the realiabilty of a duramax

[adamj1300au]

with there popularity of this motor growing over here ive noticed that quite a few people have done a conversions to there patrols.
im just after some info on some people who have a duramax motor in any vehicle that use as there daily driver. in terms of problems that they have had with it, getting parts and reliability of it.

i currently have a 4.2with an aftermarket turbo and inter cooler on it thats getting a bit tired, and basically wanting a power up grade. im a diesel fitter up in central qld and do big kms

and info would be great thanx
adam

[MattGU]

I should tell you to search but tomorrow is a holiday so I am in a good mood.

Read this to the end http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic ... 6&t=117267

[Tiny]

Long term reliability of the engine prolly look a a yank truck forum ie http://www.duramaxforum.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Long term reliability of a conversion into a patrol is probably a bit early and broad...... To many variable really although vanbox' thread as posted above would be a good place to start

[Matt_85Lux]

Work has a Silverado, boss drives it everyday to and from work. He recently upgraded to the new model but the old truck was very reliable did a few cross country trips to Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Emerald and a few other places towing 4.5tonne caravans without any issues with the motor. Only issues there were was with the RHD conversion stuff but they were minor things that had nothing to do with the motor/gearbox

[GaryP]

Since you are a diesel fitter why don't you rebuild your motor and build it with more performance in mind. It will cost considerably less and you wont have parts issues particularly if you do remote touring.

[vanbox]

Until it breaks, the reliability is awesome!

I expected many teething problems which would stop me dead in my tracks, but to date nothing has gone wrong. Coming from a carby and TD42 background, the wiring and computers involved is daunting. The motor and box is well built, and the electrical connections are great. Because the motor is STOCK standard, its not having to perform above its limit like a high hp TD would.

Parts are always going to be a PITA, particularly if your remote. With tuning software like EFI live you can self diagnose a lot of things.

When outback touring, I plan to carry a spare computer and a couple of sensors that will stop me.

Im getting used to the fact that every new car runs on computers and its a fact of life.

I think the Nissan may fall apart behind it first!

[GaryP]

Vanbox I have followed your build on the patrol forum, and like it a lot. If money was not an issue I would have phoned Heath a long time ago. I think if you are Not after the level of performance a duramax offers I know that a well set up 4.2 will have you cruising at the legal limit all day long with plenty left if you want to go a touch faster ( not talking about a 200rwkw monster but a well engineered tourer ). A country mechanic will be scratching his head should something go wrong with the duramax but with the simplicity of the td42 and availability of parts should have you going pretty quickly. To the OP If you have the cash to pay someone or the skill to do it yourself go for it. With the number of electronically controlled vehicles you see in some pretty remote places these days I would not shy away from electronics as such, my only concern is availability of parts.