Any experience with the Chevy express 2500 and 2.8L dura max diesel?

[SusanB]

I’m not seeing any reviews. It looks like the gas mileage is amazing.
Thanks for any info and input.

 

[Rabbit]

I test-drove a brand new one in (I think, not certain) January 2018 on dead-flat, uncrowded secondary roads in Florida, ideal conditions for absolute maximum MPG. Even after resetting the meter while moving, which generates an inaccurately high reading because the fuel used in accelerating to speed isn't counted, I got between 22 and 23 MPG cruising at 55 MPH. When you consider the added cost of the diesel motor, the higher cost of diesel fuel, the extra costs for more oil changes and the (generally, not always) higher rates charged by diesel mechanics, I personally decided it just wasn't worth it. While engine break-in will probably add a little to that 22-23 figure, I just can't see where anyone could ever actually come out ahead. For reference, under identical conditions I've exceeded 20 MPG while pulling a 6x10 flat-nosed cargo trailer with a much-cheaper 2016 Silverado V-6 (gasoline) 4x4, and I feel I made the right choice.

That said, I was amazed at how well the van performed in terms of acceleration. I expected a dog, and it absolutely was not.

 

[SusanB]

Thanks Rabbit, that was very informative. That is also a huge discrepancy in the hwy mpg! Wow! What a disappointment. Could breaking in the engine have that much effect? Your other points about the cost are very good, too.

 

[John61CT]

Diesel is very pricey to maintain after 100-150K

 

[SusanB]

I’m not quite sure why that is. I read about the Mercedes engine being expensive however a retired diesel mechanic said it was because of lack of proper oil maintenance. In some cases it really needed 60 weight oil and much more frequent changes. Otherwise the engines go for a good 500,000 miles. Of course the rest of the thing might be falling apart!

 

[MrNoodly]

...I read about the Mercedes engine being expensive...

The basics of a diesel engines are simple and durable. But a friend with a Sprinter-based RV had troubles with other systems. I think M-B tries to get too high tech and tricky with its engineering. She switched to a Ram with the Cummins diesel. Less fancy, no problems.

 

[John61CT]

Varies by market.

Where diesel is very common for consumer vehicles, not so much.

But in the US, routine interval-required services on diesel can cost as much as a full gas engine overhaul.

 

[SusanB]

It will be interesting when a service contract becomes available. One person on another forum posted that his fedex driver was driving an express with the 2.8 L and loved it, he however is probably not responsible for the maintenance. Chevy has a video of an Asian factory making the 2.8 L engines. I wonder how different it is from the MB engine and all of its needs.

 

[Scuka]

This is an old thread but I’ll add an actual informed opinion.
I own one.
This is my 4th express and by far my favorite.
I drive 40-50k miles annually and my per mile savings is 3 cents a mile compared to the 5.7 and 6.0s I’ve had in the past. The cost benefit analysis is involved so I’ll get to the bottom line for anyone that’s contemplating this package.
Unless your driving over 30,000 highway miles a year the increased economy won’t outweigh the $4000 option price and increased maintenance cost.
My numbers are based on my regional San Francisco-Sacramento fuel,insurance,maintenance,tax etc.
Tank to tank average is usually 27mpg. Worst was 25 mpg. Vegas to Sacramento via Death Valley in June. Lots of mountain passes with A/C on.
There’s been a lot of skepticism concerning the 180hp.
I drive on some of the busiest roads in the country with an average 1000 lb payload and I’ve never failed to get up to speed or merge safely.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Thx for the info from an owner.
Diesels strength are towing, fuel economy. But you have to be doing higher mileage to make the extra costs incurred worthwhile. Oh, and the macho factor.

At 3 cents per mile, that mpg improvement while maybe 50% better, the maintenance costs strip out the benefit. At 10000 miles per year, that is only $300 fuel savings which is negated by extra maintenance costs. If my interpretation is correct from your number, not sure if that 3 cents include operating costs and is total net, or just fuel.
Savings are significant if doing miles, 30k+/yr is allot. How many are doing that amount regularly? For years in a row to make that investment worthwhile?
And how much is diesel fuel in the area and will be in the future?
When I used to do this kind of high mileage, looked at them a couple times for commuting, and the benefit was never clear long term for their advantage. Add in questionable reliability and higher repair costs, there's a risk, fyi.
The unknown, will this motor turn into a low cost million miler. If it does, winner. If it doesn't, money pit, but great if your priority is to roll coal. Lol.

 

[SusanB]

Thank you so much for your informed reply.

I will keep this in mind.

 

[tx2sturgis]

.... but great if your priority is to roll coal. Lol.

They don't do that anymore...well, unless an owner has made some modifications.

 

[Beeps and eats]

If you don't mind the smell and work try straining a veggie mixture. adding a mix of 40% seems to be about the best for economy and performance. I've been running it in my Dodge Ram this way for just over a year and it's working perfectly.
I've also saved 1700.00 in fuel costs!.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

 

[SusanB]

Veggie juice mixed with diesel fuel?

Or are you referring to fermented veggie juice and added to gasoline?

 

[highdesertranger]

vegetable oil. is what B and e is talking about. diesel's can run off it. although I would be hesitant with a newer computer controlled engine with all the smog stuff. in fact the older mechanical diesel's can easily run on a vast variety of fuels. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

If you don't mind the smell and work try straining a veggie mixture. 

Fruit smoothies for fuel?

Whooda thunk it.