Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: boneaddict on November 26, 2010, 12:09:43 PM

Title: Diesel versus gas
Post by: boneaddict on November 26, 2010, 12:09:43 PM: I was pretty happy to have gas this week after seeing numerous diesel trucks struggling along side of the road, and several of them still parked there.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Bigshooter on November 26, 2010, 01:56:36 PM: I've always had a gas truck until I bought the truck that I have now. If your going to have a full size truck diesel is the only way to go.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: turkey buster on November 26, 2010, 02:02:48 PM: this is my first diesel truck and so far no problems,
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Skillet on November 26, 2010, 02:15:51 PM: Took my diesel truck back to Lake Winnipeg for a week long ice fishing trip last February, saw some brutal low temps (+ wind chill, but trucks don't care about that), and never saw the high side of 15 deg F. Ran very dilute anti-gel/cetane boost on the trip, so no fuel issues. Took a little longer to warm up than the gasser's other guys had, but never failed to start.

Plus we averaged almost 18 MPG on the entire trip (lots of idling) over 4400 miles. After previously owning a 3/4 ton gasser, I was very happy with that.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Rick on November 26, 2010, 02:37:35 PM: No issues with the Cummins in my Dodge. I've started mine at temps as low as 4°. Started just like it was 70°.

If I'm running 15w-40 I don't even have to plug it in until 0°.

If I'm running 5w-40 synthetic, that drops to -20°

A $5 bottle of Power Service will keep the fuel from gelling if you aren't running winter fuel.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: ser300wsm on November 26, 2010, 04:04:04 PM: Haven't had a problem with my Dodge Ram Hemi, it works for what i want it to do. Cold weather or hot cant complain.. :twocents:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: DRobnsn on November 26, 2010, 04:15:14 PM: I have a Dodge with the cummins as well and never had a problem. I have heard from people who have but as long as you keep winter fuel in it, there should be zero problems with gelling fuel. Mine has never had a problem starting in cold weather. I rarely plug mine in, and when I do its just so the heater is warm when I start it. I wouldn't trade my Diesel powered fullsize for a gas for nothing.

I use my truck for everything, daily driving, hunting, camping w/the fifth wheel, and drag racing.
How can I complain about something that gets 20+ mpg hwy, great mileage towing, and runs low 13's in the quarter mile.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: logger on November 26, 2010, 04:35:53 PM: I have always had a diesel and have been very happy until now, I have 2010 ford and that is the worst diesel I have ever owned, piss poor power and piss poor mileage, the cummins would eat thus one alive.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: PolarBear on November 26, 2010, 05:00:05 PM: Love my 97 7.3 Powerstroke. Never had a problem. I doubt that I will ever buy another gas truck.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 509er on November 26, 2010, 05:14:46 PM: Never had a problem with my 02 7.3. Had to give a couple coworkers rides home the other day when it was -20, their gassers did not start.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Cap.Silver on November 26, 2010, 05:42:04 PM: I own 02 F250 7.3 diesel I bought it back then brand new.I had bunch of problems (like camshaft posititioning sensor, computer vent bad,4x4 stays engaged etc) but would never buy gas . I can tow 12000lbs trailer ,drive on ice (with chains) ,tow my boat no problem ,it is still great truck with a lot of power and good mileage . Like they say :Once you diesel ,you never go back .....
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Bean Counter on November 26, 2010, 05:47:03 PM: I drive a lot of full size diesel trucks at work. My personally owned vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Tundra 4x4 limited. Its a gas, and I love it. If I were going to haul or pull a lot I would get a diesel. But for my use, they're just too dammed loud. Even if I weren't a hunter I think I'd find the sound annoying. I'm not a road hunter, but there've been a few times I've driven up on animals and I can't help but wonder if diesel would have sent 'em packing before I got there.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: pilebuck on November 26, 2010, 06:03:17 PM: In the woods we used diesels all the time and the anaimals got used to it 8)
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 7mag. on November 29, 2010, 01:52:29 PM: Hard to beat the power to fuel economy of a cummins.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: jackelope on November 29, 2010, 02:04:21 PM: I had a diesel when I lived in upstate NY and it didn't get cold enough there to bother it. It definitely doesn't get cold enough to bother them here. Back east we had to plug them in once in a while....worst case scenario.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: high country on November 29, 2010, 02:16:24 PM: have a dmax now, had a cummins, powerstroke and 7.3 navistar.....I started my dmax at 11below just to see how it would do.....it was fine. my cummins ALWAYS started right up, including one trip where it dropped to 21below. my fords were not so good to me. the powerstroke was better then the N/A truck by a long ways, but they have to crank too long when the batteries are already taxed by the cold.

diesel comes in various grades, if you are running summer fuel at subzero temps, you are gonna have troubles. If you pull into a fuel station on the highline there are 3 grades to choose from, 15* -20* and -55*......god help us if we need 55below fuel to keep going!
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: woodrat on November 29, 2010, 02:46:58 PM: Have a first generation, all mechanical Cummins/Dodge, and I've never had a problem with the fuel. I even run biodiesel from time to time, all the way up to almost 100%, although I don't run that high of a percentage in the winter. Also have a old diesel Mercedes that has also been trouble free.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: JLS on November 29, 2010, 02:54:11 PM: I've had my diesel for over 11 years now. It gelled up on me once, and that was my fault. I used winter blend #2 with an additive and it got down to -29. If it's cold, use the #2/#1 blend with an additive. You'll lose some power and mpg, but it won't gel up on you.

Plug them in if you can. My Cummins cold started at -27, but it' not good for them. It had synthetic oil in it, and that's all I use.

Yes, they're loud and they stink, but I've been ecstatic with mine. Be smart with them, and they'll treat you fine.

BTW, I'll average 16-18 mpg with mine.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on November 29, 2010, 03:06:16 PM: They make Gas trucks? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 29, 2010, 03:10:20 PM: Tiz the season where some are still offering non-winter blend. Adding anti gel additive when temps fall into the teens until mid-December is a must.

My '05 Dodge was a bit cranky starting after sitting for 5 days in E. Oregon elk hunting last week. Lows ranged from +10 to -10. Not being able to plug the grid heater in didn't help at all, nor did the going on 6 year old batteries.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: alanger on November 29, 2010, 03:31:35 PM: started our diesel at -2* last week, 00 F-250 7.3.

7.3 was the best diesel ford came out with. too bad they dont go back to it, strong running bullet proof engine, now its all about the bunny hugging emission race. :( >:(
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: sisu on November 29, 2010, 03:47:15 PM: Quote from: alanger on November 29, 2010, 03:31:35 PM
started our diesel at -2* last week, 00 F-250 7.3.

7.3 was the best diesel ford came out with. too bad they dont go back to it, strong running bullet proof engine, now its all about the bunny hugging emission race. :( >:(
don't get me started on the tree hugging, Vegen chomping, can't pass my piss bucket test this late in the day...Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr >:(
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: alanger on November 29, 2010, 03:49:29 PM: LOL :chuckle:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on November 29, 2010, 03:59:03 PM: I have a 99 F350 Dually with a 7.3L. My Dad owns an 08 F250 with the twin turbo 6.4L. His is really quiet and it has great power and good economy. My 7.3 actually gets better fuel mileage (average 18.3 both city and hwy) and on one trip to Utah I got 24mpg with it. I can make it from here in Marysville to SLC Utah on one fuel stop in Baker City, Oregon. I love my truck and have really had few problems with it. The typical CPS failure. Replaced the ball joints a couple years ago. I replaced the unit bearings just to be on the safe side. The under valve cover harness gave me fits once but they have a kit to fix that. Never had an issue with fuel gelling up. I do plug it in when it gets down around freezing, but its not for starting. Its to warm my butt up quick on my way to work. :chuckle:
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs232.snc3%2F21943_100491956655084_100000828401887_11688_1058275_n.jpg&hash=82fc51e44087d5e0408a72ded05f7aef60d6e4c0)
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: C-Money on November 29, 2010, 04:02:01 PM: I have the Ford v-10 now for a few years and have no complaints. It works great for me! We also have the 5.7 v-8 in the Tundra, and no issues with it in the cold ether. I drove a 6.9 diesel F-250 for a LONG time and I did have it gel once or twice. Not a good deal when it happens. But all in all, the diesel was fine.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Rick on November 29, 2010, 07:51:54 PM: Quote from: 6x6in6 on November 29, 2010, 03:10:20 PM

My '05 Dodge was a bit cranky starting after sitting for 5 days in E. Oregon elk hunting last week. Lows ranged from +10 to -10. Not being able to plug the grid heater in didn't help at all, nor did the going on 6 year old batteries.

Plugging it in has nothing to do with the grid heaters. They get their power from the batteries. Plugging it in just warms the coolant
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Malardman on December 01, 2010, 10:21:25 AM: I have had 4 deisel trucks 95 powerstroke, I'm on my 3rd Cummins now, and it will be my LAST I've had a 98,02 and now my 05, every year these trucks turn into bigger P.O.S, they cost more every year and all they do is add more plastic. My 05 4x4 Laramie QC here is a run down 80,000 miles 2 torque converters, lots of transmission failure issues, ball joints upper and lower every 5-6k, roof leaking, front axle u-joints, powerseat motor, wiper motor, rear main seal, stearing gear box (x2), 2 power window motors. 3 bad injectors, and now I'm in the process of suing RAIRDONS OF MONROE FOR SELLING ME A LIFTED TRUCK WITH A WARRANTY, warranty company came out viewed my truck to ok warranty work due to high dollar amount of damage, and said we are not going to cover it anymore it's lifted and oversized tires. So now I'm stuck with a truck that has 7k in damage and I'm out of work! RAIRDONS IS GOING TO EAT THIS F-ING THING. When I bought it, I brought it to there attention that they are selling me a warranty on a lifted truck they said I would never have any problems with the warranty company. they always fix EVERYTHING. I'm going back to gas like an old CHEVY 3+3 4x4 I will be posting about RAIRDONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE DON"T BUY FROM THEM!!!!!
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: C-Money on December 01, 2010, 11:17:03 AM: My brother in-law has a 04 2500 with the Cummins. He has had that thing in the shop a lot. Ball joints, AC issues, something els, and now the 4wd is out. :bash: Good thing his warrenty has picking up most of the tab.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on December 01, 2010, 11:33:44 AM: Ultimate truck= F350, 12v Cummins, 6 speed manual. 8)
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 01, 2010, 11:41:00 AM: 03 to early 07 Dodges are notorious for upper an lower balls.
Throw upper balls in that are greaseable and your basically done there.
Lower balls, your hosed on greaseables. The zerks will hit the axle shaft u-joints.
Throw the upgrading steering kit (07.5+) on it and this is is huge help on the both upper an lower balls. Not to mention the heavier steering components help the wander and the death wobble problems the Dodge has, particularly with lifted/leveled/oversized tires.
Axle shaft joints, Spicer greaseables.
My '05 DRW had all the above done 2 years ago at 65k. Just had the alignment checked and all ii still well and tight at 95k. Stock tires ride height on this one.
The early '07 had all the above done about 6 months ago at 42k. 2" leveled on 35's. No more wander, drives great.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 01, 2010, 11:43:42 AM: Quote from: jeepasaurusrex on December 01, 2010, 11:33:44 AM
Ultimate truck= F350, 12v Cummins, 6 speed manual. 8)
Yes, we both know people with those.
And probably the same people. :chuckle:

How's that hot water tank parts washer treating you? :P
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on December 01, 2010, 11:45:09 AM: LOL.. that was a long time ago. :chuckle:
I ended up having to move and didn't finish it. :(

Isn't Denny's a 6 speed?
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: 6x6in6 on December 01, 2010, 11:53:15 AM: Quote from: jeepasaurusrex on December 01, 2010, 11:45:09 AM
LOL.. that was a long time ago. :chuckle:
I ended up having to move and didn't finish it. :(

Isn't Denny's a 6 speed?
Yes it was!
Not being a Ford guy :chuckle:, whatever the ZF trans is which he is still running. I do believe it is a 6 though.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on December 01, 2010, 03:21:02 PM: If and when the auto dies in my F350, I am going to swap in a 6-speed and manually shifted T-case. I am not a fan of electrically shifted stuff and slush boxes. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 02, 2010, 03:42:18 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on November 26, 2010, 12:09:43 PM
I was pretty happy to have gas this week after seeing numerous diesel trucks struggling along side of the road, and several of them still parked there.

That's under-edumacated truck owners or just plain lazy ones. (if they've got jelled fuel)

I've had my diesel rig for six years now and doubt I'll ever go back to gas in a truck. I've grown very fond of the power.

-Steve
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: alecvg on December 02, 2010, 03:46:29 PM: I drive a gas, and I love it, but I would also love to have a diesel. If I ever buy a truck new, it will be diesel. I have drivin Duramax alot, and love them, driven cummins a time or two, and love the way they drive as well. Love both.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: seth30 on December 03, 2010, 05:34:21 PM: I have a 2009 chevy silverrado 1500, and it has flex fuel, which provides me with 22 MPG. If I ever go to a diesel truck it had better beat that in MPG :twocents:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: norsepeak on December 03, 2010, 05:38:43 PM: '06 Dodge 1 ton Cummins, love no problems down to -5, 18-20 mpg.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Buckmark on December 03, 2010, 05:44:45 PM: So for the guys who have to or can plug there trucks in, when out in the woods or back country do you camp near currant bushes? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: huntnnw on December 03, 2010, 05:48:45 PM: if your going to own a full size, diesel is the only way to go
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 03, 2010, 05:52:03 PM: Quote from: norsepeak on December 03, 2010, 05:38:43 PM
'06 Dodge 1 ton Cummins, love no problems down to -5, 18-20 mpg.

Yup, 600 pounds of torque at the flywheel, and I average 17mpg year round, with freeway runs to 22mpg. 15mpg towing my 29ft camp trailer over the passes.

You don't have to plug in your diesel. It is nicer if you can, but if you put a fuel additive in during the cold spell and keep good batteries in your truck.. There should be no issue. Sure, she'll rock and rattle for a couple minutes when starting in the sub zero cold. But a maintained diesel will be fine. I've been to truckstop of america and seen rigs frozen up.. not fun, but guys that drive in Florida then don't take precautions when they hit the cold weather.

Days should be gone when we didn't run synthetic oils and have dual batteries in their pickups.

-Steve
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: norsepeak on December 03, 2010, 05:58:01 PM: done a little work to mine Steve, considerably more torque than that and still getting good mileage. Yanks my 11.5' camper and 26' trailer around like it's not even there.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 04, 2010, 12:40:40 AM: All I've done is straight pipe 4" to a 5" exit. That gave me a little different/higher powerband and a whole lot cooler EGT's. Good enough for me.

-Steve
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 06, 2010, 04:39:42 PM: Love the tourque.
Love the mileage.
Hate not having a place to plug in your block heater.
Hate finding out when it's -20 in Montana that you have one dead battery... :bash:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 06, 2010, 06:18:41 PM: Batteries go bad.. Hell, I ran dual batteries with my 460 gas engine too. A bad one can drain on the other. (not supposed to with an isolator, but it happens) My batteries are still the factory ones from 2004. I'll make it through this winter, but come summer and I see a sale, no matter if they're still workin fine, I won't let them stay in my truck through next fall/winter. A lot of people have block heaters on the gas engines back east. That's the norm.

What really sux is that Ford gittin jumped by a jap Yota! :chuckle: :bash: :chuckle:

-Steve
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 07, 2010, 08:12:14 AM: Quote from: JackOfAllTrades on December 06, 2010, 06:18:41 PM

What really sux is that Ford gittin jumped by a jap Yota! :chuckle: :bash: :chuckle:

-Steve

Yeah, I'm not gonna lie. That hurt a little... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: bigpaw 77 on December 11, 2010, 08:49:49 PM: I had to vote for diesel. I just traded my 98 diesel dodge in for a 06 f250 crew cab long bed lariat with the 6.0 and I love it.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: NWwildman on December 28, 2010, 09:18:41 PM: I own a 98 24v dodge I currently have 260k and am running my same original drive train minus two clutch. I had to rebuild the front end at 175k and haven't touch anything since then. I average 15 to 25 k a year and 10k of that is dirt and gravel and the rest i pull equipment at work. I will have to say I gel up once a year and that is normally my fault i have a 100 gallon transfer tank and I forget to put additive in it. Summer diesel at 0 normally doesn't do to well so far two years in a row i have gelled first cold of winter. I have a friend with a ford super duty with a 12v cummins with 476k on the engine can't beat a diesel.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Phantom Gobbler on March 04, 2011, 09:58:23 PM: Just picked up this new gas burner. It is my first Dodge as I was able to get the price down a littler better than Ford or Chevy. I traded in a 04 Ford Ranger FX4 at the Dodge Dealer in Monroe. Hope I don't regret it. My wife likes the new truck for hauling Mother-in-law and grandkids. But will it perform in the woods or will it have to stay on I-90? You decide:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: raekmike on March 04, 2011, 10:10:12 PM: hmm.....sho is purdy to be takin inta da woods..... :dunno:

you need to get dem der goodyears off of it first......get yo self sum all terrains... :twocents:
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: br8kitoff on March 04, 2011, 10:17:43 PM: Love the diesel...can make it to Spokane with a Polaris 600 in the bed on half a tank @70mph. From the peninsula to Colville with the 5th wheel (35') averages 14mpg. does about 19 with nothing in or behind on freeway. 6" lift running 37" 13x18
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on March 04, 2011, 10:35:55 PM: My guess is that you will miss the Ford Ranger once the new smell is out of that monster. But then, I'm predjudiced--I loved my Ranger. If it hadn't gotten totalled in an accident I'd still be driving it. Usually 26 mpg highway.
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: PolarBear on March 04, 2011, 11:45:41 PM: As my cousin the diesel mechanic of 30+ years says "real trucks don't have spark plugs!".
Title: Re: Diesel versus gas
Post by: sisu on March 05, 2011, 11:33:45 AM: Quote from: PolarBear on March 04, 2011, 11:45:41 PM
As my cousin the diesel mechanic of 30+ years says "real trucks don't have spark plugs!".
I did not understand diesel until I drove for nearly a year delivering waterworks project materials to job sites. Then after I bought my own diesel and started towing, launching and parking my boat I finally understood. Good milage, unsurpassed torque etc.