GMC 3.0 Duramax Appreciation

3,811 Views | 21 Replies | Last: 8 mo ago by JuneBug07
Gaeilge
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I give GM a lot of crap, but still carry a great amount of loyalty to them due to my PopPop being a lifer for them. But dammit all they got the 3.0 Duramax right! Was averaging 75-80 on this drive and still did 27 mpg. This is my 2nd 3.0.
TW78
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AG
I love mine and have averaged 30.6 in it!
Complete Idiot
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Are they slower than the 5.3? Or does that torque give them good passing pickup at 70 mph? I've been drawn to the 3.0L diesel lately
Corps_Ag12
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AG
The only issue I would have with this engine is the body off requirement to change the timing chain at 150k
Gaeilge
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Complete Idiot said:

Are they slower than the 5.3? Or does that torque give them good passing pickup at 70 mph? I've been drawn to the 3.0L diesel lately



I'd say slightly better than the 5.3, but not near the power of the 6.2 on acceleration.
cochrum
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AG
I just bought a used 2022 3.0 Duramax and I love it so far. I'm mainly a highway guy and it runs so smooth. I've really enjoyed it thus far.
Blonde Coffee Beans
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I thought I'd never see the day that this board had anything good to say about a GM made truck.
Teslag
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AG
GM hit home runs with the 3.0 baby max and the 2.7 turbo. Both great engines that appear to be pretty reliable. The AT4 gets a good rep here too as has the new Colorado/Canyon which I think is currently better than the Tacoma or Frontier.
3rdgenAg2010
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Corps_Ag12 said:

The only issue I would have with this engine is the body off requirement to change the timing chain at 150k


Is this true? What's the estimated cost to do that.... seems crazy and I'm GM guy but haven't followed the baby druramax much.
Flaith
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AG
Seems like an issue only with the 2020 and early 2021 models

https://www.duramaxnews.com/post/the-10-000-3-0-duramax-timing-chain-flaw-what-gm-fixed-and-how-to-protect-your-truck

Quote:

This wear, possibly caused by inadequate lubrication and heat buildup at the back of the engine, has hit many 2020 trucks hard, with repair bills reaching $10,000.

The good news? GM recognized the issue and rolled out an updated timing chain design by early 2021. The new chains feature holes between the links to improve oil flow, helping to cool and lubricate the chain under high heat. The updated design also includes different link pins, making it more durable. If you've got a 2021 or newer 3.0 Duramax (or the LZ0 engine in 2023+ trucks), you're likely in the clear with this improved setup. For 2020 owners, though, this is a repair to watch out for especially if you're not under an extended warranty.
EskimoJoe
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3rdgenAg2010 said:

Corps_Ag12 said:

The only issue I would have with this engine is the body off requirement to change the timing chain at 150k


Is this true? What's the estimated cost to do that.... seems crazy and I'm GM guy but haven't followed the baby druramax much.


It's probably the oil pump drive belt, and they increased the interval to 200K miles. They pull the transmission, not the cab.
aggie_wes
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AG
Loved mine. Had a 2024 I put about 35k miles on. Its a great motor.
TW78
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AG
Anyone pulled a camper wit theirs? How was it?
Corps_Ag12
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AG
EskimoJoe said:

3rdgenAg2010 said:

Corps_Ag12 said:

The only issue I would have with this engine is the body off requirement to change the timing chain at 150k


Is this true? What's the estimated cost to do that.... seems crazy and I'm GM guy but haven't followed the baby druramax much.


It's probably the oil pump drive belt, and they increased the interval to 200K miles. They pull the transmission, not the cab.

Per Google Gemini:

"The timing chain for the LZ0 engine is located at the back of the engine, which requires significant disassembly, often involving the removal of the transmission to access it. This design can complicate maintenance and repairs."

So while it doesn't require the removal of the cab, I'm sure every shop that has to do one will prefer it. Similar to how it's easier to lift the cab on a 6.0 Powerstroke rather than pull the motor to change the heads.
EskimoJoe
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Corps_Ag12 said:

EskimoJoe said:

3rdgenAg2010 said:

Corps_Ag12 said:

The only issue I would have with this engine is the body off requirement to change the timing chain at 150k


Is this true? What's the estimated cost to do that.... seems crazy and I'm GM guy but haven't followed the baby druramax much.


It's probably the oil pump drive belt, and they increased the interval to 200K miles. They pull the transmission, not the cab.

Per Google Gemini:

"The timing chain for the LZ0 engine is located at the back of the engine, which requires significant disassembly, often involving the removal of the transmission to access it. This design can complicate maintenance and repairs."

So while it doesn't require the removal of the cab, I'm sure every shop that has to do one will prefer it. Similar to how it's easier to lift the cab on a 6.0 Powerstroke rather than pull the motor to change the heads.


That is why you can't trust AI. Artificial intelligence is artificial.

Here is the maintenance schedule from the owners manual:

Maintenance Intervals

Engine Oil + Tire Rotation - 7500 Miles / 12 Months / Follow Oil Life Monitor

Passenger Compartment Air Filter - 24 Months

Fuel Filter - 30,000 Miles / 24 Months / Follow Fuel Filter Life Monitor

Engine Air Filter - 45,000 Miles / Follow Engine Air Life Monitor

Transmission Fluid + Filter (SEVERE USE) - 45,000 Miles

Transfer Case Fluid (SEVERE USE) - 50,000 Miles

Front Differential Fluid* (SEVERE USE) - 50,000 Miles

Rear Differential Fluid* (SEVERE USE) - 50,000 Miles

Brake Fluid - 60 Months

Transfer Case Fluid - 100,000 Miles / 10 Years

Front Differential Fluid* - 100,000 Miles / 10 Years

Rear Differential Fluid* - 100,000 Miles / 10 Years

Cooling System Drain and Fill - 150,000 Miles / 72 Months

Oil Pump Belt 2020-2022 Models 150,000 Miles / 180 Months

Oil Pump Belt 2023+ Models 200,000 Miles / 180 Months



You can pull the cab all you want, but you're still going to have to pull the transmission to drop the oil pan.
aggie_wes
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AG
TW78 said:

Anyone pulled a camper wit theirs? How was it?


I pulled a 28' camper to big bend and back, about 1100 miles round trip. Mostly good. Diesel has plenty of power, I felt it pulled easier than any 1/2 ton gasser I've done the trip with. I average about 9 miles a gallon, but that was going ~75 most of the way (previous trips I've gotten about 6 mpg with a gasser).

The downside is the diesel gulps down DEF. I think I put about 15 gallons in over the trip. The truck also gets confused about the high consumption rate and the "add DEF" alarm came on about 1.5 hours into the trip and then I got the "DEF empty" message about 30 minutes later. The light essentially stayed on and only filling the tank completely would reset it back to "add DEF". That light pretty much stayed on until I unhooked the trailer and drove another 50 miles or so.

It never went into limp mode or anything, so more an inconvenience than anything, but make sure you keep DEF handy, especially if you are going somewhere remote.
JuneBug07
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AG
DEF is the dumbest crap ever. Saying that, you may want to get the DEF level sender checked out. My 3.0 drinks more DEF when towing, but I haven't had any pre-mature warnings like you are describing.
My only complaint with my AT4 are the factory Rancho shocks. I just replaced all 4 corners with Fox 2.0 and what a difference. On pavement the Fox's are a little better, but go on some bumpy gravel roads or cut through a pasture and it is a night and day difference. Shame on GM calling these offroad shocks. The 3.0 is a really great combo of power and efficiency. No other 1/2 ton really compares with this balance. My typical trailer load netted 9mpg with my 3.5L Eco-Boost. Same load now nets 14mpg with the baby-max.

ETA: I meant to use the thumbs up icon.
empty
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AG
Just under 100k on mine. Had a few minir issues that were easily resolved. Best mpg is 38.9 but that was a long flat drive at 65 mph.
CDUB98
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AG
Quote:

My only complaint with my AT4 are the factory Rancho shocks.
Those Rancho shocks have been trash going all the way back to Z71 serial number 00001.
El Chupacabra
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I recently traded my 21 Silverado with the 3.0 for a 25 model.

only 550 miles so far. I had to jump on the 'gas' pedal this morning to avoid a truck and there was a lot of lag and spool up time and a very underwhelming response. My 21 would squeal the tires.
Complete Idiot
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El Chupacabra said:

I recently traded my 21 Silverado with the 3.0 for a 25 model.

only 550 miles so far. I had to jump on the 'gas' pedal this morning to avoid a truck and there was a lot of lag and spool up time and a very underwhelming response. My 21 would squeal the tires.
I recommend bald tires for the '25.
JuneBug07
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AG
I thought the newer LZ0 engine had more horsepower and torque than the original LM2 engine.
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