Diesel engines are like gasoline engines because they both have internal combustion chambers. The only difference is that diesel engines do not require a spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture. When the air itself gets exposed to the fuel, this will cause an ignition without needing a spark through the use of a glow plug.
However, this does not mean that every diesel engine brand performs the same. There are some diesel engine brands that are preferred over others. The Duramax diesel engine is a good example of this. This is a V8 diesel engine which comes from General Motors and is made specifically for trucks.
Duramax is a diesel engine product line that is synonymous with quality. You’ll find their engines in everything from small pickup trucks to bigger hauling trucks. When you choose a Duramax diesel engine for your vehicle, it is important to consider what you’re using the vehicle for.
Something that might be an advantage to one person may not mean all that much to another person. So, take that under advisement when you look at the following advantages and disadvantages of the Duramax diesel engine.
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Advantages of a Duramax Diesel
Below are the top 4 advantages of a Duramax diesel engine.
1) Long Lifespan
Diesel engines are designed to have a longer lifespan than gasoline engines. As for Duramax diesel engines, they should last at least a few years longer than your average diesel engine. Of course, you still have to keep up the maintenance of your engine.
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2) Very Efficient
The Duramax diesel engine generates a lot of energy which can move the vehicle quickly and efficiently. Even if you have a big heavy truck to move, this diesel engine will maintain excellent performance the entire time. Furthermore, this allows the engine to be fuel efficient in the process. This means you’ll be spending less money at the pump.
3) Good for Towing
If you are going to be hauling items in a trailer, the Duramax diesel engine is powerful enough to move them. In fact, a Duramax Diesel 2.8L I-4 can move as much as 7,700 lbs. when used in a pickup truck. You can thank this engine’s superior torque for being able to produce this kind of hauling power.
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4) Exhaust Brake
An exhaust brake is included with the Duramax diesel engine. It helps you slow down the vehicle with the assistance of engine compression. This reduces the wear and tear on your regular braking system when you’re braking on an incline or hill.
Read Also: How to Reduce Black Smoke From Diesel Trucks
Disadvantages of a Duramax Diesel
Below are the top 3 disadvantages of a Duramax diesel engine.
1) Cost
General Motors may have designed a powerful V8 diesel engine, but that engine is going to come with a big price tag. Any vehicle for sale which has a Duramax diesel engine in it is bound to be expensive. And if you ever need to get the engine replaced, you may even need to consider replacing the vehicle instead in some cases.
2) Expensive Repairs
The Duramax diesel engine is certainly not like a regular diesel engine. It is such an innovative piece of technology with many advanced components and parts. You probably couldn’t just go to any auto mechanic to have the engine repaired either.
A mechanic or service center specializing in diesel engines would be the way to go. But even then, you will be paying a lot of money for any repairs that have to be made to it.
3) High Demand
Trucks with Duramax diesel engines are not always easy to find. If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, you might be able to find a variety of choices for them. But for people living in towns and smaller cities, there may not be too many choices when it comes to Duramax diesel engines.
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