yea.. I know I know I changed my mind again...
Neither of you read.. and no not squirrel... next year..
Keep this crap up and no shirts for either of you!!
