Does High Mileage Matter On A Diesel?

In the end, everything boils down to the truck’s condition as well as your personal preferences. High mileage numbers may not matter as much if the truck is in good shape and has been maintained on a regular basis. But what if the truck has a lot of miles on it and hasn’t been maintained properly? It’s best to stay away from it.

Should I buy high mileage diesel?

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but these vehicles aren’t worth the risk. If you absolutely must have a high-mileage vehicle, go for the petrol model with the largest engine.

A smaller engine will be pushed to 90% of its capacity under the same driving conditions, whereas a larger engine will cruise at 70%. Less stress equals fewer repairs.

“Is automobile age or miles more important?” I’m regularly questioned when it comes to older vehicles. When compared to a newer car, an older car always wins – which makes obvious when you think about it…

How many miles will a diesel engine last?

What is the range of a diesel engine’s range of range of range of range of range of range of range of range of You do not need to overhaul your car if it has been running on gasoline for roughly 200,000 kilometers. A diesel engine, on the other hand, can run continuously for 1,000,000-1,500,000 miles before requiring major maintenance.

Is 200k miles too much for a diesel?

Because diesel pickup trucks have more durable engines that can sustain greater compression ratios, they often obtain better economy than gas trucks. Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax diesel vehicles often last well beyond 100,000 miles, even when used frequently for towing and hauling. As a result, diesel pickups with 200,000 or even 300,000 kilometers sometimes attract high resale values on the secondhand truck market. Drivers shopping for a used diesel pickup understand that a truck’s life isn’t over just because it has a lot of miles on it.

With modern trucks surviving longer than ever before, it’s not uncommon to come across gas trucks with 200,000-mile lifespans. Diesel trucks, on the other hand, can exceed that limit. Diesel pickup trucks may easily last 500,000 miles or more. It isn’t simply their engines that are more durable. Because diesel engines are heavier than gas engines, diesel vehicle hulls are designed and constructed to be more durable.

Not all high-mileage diesel trucks are created equal, much like other cars. For example, a diesel truck that has been used extensively for towing and transporting large loads for 100,000 miles may require serious repairs, whereas a diesel pickup that has been rarely used and has 200,000 miles on the clock may still have years of trouble-free life ahead of it. However, it’s also crucial to know that the life expectancy of a diesel vehicle is determined by a variety of other elements outside the odometer reading, such as:

For example, a 200,000-mile diesel pickup with only one or two owners and strong maintenance records is likely to be a better investment than a 100,000-mile vehicle with four owners and few records.

The general condition and appearance of the truck are also significant. A truck with a well-kept exterior and interior is likely to have had its mechanical components well-kept as well.

Duramax is a brand of diesel engine found in GMC and Chevy vehicles manufactured by General Motors. What constitutes excessive mileage for these engines is a matter of debate. Some owners consider 100,000 miles to be excessive mileage for Chevy diesel trucks, while others believe that anything less than 350,000 should be considered high mileage. A poorly maintained engine might swiftly deteriorate before reaching 100,000 miles, whereas a well-kept Duramax pickup truck should last 400,000 to 500,000 miles.

Cummins engines can be found in Dodge diesel trucks and Ram diesel trucks. Cummins diesel engines, like the Duramax, are designed to last a long time. On a Cummins diesel, 350,000 to 500,000 kilometers is normally considered high mileage. Of course, this is dependent on how well the engine is maintained.

Although maintaining the engine is crucial, some diesel pickup drivers believe it is even more important to keep the truck alive around the engine because the truck itself is less likely to last more than 500,000 miles, even if the diesel engine is well-maintained.

The Powerstroke engine, like the Duramax and Cummins engines, is found in Ford trucks and can last up to 500,000 kilometers. However, similar with the Duramax and Cummins engines, a Powerstroke engine with 350,000 to 500,000 miles on the clock is considered high mileage. The key to gaining the most miles is to keep the truck and engine in good shape. Ford vehicles are the most popular truck brand in the United States, and they’re regarded for their overall dependability.

Purchasing a diesel pickup truck with at least 250,000 kilometers could be a good deal. Diesel pickups are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts when new, so buying one used might save you a lot of money. When purchasing a used diesel truck, keep the following in mind:

Oil leaks are common in high-mileage engines, but they aren’t always cause for concern. It’s not uncommon to have small leaks around gaskets and seals. A little oil seepage around the front and rear main seals, for example, isn’t all that concerning and is even expected. Oil that is more densely coated around a seal or gasket, on the other hand, may raise suspicion. It depends on how much oil is smeared across the surface. To put it another way, while having no oil leak is definitely better, a tiny oil leak on a high-mileage diesel engine shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker.

When purchasing an older diesel truck with a mechanical injection system, it’s a good idea to start a diesel fuel additive routine. Long-term running without supplemental lubrication of one of these older diesel engines can result in early injection pump failure. A fuel additive, on the other hand, can improve modern diesel engines. Additives can help any diesel engine, whether it’s a high-mileage or not, get better gas mileage.

Distinct trucks and engines, like any other vehicle, have different challenges. Buying an engine model that appears to have the fewest difficulties may be irrelevant if the truck it’s in has issues. It’s also crucial to look into the individual truck’s troubles, in addition to the engine’s concerns. Maintenance records can be extremely useful in this situation.

For example, the water pump on a particular truck may fail every 100,000 miles or so. Even if a truck has 300,000 miles on it, if the water pump hasn’t been updated in 150,000 miles, you could be looking at expensive repairs.

On a high-mileage diesel truck, it’s never too late to switch to synthetic engine and gear oil. The following are some of the advantages of synthetic oil:

Heat, repetitive mechanical pressures, and chemical breakdown from fuel dilution are the major enemies of oil stability. All of these forces are more prone to higher-mileage engines. Synthetic oil can help a high-mileage diesel engine last longer and run more efficiently.

Synthetic oils, in the end, minimize friction better than traditional lubricants. Friction can increase as diesel parts wear out in high-mileage engines. More friction equals more heat, which accelerates the deterioration of oil and diesel truck parts.

To summarize, there is no single number that defines what constitutes high mileage for a diesel pickup truck; however, anything beyond 500,000 is commonly considered excessive mileage. However, remember that there are many more factors to consider when purchasing a used diesel pickup than mileage. A well-maintained, high-mileage Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax diesel pickup truck is almost always a better option than a poorly-maintained, heavily-used diesel pickup truck with lower mileage.

Is 300k miles alot for a diesel?

When it comes to mileage, according to Prosource Diesel, diesel vehicles frequently receive better mileage than gas trucks since their engines are more durable. As a result, according to Prosource Diesel, it’s not uncommon to find a used diesel truck with more than 200,000 kilometers on the odometer. There’s a good chance you’ll stumble across a used diesel vehicle with 300,000 miles on the clock.

What constitutes excessive mileage in the case of specific diesel engines? According to Prosource Diesel, a secondhand diesel truck with a Cummins or Duramax engine with more than 350,000 kilometers is considered excessive mileage. For a Powerstroke diesel engine, anything above 350,000 miles is considered high mileage.

How many miles a year do you justify diesel?

Diesel is losing favor in the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons. However, if you drive 15,000 miles or more each year, a diesel automobile might be suitable for you. Because diesel is roughly 20% more efficient than gasoline, it should be cheaper to run in the long run, but only for drivers who travel large distances or frequently utilize highways.

If you reside in a city and/or drive less than 15 miles every trip, buying a gasoline is a better option. When driving a diesel automobile at low speeds, it emits the greatest pollution, and some aspects of a diesel car might become problematic if utilized wrongly.

Will DPF ever go away?

If your diesel vehicle was built after 2009, it will include a device known as a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). DPFs, which were introduced by carmakers to assist cut exhaust emissions, have an obvious drawback in that they can easily become blocked, resulting in the inconvenience of a breakdown and a possibly expensive repair expense.

While you might think that blocking the exhaust DPF would be difficult, it’s actually a lot easier than you might think with normal driving. A blocked DPF can be caused by frequent short trips, using the improper engine oil, or having problems with other engine components, and the problem is thought to have plagued thousands of drivers since they were first introduced.

To assist you avoid the trouble of a blocked DPF, we’ve put together some additional information on what it is and how to avoid it.

What is a DPF?

The Diesel Particulate Filter was created to assist diesel vehicles in passing increasingly stringent emissions tests. Its job is to capture soot particles produced by diesel combustion and keep them from entering the atmosphere. DPFs, like any other filter, become clogged after a certain number of kilometers and must be cleaned.

What is DPF regeneration?

Instead of cleaning the DPF, professionals refer to it as ‘DPF regeneration,’ because the soot particles are burned out of the filter to’regenerate’ it. When the engine reaches a particular temperature — commonly at highway speeds or throughout a long drive if you’re going slowly — this happens automatically. This is known as passive DPF regeneration since neither the driver nor the vehicle does anything unusual; it just happens.

Why do they go wrong?

If a car spends most of its time being driven around town on short start-stop travels, the exhaust does not get hot enough to burn off the soot, and the DPF does not automatically’regenerate.’

Thankfully, the engine monitors the DPF and will tell the driver if it begins to become clogged; this is usually indicated by a dashboard warning light. The engine management system needs to ‘actively’ regenerate the DPF if the DPF warning light turns on. To allow the regeneration process to take place, you should take your automobile for a drive. When the car is driven at speeds above 40 mph for 10 to 15 minutes, most engine management systems will actively regenerate the DPF. The trapped soot particles in the filter will eventually burn away, and the warning light will turn off. Just remember to stay below the speed limit, as a speeding ticket is the last thing you want!

What happens if my car breaks down due to a blocked DPF?

If the dashboard warning light is ignored, or the DPF is not regenerated by driving on the highway for a long time, the DPF can get increasingly blocked, causing the engine to fall into’safe’ or ‘limp’ mode. At this time, a new dash warning will most likely appear, indicating that the automobile should be taken to a mechanic for repair, which could be costly.

By connecting the engine management system to a diagnostics equipment, the garage may be able to force the DPF regeneration. This usually costs around £250, but it can also cause heat shock to the DPF. Replacement DPFs cost around £1,000, so no matter how late you are for work, it’s not worth it to let yours become clogged.

Also, don’t expect to save money by having the DPF filter removed. While it is technically feasible for the car to continue to function normally without a DPF filter, a missing DPF filter will result in an automatic MOT failure and may void the car’s warranty, resulting in higher repair costs.

Do diesels last longer?

Customers who drive a lot of highway miles prefer diesel engines, according to Bell Performance and Road and Track, because they are more efficient on these roads than gas engines. Diesel fuel simply has more energy per gallon than gasoline, making it more cost-effective overall. Diesel engines are still more fuel efficient than gasoline engines, but they are less so for city drivers. Diesel cars also have higher torque, which means they get better gas mileage and accelerate faster.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that some types of diesel fuel can reduce vehicle performance. Black diesel, biodiesel, and other improved diesel products are among them.

Diesel and gasoline are around the same price for most Americans. Diesel can sometimes be more expensive than gasoline, yet it can also be less expensive than gasoline. Even if you pay more on diesel fuel, a diesel engine will still provide better fuel efficiency throughout the life of the car. This is because an 8-liter gasoline engine would be required to produce the same level of power as a 6-liter diesel engine.

Diesel engines, according to Digital Trends, are more durable and endure longer than gas engines, with reliable operation and low maintenance requirements. Diesel cars used to be substantially heavier than comparable-sized gas cars, but thanks to contemporary manufacturing technologies, this is no longer an issue.

Diesel engines also have fewer components than gasoline engines, reducing the number of potential parts that could fail in your vehicle.

Diesel engines often require fewer repair and maintenance services than gasoline engines, resulting in a cost savings.

While early diesel engines had a well-deserved reputation for being noisy, current technology has largely addressed this issue. Noise pollution and dark smoke have been reduced, so if you were concerned about those issues in prior decades, you may wish to reconsider diesel as a viable option. Today, the driving experience in a diesel-powered vehicle is essentially identical to that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Why are diesel engines so reliable?

Our friend “Adept Ape,” a renowned engine builder and YouTube blogger, has posted a video delving into the different reasons why diesel engines outlast gasoline engines. Let’s have a look at the three main reasons why diesel engines are so long-lasting:

Before a significant overhaul, diesel engines are continually driven for 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 kilometers. There are three main causes for their extended lifespan:

Diesel Design and Engineering

The first reason that diesel engines outlast gasoline engines is due to the fundamental design differences between the two engines. The most evident difference between a Chevy 350 Small Block and a CAT C15 engine is size. All of the components, including the crankshaft, camshaft, and cylinder heads, are substantially larger. Diesel engines feature substantially larger bearing sizes on the inside, allowing for more oil clearance. Less wear equals more oil lubricating the parts. Diesel engines have a substantially bigger oil capacity than gasoline engines. A gas engine uses about 1 gallon of oil, but a CAT C15 uses about 15 gallons.

Diesel engines have a gearbox. There are no stretches or breaks in the timing belts or chains. The timing of the gears is never lost because they are fixed. The majority of diesel engines use gear-driven water and oil pumps. Pumps that are not driven by a gear are more likely to fail than those that are. Diesel engines just outperform gas engines when it comes to keeping the engine cool. Diesel engines contain many sensors and thermostats to ensure that the engine does not overheat if one fails. Multiple piston cooling nozzles ensure that the keepers remain cold at all times and that coolant flows continuously throughout the engine.

Diesel engines are simply made with heavy duty components that wear out less frequently, in addition to having more oil and coolant capacity. A basic yet reliable valve train is used in diesel engines. There are no hydraulic lifter failures, and the rollers are tougher and more solid than in gas engines. The camshaft lobes, lifters, and rockers are all significantly longer and built to resist more severe conditions. To make coatings on all surfaces more durable, various composite materials are used to reinforce them. The Rockwell Hardness Test is used to determine the condition of diesel engine parts.

Diesel Fuel vs. Gasoline

The diesel fuel itself is the second reason diesel engines are more durable than gasoline ones. Diesel fuel has a mild oil viscosity, which means it lubricates as it passes through the cylinder. Gasoline is more of a solvent than gasoline. Solvents are highly acidic and tend to burn away at surfaces, making them poor lubricants. The gasoline, on the other hand, will eat away at the lubricating oil that keeps the piston cylinder rings from wearing out. Simply put, diesel fuel is less volatile than gasoline. Unlike gasoline, which can be ignited with a simple spark, diesel fuel can only be ignited by compression. In terms of force on ancillary components, the chemical reaction of fire to gasoline is far more violent in the engine.

RPM Differences Between Diesel Engines and Gas Engines

The way diesel engines are used is the third and last reason why they will survive longer than gasoline engines. A diesel engine spins at 1300-1600 RPMs, whereas a gasoline engine spins at 2500-3500 RPMs. That means a gas engine makes nearly twice as many revolutions per minute as a diesel engine. This simply adds to the wear on the engine’s internal components. When the engine is warming up, it wears out around 75% of the time. Diesel engines used on the road and off the road are usually only started once or twice a day. Semi-trucks can travel for lengthy periods of time without stopping, and it’s not uncommon for them to cover 300 miles in a single trip. In a gas-powered car, the engine is started numerous times every day: once in the morning to drive to work, once for lunch, once for the bank, and so on… Because each stretch is usually just 10 miles or less, the engine is never allowed to reach maximum temperature for long periods of time. Diesel engines maintain a constant temperature throughout the day, requiring far fewer heat and cool down cycles.

All of these factors, plus more, contribute to a diesel engine lasting 1,000,000 miles or more, compared to 200,000 miles if you’re lucky with a gas engine, although each motor is different. If you maintain any engine on a regular basis and don’t let it get too hot, it will last a long time. The whole analysis from “Adept Ape” can be found in the video below:

How many miles is a lot for a diesel pickup?

The expenditures will at least partially level out throughout the vehicle’s lifetime, and the extra power can make a considerable difference. A truck fuelled by gasoline can go 200,000 kilometers. A diesel vehicle, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan and may go between 500,000 and 800,000 kilometers.

How many miles will a 6.7 Powerstroke last?

After years of development, the 6.7L Power Stroke has demonstrated that it can easily surpass the 200,000-mile milestone with minimal maintenance. There’s no reason this engine can’t go 300,000 or even 400,000 miles if you follow Ford’s recommended service intervals. It’s also important to ensure that the CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is always fed high-quality fuel that’s free of air and impurities, and that both fuel filters are replaced at or before the recommended frequency. The most significant impediment to a 6.7L owner’s pursuit of high mileage is emissions system failure. Forced repairs to EGR valves, EGR coolers, DPF and/or SCR systems, and numerous sensors throughout the emissions-control systems can range from minor to catastrophic. There are numerous stories of this engine holding out in difficult situations, such as Texas oil fields, cross-country hot-shotters, and pipelines across North America, just like the 7.3L.