[Laytunes]

GM released some new details on their 3.0 Diesel.

https://media.gm.com/media/ca/en/gm...Pages/news/ca/en/2019/Jun/0603-silverado.html

After reviewing this, there are some things that I like about the engine, and some things that I don't. It will likely be a really good engine, but I think I would still take our CGI block PSD all day over the GM aluminium block which seems really out of place in a diesel.

The things that I like about the GM are the I6 configuration, the low pressure EGR which takes exhaust gases from behind the DPF (likely reducing soot loading in the engine), and the chain drive fuel pump and cams. The things that I don't like are the aluminium block, the fact that the cam chains are at the rear of the engine (service nightmare if there ever is an issue with guides or tensioners, however i understand why they did this due to the long engine block), and the belt drive oil pump, which i assume is internal to the engine and difficult to service. It also blows my mind that it will use a 10W20 diesel oil.. I think its the first time i've seen that ever, and pushes the limit even further than our 5W30 FA-4 oil.

Things that i'm not crazy about on our 3.0 PSD are the timing belt and belt drive fuel pump, although there is a lot of speculation that timing belts are better in small diesels due to oscillation harmonics (and noise obviously). However this just becomes a maintenance item every 100-150k miles or so so i'm ok with that. And maybe the high pressure EGR system, however this can be largely mitigated with more frequent oil changes.. so thats ok for me too. In the end I'm still really happy with this engine option, and the best part is you can get them right now! GM's have been delayed until 2020 now due to EPA certification issues.. partly due to trump and his government shutdown shenanigans.

Interested to hear what you guys think!

 

[wreedsvt]

Good info, thanks for sharing!

 

[hydrex]

I like it, especially the inline configuration. My feeling, the more diesels, the merrier. Also, competition tends to improve the product for everyone.

 

[CYODESL]

I was intending to get the Chevy 3.0L, but got sick of waiting for them, hence my move to the Ford. The low pressure EGR is very interesting! I like the sound of the engine braking too, if it's the same as its big brother. 2 things not mentioned in the article I'm curious about: 1. Mileage claims and 2. Will it use in-cylinder post-injection for regen?

 

[KR2018]

Just an FYI.

If you read this article referenced:

https://media.gm.com/media/ca/en/gm...Pages/news/ca/en/2019/Jun/0603-silverado.html

The table at the end of the article appears to say the engine has 624 lb-ft of torque. The author has Nm and lb-ft reversed.

It has 460 lb-ft of torque.

kR2018

 

[hydrex]

The article stated it uses 0w20 oil . Probably ok, but Ram switched from 5W30 to 5W40 because of bearing failures. Would be doing oil testing at every change, if I had one. I believe aluminum for the block if ok, aren't there diesel airplane motors with aluminum blocks. Think the Germans might even had them in bombers and Zeppelins.

 

[snowshew]

There are certainly several pros in Chevy's design, however when the Powerstroke 3.0 was revealed there was much panning of the timing belt, the belt driven fuel pump, and the 150k mile "lifetime." I don't know if you would have to pull the motor to get at the Powerstroke's fuel drive belt, but holy cow, this Duramax seems to definitely need to be on the stand to get at any of the timing or pump belts. 7:30 here:

 

[Laytunes]

The timing belt is ok in my mind, It will just be a maintenance item to plan for. You can access the rear fuel pump belt without doing anything crazy like pulling the cab or motor, you just have to use a mirror to make sure the position is good. The engine has been around since 2006 and has proven very reliable, and ford has done some nice upgrades to that. Some of the more reliable diesels have had timing belts (i.e. 3.0 Hilux diesel). Just do the maintenance and you will be fine. The 150K lifetime is just a general guideline of where you will get to without major maintenance, even the larger cummins engines are like 200k lifetime. No reason that you shouldn't get 300k and beyond of it if you want to and take good care of it. The chain will definitely last longer in general, but if you have issues with it (guides, tensioners etc) it will be a big ticket repair on this engine.

 

[snowshew]

I'm fine with the timing belt as well; as you point out, chains are not maintenance free, require oil, etc. Belts are quite, smooth and dry. Why GM didn't position the timing chains in the front is confusing. On the other hand, it will be interesting to see how GM's approach to emissions works out. I believe Land Rover has a low pressure EGR on the TD6 and I wonder why Ford didn't carry that over.

 

[Dunrollin]

All these engines are getting so complex. I look at my 1987 big truck engine and it is stupid simple. The new Chevy, like Ford and Dodge, sure has a lot of pieces parts.