1 question. why does just about everyone state the 6.4, or any dz for that matter, is not a good choice for a daily driver if you make lots of short trips? i completely understand how a dz engine works - higher compression, more oil to heat before effeciency peaks, etc. some have even stated the dual turbos on the 6.4 don't like to light work/short trips. quotes such as - she is meant to run hard are made. i am not trying to be inflammatory at all, but does anyone have real scientific data or experience to suport this recommendation. what are the potential problems from using the dz as a daily driver 95% of the time which means short trips to and from work as well as carting the kids around and 5 mile trips to home depot, etc.

btw = when i tow it is 11,700 lbs trailer wt.

 

well typically you shouldnt b/c if its not worked it wil gumm up (especially 6.0) and the turbos/egr will need cleaning or replacing

also diesels are made for long loaded trips, thats just how thier built from the factory..
you just have to be careful in winters b/c they take a while to warm up and if you go awhile without fully warmed up then the water/acid in the oil will not burn out...


but my mother drives a 05 6.0 as a daily driver, 15 miles one way to work and kid karting after work, and for the most part its doing real well...she doesnt tow much anymore b/c we are seasonal at a capground so thiers no need to tow the camper anymore... but this winter were going to plow alot

and why would you spend the extra $6-7 thousand dollars if you dont really need it?

 

Personally I have not seen any issues with mine. Diesels are not fragile engines many are used as daily drivers without any ill effects. My truck only has 105,000 miles on it in 10 years. Most of those are short trips of 6 miles to work before I moved and now 8 miles to work one way. I do tow an 11,000 lbs fiver but that is occasionally (4-5 times/year).

My truck sits a lot in my driveway because of military deployments (7 months at a time). If it worries you then I would send an oil sample off to get analyzed. This will tell you the state of your oil and give you an idea of how your engine is holding up. One day when I get a bypass oil system I will be doing this and changing the oil as needed. For now I stick to the scheduled maintenance, turn the key and go.

A gas truck is an oxymoron.

 

I THINK GENERALLY SPEAKING, A VEHICKLE WITH 200,000 HWY MILES WILL LAST LONGER THAN A VEHICKLE WITH 200,000 STOP AND GO MILES.
DIESEL OR GAS. MAYBE THATS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SPEAKING OF. I DRIVE MINE TO WORK AND DON'T THINK TWICE.

 

I think in terms of the 6.4 it's becasue of mpg - from what I've seen on this forum anyway. Don't quote me on that though cause I'm the demon 'GM' person here.

Speaking of diesel in general it takes them longer to warm up - especailly in the north where I live. I beleive there could be many issues in regards just doing 1/2 miles trips in 15-20 degree weather not to mention the new emmisions stuff may not function appropiatly. It was 1 consideration when I purchashed my vehicle. My job, however, is 1/2 hour trip daily. If I worked a mile away I would have had to rethink my stratagy.

 

As long as you get it up to operating temp for a bit to get the condensation out of the oil and maybe the emissions stuff warmed up it should be fine.

 

I use my 6.4 to tow. If you have the option, buying a second vehicle to drive daily has the following advantages:

1. Better fuel mileage. I get 30+ mpg in a 4-cylinder compact car.

2. Less expensive fuel. Regular gas is running at least 20 cents less per gallon than diesel.

3. Cheaper maintenance. The cost of an oil change, tires, etc. is much less in a compact car.

4. I can park it anywhere without worrying about it. No self-respecting vandal would waste his time on a compact and no crook believes there is anything of value in it.

5. Maneuverability. Parking garages, tight parking spaces, etc. are a snap.

6. Less mileage on truck and better resale value when you get your next truck.

I drove a truck as a daily driver for years and enjoyed it, but now drive a Focus and can't believe I did not use a compact care before. It just about pays for itself. Besides, the best advantage is my kids hate the car and refuse to drive it, which is just fine with Dad as I know where it will be when I park it. lol.

 

MY WORK IS 4 MILES FROM HOME - 45-55 MOST OF THE WAY ON COUNTY HWY.

PARKING - NO PROBLEM - I LIVE IN RURAL WI.

IF I DO THE MATH OWNING A 3RD VEHICLE DEFINATELY DOES NOT MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE AS I ONLY PUT 3000 MILES PER YR ON THE TRUCK TO AND FROM WORK. TAKE THE MONEY FOR THE 3RD AUTO AND INSURANCE COSTS AND COMPARE TO THE SMALL AMOUNT SAVED IN GAS AND IT IS A NO BRAINER FOR MY SITUATION.

I AM READY TO ORDER A V10 KR BUT THE LOCAL DEALERS AROUND HERE STATE IT WILL BE A HARD SELL AND TAKE A HIT ON TRADE IN IF I DON'T LIKE IT OR WANT TO CHANGE IN 3-4 YRS. THAT IS MY ONLY HESITATION WITH THE V10.

 

With the new diesels that have a dpf, many short trips are going to lead to a plugged dpf because the exhaust temps can't get hot for long enough to regen. The problem will become quite evident this winter, especially on trucks that don't allow stationary regens like Duramax and Cummins.

 

ASSUMING THAT EVERYONE ONLY DRIVES 2 MILES TO WORK EVERYDAY AND DOES NOT DO ANY OTHER DRIVING,YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT.

BUT, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE EXHAUST TO REACH (HOT) TEMPERATURE?
SO, IF YOU DRIVE 2 MILES TO WORK DON'T BUY A DIESEL, BUT IF YOU DRIVE 10, IS IT OKAY? I DON'T THINK SO, IF THE PROBLEMS HAPPEN LIKE YOU SAY, FORD WILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERNT BECAUSE ALLOT OF PEOPLE OWN DIESELS THAT DRIVE THEM TO WORK AND DON'T HAUL ON A DAILY BASIS, I BELEIVE FORD WILL WAN'T TO SELL TO THEASE COSTOMERS ALSO.
JUST MY OPINION!

 

you have summed up my question - at what miles per trip are the dz engines going to perform as expected. 2.3, 4.5, 6.7. lots of recommendations by those on this site, which are appreciated, but very little science. coming from a math background i dont see any real data being provided.

my 2 cents

 

Given the fact that an average Active regen lasts approx. 20 minutes, that's how long the vehicle will need to be in constant motion in order to complete a cycle. Now, remember that a cycle will continue where it left off if interrupted. This means if it starts on the way to work, but doesn't finish before you get there, it is likely it will finish on your way home provide the distance is far enough.

The reason I say this winter will be a challenge is simple, the CAC will be cooling the charge air to a cooler temp during the winter than during hot summer months. Cooler air into the engine results in cooler EGTs as well. It may be beneficial to install a winter front with a permanent hole in the center to keep the charge air warmer. You won't suffer any performance loss compared to summer months. You don't want to shut it off completely though.

We've experienced trouble with moving Active regens when the temps fall below 20F. We do allow driver initiated stationary regens though and we have devices on our engines that help keep the EGTs high enough to allow an active regen when stopped. It is an inconvenience for the driver, but at least he is able to do something about it rather than getting towed.

 

My statements are based on my experience as a test engineer. I've been testing these systems for 2 years and have a lot or experience, both good and bad, regarding diesel emissions.

 

I COULD BE WRONG BUT, I DON'T BELEIVE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE IN MOTION FOR A REGEN AS YOU HAVE STATED. A REGEN CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME.

 

"test engineer" - those are words i understand. looks like everybody but my dealer is pushing me to the v10. the 3 dealerships locally have never sold a single one - the locals all like the sound of the dz.

thx