Duramax vs Cummins vs Powerstroke - Power, History and Our Thoughts on the Big Three HD Diesels

We go over the details on the big three HD Diesels including their history and origins.
Would you take a Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke? Let us know in the comments below.
We have a second channel! Find it here - ‪@tkpowersports‬
Visit our website here - canadiantruckk...
Become a Truck King member - / @truckking
Buy our merch here - / @truckking
Follow us on Twitter - / truckkingchalng
Check out Steve's music channel - / @selmervidz1
#diesel #cummins #duramax

[@GAlan-nn6mu]

The 2005 DURAMAX had a 5 speed Allison. Got the manual control and 6 speeds in 2006 with the LBZ generation.

[@JayRay61]

Was hoping to hearing more on the reliability of the emissions systems and how they've affected performance and reliability - especially the HO Cummins units in the RAM 3500 Dually Trucks.

[@jingorat]

I think we're at the point where the diesel is more luxury then need. The gas power numbers are close to latter diesel numbers but with no emissions complications. The power numbers are astronomical, with that mentioned, how often are you actually getting that full diesel power delivered? Probably not often. These numbers are probably what helped killed the manual transmission. With the automatic trans, the truck can fully control what you get at all times. The next is fuel mileage. Does the diesel get higher fuel mileage? It sure does. But the gap between gas and diesel is so close now. Gone are the days of 8mpg big blocks and 20mpg diesels. Comparing just super duty numbers between gas and diesel, its usually within 3 points or so.

[@BIGDAVE5352]

The powerstroke name actually started in 1993.5 year with the mechanical 7.3IDI with a Turbo added. Then in 1994 the 7.3 Turbo direct injection electronic engine debuted with the Cat designed HEUI injection system. Ford has been in bed with Navistar since 1983. In 1983 the 6.9L IDI NA diesel was introduced in the F-250 & F-350 trucks.

[@PlaneSaddles]

Overall enjoyed the video, but there was a few things: First year of Duramax (2001) was 5spd Allison and 6spd ZF manual. And 7.3 Power stroke (1994.5) 4spd Auto and 5spd manual. I think the big 3 should come out with a 3/4 only diesel that is lighter, better for mpg, lower priced, lower powered( closer power wise to the 2000s era), and doesn't have to be built the same as the engine that can pull the Davis Dam with 40k behind it.

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

Truth

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

A Ford guy would never buy a truck with less power because he would have nothing to brag about besides his truck braking down all the time

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

@@PopCorn-ei5bj braking?

[@rustydusty1111]

After 6 months of searching a found a relatively low KM 2006 duramax LBZ. Its about the only diesel i would ever touch. The emissions on newer diesels is a nightmare.

[@tylerbuck9347]

What mileage? And what's the dude's asking price?

[@joseeduardo4327]

I need a box for my shop vac attachments. Idk why I never thought of that lmao

[@chrisbrook1234]

I have very limited experience with any HD diesels personally as my dad only ever had gasser 2500s for his landscaping business when I was growing up. I will say, however that my wife and I love the 'Babymax' 2.8L turbodiesel in our 2021 GMC Canyon Elevation Crew Cab 2WD. We have towed close to 5000lb and hauled loads over half a ton yet the truck easily gets less than 10L/100km while loaded. When unloaded, we easily average less than 8L/100km with a roughly 80/20 highway/city driving split. The truck has been super reliable with just a hair under 70,000km on the clock now, although we did use my wife's knowledge as a GM technician to cherry-pick our options and build the most reliable GMC Canyon spec possible.

[@kendellvjohnson]

What a great video guys. This video is the best explanation for diesel engines. I have recently ordered a Yukon Denali diesel.

[@user-jv2ol1yq9w]

Our North American governments have ruined the diesel advantage

[@843MudMafia.]

True

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

Straight wrong

[@user-jv2ol1yq9w]

@@wizard_of_poz4413 nope, liberal idiots and the faux narrative

[@Bluebottlenose]

But to be fair, it’s for a good reason

[@tylerbuck9347]

​@@Bluebottlenose I agree

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

I remember my Dads 99' Super duty had the international motor in it..he did the 5th wheel trailer thing in the 2000s

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

Every ford diesel was

[@peterdragon6367]

No one is saying the DEF isn’t better for the environment. People don’t like the lack of reliability and added cost that the consumer pays. Brand new trucks getting stuck on the side of the road isn’t good

[@hondaxl250k0]

I’m still running a clean 97 Ford f250HD with the 7.3 powerstroke. Crew cab long bed 4x4. 4 in lift on 35s .. I love this truck!! Almost no rust. Bolt on parts and tuned. 400hp and a cool 16 mpg. Better if I change the tune but I’ll lose a bit of power. If this was a gas truck I’d get like 4-8 mpg. I don’t tow much anymore. But I like my big truck and acceptable mileage

[@shopdog2]

I enjoyed your video, 2001 Duramax with a standard cab and 271,000 miles.

[@icare7151]

My 7.3l Ford PiwerStroke by International/Navastar 0ver 500,000 miles and still going strong.

[@Mx-pch]

It’s normal for diesel engines

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Really good information on motors of 94' to 24'. Right On Howard.

[@aaronkelley8909]

Slight edge for the Cummins inline 6. Less moving parts means added simplicity. Strength and longevity is increased due to 1 cap per rod. But I think they're all pretty damn good right now.

[@TonkaFire2019]

After having 2 diesels I’m going to go back to gas. It’s not worth the headache of emissions and bad fuel.

[@joshsuperduty1270]

Which engine

[@TonkaFire2019]

@@joshsuperduty1270 3.0l and 6.6

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

@@TonkaFire2019 you had both of those engines

[@TonkaFire2019]

@@PopCorn-ei5bj yes

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

@@TonkaFire2019 I got both too the 3.0 has been good so far only 42,000 miles the 2015 6.6 has 285,000 miles and I have had to replace most of the emissions parts I’m thinking of going gas to

[@cliffyb5896]

You can't forget the 6.5 gm turbodiesel. Military still runs them in hmmwv's to this day.😁

[@Murman1973..]

I prefer the diesel. Have had a 2005 and 2008 dmax. Currently have a 2017 ecodiesel. Love the fuel mileage and comfortable ride of the ecodiesel. Next one will be 3.0L dmax

[@VineV-Dutch]

7.3 power stroke. Build tough for sure. Ask Dave's Auto Center in Utah. They have a YT Channel as well. And they don't like the Duramax with pins that break off. Myself; I ride on LPG. Liquid Propane Gas. Saves tons of money. With the powers engines have today; engine still pulls like crazy. I pay about 40% per gallon compared to diesel prices. Works like a charm. Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, former USSR countries like Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, they all have cars on the LPG system. So, I found a company that could convert my petrol engine to LPG. Now I run it in Saskatchewan, no issues. Cheap, reliable, comfortable. You pay the big prices for petrol and diesel. I'll pay less than half.

[@ib516]

Correction, the first 5.9L Cummins in 1989 had 160hp/400tq with an automatic, and the first Duramax in 2001 was 300hp/520tq with a 5 speed Allison.

[@beardlifeman]

Another Great show thanks for the knowledge love the channel you guys

[@Mike-vk6mo]

Would have like to hear an efficiency and MPG comparison.

[@steveh7108]

He doesn't want to go there with the mpg cuz it would mess up his green narrative. My 1996 Powerstroke got the same MPG as my 2016 or 2018 Powerstroke. Why because of the ridiculous emissions. The modern diesels could easily get much better fuel mileage and still burn clean if they eased off of the emission garbage and eased back on the power a little bit. By the way my 1996 never blew black smoke unless you really hammered on it. It lasted 400,000 me before I sold it and it got about 1/2 me to 1 mi per gallon better than any of the modern trucks loaded or empty

[@John___Dough]

My 3.0 duramax is a inline 6 do y’all have any thoughts on the smaller diesel engines I’m getting 28 and 30 mpg on highway great video thanks

[@bostonaviation2010]

Best engine out there.

[@karlschauff7989]

I love mine so far.

[@MrTonaluv]

If you buy the F550 you get the commercial Power stroke which IS derated to a lower power and torque output

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

if you dont do a lot of towing just once in awhile but you need a hd truck wouldnt a a big v8 be better,and cheaper to run

[@TruckKing]

yes.

[@dougpendleton1266]

No question that the new engines offer superior power, but the emission controls have complicated them to the point that I will no longer own one. What should be a minor repair now requires removing the body from the frame and is ridiculously expensive. That plus the multitude of sensors that can put your truck into limp mode to protect the engine from what may not even be a legitimate problem. Talk about an infuriating experience, you basically need a spare truck to rescue your $100k oil burner when it decides it is not happy pulling your rig down the interstate. I have owned several diesels (still have a 6BT) but I went with a gasser on my last new dually recently. The current crop of HD gassers is very impressive, basically offering power numbers even diesels couldn't provide a few years ago. The new diesels are not that much better fuel economy wise, and once adjusted for the lower cost of fuel and DEF, cost per mile is very close. You get to pocket the 10 grand up front and the engines from my experience are more reliable than the new diesels. I won't win any drag races up a mountain but my ETA on a long trip is still the same, so gas it is for me.

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

That's complete bullshit but ok

[@dougpendleton1266]

@@wizard_of_poz4413 Bullshit you say?? Warned you have been, ignore at your own peril you will....

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

@dougpendleton1266 I literally own about a dozen tier 4 motors and wouldn't hesitate to take them anywhere. I know plenty of guys who shit all over new equipment but at the same time they buy several trucks a year with just the sheer expense they shell out trying to Frankenstein that old junk back to life

[@dougpendleton1266]

@@wizard_of_poz4413 That's not me but May the torque be with you...

[@joebrown3263]

Great vid, thanks! Americana passion for the diesel exceeds the rationale of towing capabilities! Diesels are a preferred option for HD truck lovers, commuting, occasional towing, offroad activities (AT4,PrWagon,Tremor), drag racing, customs, etc. My 1st was a 7.3! Drove it across country & absolutely cherished it, then a 5.9 to my current 4th gen 6.7 Cummins. I would definitely sacrifice trim levels/options in order to budget for any of the 3 HO diesel motors. Well worth the money imo!

[@user-ek9nx2jn7r]

I have had a Duramax 2007 and it was very good at towing. Not good at day to day driving. I found that if you have an emissions problem the system needs to be completely replaced to get it to work properly. For towing it’s the only way to go! But keep the heat in the engine to keep it running clean

[@Highaltitude45]

Gm 6.2 Detroit diesel = junk (rumor has it these were supposed to get exceptional fuel mileage) Ford 6.9 diesel = junk (good fuel mileage, buddy owned a couple, years ago) Ford 7.3 IDI = good, finicky Ford 7.3 diesel (DI) = good, finicky but long lasting (owned) 20 mpg Cummins 5.9 12 valve = good Cummins 5.9 24 valve = good (owned) 25mpg Ford 6.0 diesel = junk (owned a couple, mileage up to 22/23mpg) Ford 6.4 diesel = special place reserved in hell for this engine and its engineer(s) All generations of the duramax = overall good (owned some)(liters per 100kms 8 to 10) 6.7 Cummins = good (owned, commercial application, tuned down, saw massive mileage, no issues)(mpg low 20s) 6.7 powerstroke = good (mileage ranges from 18 to low 20s)

[@nlken7175]

Your right on with this list. I owned a few of theses too.

[@terrencejones9817]

The 6.2 and 6.5L GMs are quite reliable if they aren't turbocharged. They just don't make any Power.

[@karlschauff7989]

I know a guy with an old GM 6.2 truck and he loves it. Doesn't make much power but it has a ton of miles on it. It just runs and runs, no problems.

[@Highaltitude45]

@karlschauff7989 that's a rare story, first time I've ever heard that actually

[@edwardman1742]

Diesels are NOT more reliable than gas. However, they are more DURABLE. People mistake those two all the time. These guys have old-school thinking. Modern diesels are more complex than gas engines as well. Think of the complex fueling systems, turbo, chargers, exhaust treatment systems, etc.

[@Cloud30000]

What kind of fuel tank did they need to go 13,535 miles non-stop?

[@lawdog516]

Very informative and easy to comprehend from a non-diesel person, thanks

[@TheMootster16]

My 95 3500 dodge with the 8.0 v10 is still going strong

[@Gilbertmk2]

Is having a diesel as crucial now since the gassers are making more torque than the old diesels?

[@MrTonaluv]

I would say no not as crucial unless you are towing all the time.

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

Bullshit. Gas hogs are a waste of a truck

[@MrTonaluv]

​@@wizard_of_poz4413diesel engine is good if you're towing heavy and doing some serious miles. Otherwise the regen doesn't work properly and it don't make financial sense. Come on man!

[@wizard_of_poz4413]

@MrTonaluv the latter 2 make zero sense. Weight will have zero effect on how the regeneration cycles work at all and the savings of a diesel engine are felt across basically any application

[@MrTonaluv]

@@wizard_of_poz4413 ok we'll see what other people say about this but short runs and light duty ...all they do is soot up a diesel engine. Diesels are built to work!

[@nlitend1]

I will only buy a diesel if it can be deleted. Waiting for someone to come out with a delete kit for the 24 Gm l5p.

[@Kahless00]

Still got a 99 power stroke. That thing will survive the apocalypse. Never getting rid of it.

[@elderrob]

Great video. Thanks guys!

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

7:38 - Doesn't that extra power help the engine's RPM keep low and thus improve its reliability?

[@Highaltitude45]

No, speaking from experience. Reliability equals clean fuel, oil change every 5000kms with synthetic 15w40 (5w40 winter). Truck has to have enough cooling capacity for engine and tranny. Follow follow follow manufacturer maintenance, use more stringent standards if your truck works incredibly hard.

[@user-bn3gw1zg7i]

I just watched your Dad’s truck build video and was wondering how long it took from start to finish and what was your process to be able to get to watch it being built? Thanks and great content!

[@TruckKing]

start to finish about 6 hours. We know people - lucky that way.

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

Excellent and informative episode!!! 😁

[@williampresley3000]

The cassettes and player are so good. Dad is OG.

[@lucasmancini7415]

All 3 have their own issues. But something they all have in common is the after treatment systems def/egr. Not saying we didn’t need those systems but I’m sure we could have gone without and still be in the same place we were in 2006-2007 as we are now. If emissions weren’t on these trucks you would see about 5x as many trucks on the roads.

[@JimFallen]

So why can’t you keep to new trucks out of the shops? My buddies with new trucks with def can’t stay out of the shops! I’ll blow coal with my old Cat 3406! Love my 6.0 powerstroke! No issues so far! Absolutely don’t want def!

[@tdub25]

Steve is the most American Canadian person ever… no Canadian accent at all…. Even his pops sounds Canadian….

[@matthewanderson9912]

I think the diesel longevity advantage ship has sailed. The actual engine itself probably will last longer before requiring internal work BUT the emissions system will absolutely require work before a gasser needs overhauled. And the cost of replacing emissions equipment exceeds the cost of a new gas engine. Now deleted, that’s another story but that’s also getting harder to do. So I think this needs to be talked about more. Also, the modern gas HDs have plenty enough power to not need the four ways on up a grade. The government has ruined the diesels plain and simple. They are finicky enough on their own (fueling problems with weather and/or bad fuel potentially taking out the fuel system which is a lot more expensive to repair than a gas engine replacement) and then adding in the emissions system after treatments make them even worse. You can spin it all you want about it being “good”, it’s not. It makes the trucks use more fuel to clean the DPFs and then when it does fail (and it will) you’ll be walking until it’s fixed.

[@randysavage8963]

Great video fellas and fair . Thank you

[@Cloud30000]

I need that power! How else can I go fast enough to travel back in time with my mobile home?

[@joshuapaul349]

2000 7.3 with 311k, I'm not trading for shit.

[@matthewbrinkman4058]

I don’t tow as much but I own a 3/4 ton Cummins. They hold more value than a gas engine. And last longer than a gas engine. I don’t want a new truck for 5-10 years from now.

[@gdulaudi]

Great vid. But why no mention about reliability post 2008?

[@tylerbuck9347]

What's the significance of that year?

[@CH-RC]

Don't know any different as this 2024 GMC 3500HD Duramax is my first Diesel, but I fully bought it knowing I'll maybe never use the truck to its full load / towing capacity. What I was after was the most comfortable and luxurious driving truck I could buy, that would be one of the most reliable and long lasting you can buy thinking this may be the last truck purchase I'll be able to make of this type with all the new regulation nonsense coming in. Not had a single issue yet, but only 18K in ... however I love this truck even though I don't use it necessarily what it was intended for. Runs like a champ in our -30C Canadian winters; and definitely smoother and a hell of a lot less noisy than my 35HP diesel John Deere tractor thats for sure haha impressive for the size and power output. I'm curious how good the small 3.0L 6 cylinder Duramax is.

[@bostonaviation2010]

Best engine out there.

[@MrEroupe]

Wish they still had manual transmission

[@Sports.Doctor]

Is diesels better than gas for everyday use?

[@MrTonaluv]

No. Everyday use as in the school run? Grocery getter? Not good for the regen. Everyday long distance? Yes.

[@Sports.Doctor]

@@MrTonaluv Thanks

[@gtrance3567]

Diesel owners never shut of their engines. Parking lots at church, schools, golf, trailhead-always idling.

[@steveh7108]

There's nothing green about the ridiculous mandates the EPA put on the diesel. It was good that the emissions improved up until a point but then they got ridiculous and push the demands to a point where they're putting out worse mileage worse reliability more parts and more of a waste. They would be much more green if the EPA eased back on their ridiculous mandates. And yes there are numbers that prove they're stepping over a dollar to pick up a dime

[@karlschauff7989]

Any emissions coming from the truck that the EPA reduced, were totally negated by the damage to the engine caused by the emissions system, as well as the reduced fuel economy. All while the EPA has mostly turned a blind eye on the commercial aviation industry and all the soot and nox generated by jet engines. One flight by an airliner burns tens of thousands of gallons of what is very similar fuel. The commercial and private jet industry makes so much money they pay off the politicians to limit EPA regulations on them.

[@HayCO33]

Duramax had 5 speed Allison since day 1

[@techs1smh13]

6 speed after lb7 and lly. Lbz 6 speed up to 2020 approx

[@HayCO33]

Yes 6 speed after LBZ 10 speed 2020 . Also 6 speed ZF Manual up until end of LLY years . Boy I miss my Manual 6 Speed LB7 !

[@techs1smh13]

@HayCO33 I live in SO CA no more manual transmission 2hrs to drive 35 miles. Hahahahaha

[@techs1smh13]

@HayCO33 if my federal emissions standard lb7 ever dies I will buy L5p with 6speed allison. 3:73 . Great combo.

[@pttgrappler1]

Just like everything else, the government ruined diesels. Between egr, def, oil consumption, fuel prices. Diesels today are worth the extra money.

[@hourbee5535]

Can we start talking more about stopping power instead of pulling power? We know how these truck can pull.

[@alecmurray8339]

This! The brakes and suspension is where HDs really need to focus on.

[@js2407]

If only they would make an electric motor HD truck powered by a diesel generator 🚂💪

[@statenmorgan962]

If they would just perfect the DEF system

[@philippelarocque4207]

You guys make the best trucking videos!

[@TruckKing]

Thanks 👍

[@davidthomas9267]

If you only really need a truck 3-5 times a year go to Hertz!!

[@jayphilbert5845]

At this point diesel’s are overrated

[@bucket1249]

You're better off buying an old single axle tractor for hauling your fifth wheel. Better brakes, transmission, frame, and much cheaper.

[@benmartin6476]

That 350hp cat would have been a 3406a and didn’t have 400 torque they had 1400 ft-lbs torque and the duramax was Isuzu than gm

[@mikefoehr235]

I drive a MB SPRINTER...my work van. The city i work for has a dozen or more. Those things are junk. -20C you better plug in the block heater. -15 C or colder, good luck keeping the winshield defrosted. The AUX heater uses diesel to make heat but the housing cracked years ago and it just belches whit smoke...so.cant use. Of course by being German, the DEF reservoir is UNDER HOOD and the crystals make the cap seize on. I havent filled it in years because the bulk fill hose nozzle doesnt fit in the hole. You couldnt pay me enough to own a diesel...NO THANKS

[@JarmeL.100]

🔥🔥🔥

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Come on guys do some research before you put out a video like this. So much in accuracy in this video

[@nlken7175]

My baby Duramax 3.0L almost makes the same power as my old 6.0L powerstroke ( when the JUNK powerstroke worked)

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

The problem isn’t how much power it is how much weight can the frame of that truck handle and a half ton just won’t be able to handle the weight that 1 ton could. Even a three-quarter ton. That’s the side of it that people don’t think about.

[@karlschauff7989]

@@SuperSnakePlissken .... and if you don't need to haul 4,000 lbs in the bed, a half-ton with the max tow suspension can do just fine. A truck with the 3.0 Duramax, 10-speed, and max tow package is rated to tow approximately 13,000 lbs conventional using SAE's standards. Stay within the rating of the truck and it's fine. Just don't buy one expecting to use it for the kind of heavy hauling a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck is intended for.

[@Thankyou_3]

Thank you 🙏 Thank you 🙏 and Thank you for this video. What a breath of fresh air discussing about diesel engines than of all the EV and Hybrid corruption. I always owned gas vehicles and definitely getting the biggest diesel engine next time. I don’t care about fuel mileage because who cares! Let’s not be penny wise and dollar stupid. People spend +60K on a hybrid to save $15 a week at the gas pump? Why are people so oblivious about math.

[@IvanKorsinsky]

That def take was horrible lol... literally everyone I've ever met has complained about reliability with post 2008 diesels. There's a very good reason people rip that quite frankly hunk of shit out.

[@karlschauff7989]

I know of a Ford dealer that got so tired of fixing a guy's 2016 Superduty's DEF tank heater than one of the techs helped him "weight reduce" it. DEF is a problem even in diesel passenger cars.

[@user-jv2ol1yq9w]

Great video gents!