2004 Duramax 6.6 liter diesel. Opinions? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

2004 Duramax 6.6 liter diesel. Opinions?

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

What year?
There was a year or so that they had an overheating issue. Basically the radiator was too small.
The Duramax and allison combo has proven itself to be very reliable with basic care.

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Been researching this 2004 model. Seems there was a recall for brakes and steering.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

You can take the VIN number to a dealer and have them plug in the number to their system. It should show any work that has been done to the truck through GM.
Brakes I'm not sure of,
Steering was larger tie rod ends (I think)

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Jim. I looked at online opinions, and it seems the radiator was a problem too. So brakes, steering and radiator.... 3 strikes, I think this one is out. Those are a little too critical for towing. I'll continue to save my $$$.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't strike it out yet. Get the vin number and run it.
GM had recalls on those parts with good success on the replacement parts.
If the recalls were done I wouldn't hesitate to tow with one.

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

OK, it's still there, but now I'm on to a 2000 Ford Expedition SUV with a 7.3L Diesel. The thing with the Dodge that worries me is the radiator/fan issue, which I don't think was a recall, or easy to fix. I know the Expeditions had some recalls too.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

The only engine I would shy away from is the 6.0L Powerstroke. Many have been great, but many have had issues.
The 7.3 is a great engine that lasts many miles.
For most of the Big 3 diesels maintance is the key to lonjivity. If the filters were changed, and were not hot rodded by a bunch of youngan's they last for a long time and do well.

sower volunteers · RV-Dreams Community Member

we drove a 2004 chevy 3500 duramax for 130000 miles with only one major problem. had a surging problem while driving around 30 mph. first dealer replaced one injector saying that was the problem but was not. took it to another dealer and they did a very through check and found the fuel rail pressure regular was bad. replaced it and no more problems. that was the only major issue. never overheated and we were towing over the gcwr of the truck coast to coast and even to alaska. the only reason we traded was moving to a mdt for the heavy trailer.