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Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: BLKBEARKLR on December 13, 2010, 08:50:14 AM

Title: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on December 13, 2010, 08:50:14 AM: Ok kind of a crazy question.

I bought my first diesel in 2008 it now has 15,048 miles on it. Is this bad for a diesel? I don't really use the truck unless I am pulling something, It sits at rimes for two to three months without even being started.

So I guess what is a good thing for a diesel? Drive it a lot? Put more mileage on it?

Thanks
Joe
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: Woodchuck on December 13, 2010, 08:56:33 AM: the engine doesnt care, but non-use can cause seals and gaskets to dry out and crack and cause big time leaks :twocents:
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: Rick on December 13, 2010, 08:58:23 AM: Quote from: BLKBEARKLR on December 13, 2010, 08:50:14 AM
Ok kind of a crazy question.

I bought my first diesel in 2008 it now has 15,048 miles on it. Is this bad for a diesel? I don't really use the truck unless I am pulling something, It sits at rimes for two to three months without even being started.

So I guess what is a good thing for a diesel? Drive it a lot? Put more mileage on it?

Thanks
Joe

As long as you make sure you get it up to operating temps when you do drive it,you're fine. I'd make sure to treat the fuel with a conditioner if it sits that long though.

My '07 only has 37,xxx on it. Basically the same use as yours. Unless its towing something,it doesn't get driven.
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: MDGrand on December 13, 2010, 09:02:53 AM: Your Diesel is fine and arguably under-used. Diesel's are meant to go for extreme work and for long mileage. Most diesels offered in HD trucks can go 200K withought any problems, that is the inherent nature of a diesel, it is more efficient than a gas engine and because of the long throw, deep cylinder and basic make-up of a diesel it can handle a lot more miles.

I would however that you at least go over and start the truck from time to time durring the months you let it sit. It is not good for any car/truck to sit for months at a time without being started.

Good luck!
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: fair-chase on December 13, 2010, 09:06:11 AM: With that few of miles I would be more worried about the tires flat spotting than anything.
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: Rick on December 13, 2010, 09:10:11 AM: Quote from: MDGrand on December 13, 2010, 09:02:53 AM

I would however that you at least go over and start the truck from time to time durring the months you let it sit. It is not good for any car/truck to sit for months at a time without being started.

Not me. It doesn't get started unless I'm sure I'm driving it long enough to get it good and hot. Its better to let it sit,than it is to let it run for a couple minutes and let some moisture build up in the crankcase,just to be shut off again.
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: Fastass350 on December 13, 2010, 09:13:37 AM: :yeah: Mine is the same way, it gets driven when my other truck is down, or when I'm towing something heavy. But it gets warmed up, and driven to normal operating temp and then some, every single time. That's the best for them. Fuel conditioner would be a good idea, as mentioned.
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 13, 2010, 09:21:02 AM: I am a firm believer of ... What sits, BREAKS!

I can't understand why someone would pay so much for something but not use it. As said, flat spot tires, corrosion, condensation, lubrication settle, suspension sag, mold. Drive it at least once a week or so, long enough to get things warmed up. I opened up a differential once that had been sitting for quite a while. The thing was in great shape except for the teeth of the ring gear. There was a define line where the ones that were exposed to humidity had rust pits. That thing had a little bit of howl/noise after that. Wasn't bad enough to replace the ring and set up the rear again, but it was noticeable.

I bought my Diesel in fall of 2004. Just touching 130,000 miles now. That's over 21,000 miles a year. My truck is my main mode of transportation. Everything from the quick trip to ACE hardware, daily commute to the office, to towing the camp trailer over the passes.

-Steve
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: MDGrand on December 13, 2010, 09:21:33 AM: Let me qualify my statement a bit more... I would not suggest starting it unless you can get it up to full, normal operating temperature.
Title: Re: What is the average mileage yearly for a diesel?
Post by: cohoho on December 13, 2010, 09:45:02 AM: Got an Duramax that I bought new in Aug of 2006 that now has 145K so I guess about 34K is my average...