I have no problem with the EcoTech family of engines. They have been out in one form or another for almost 15 years, sold in the millions. The only consistent problem that rears it's ugly head in the engine family is poor maintenance leading to stuck piston rings, high oil consumption, and timing chain tensioner failure. This can be said of any modern engine that is not maintained and cared for, so no sympathy from me on those type failures. In high output turbo trim, full synthetic oil changes at proper intervals will be critical. With 8-9-10 speed auto transmissions, they should be able to tune the engine well to available torque. High gas prices will be GM's best friend in the search to find customers for these trucks. In my fleet operations, TOTAL cost per mile is the number 1 consideration. The diesel's get good fuel mileage, but when something breaks, the repair costs are astronomical. Also the 13 quarts of oil and the $200.00 fuel filters twice a year make maintenance costs very high. Quickly eats up the mileage advantage. So far the Ford Eco-Boost vans cost 30% less to operate than the Sprinter diesels. I wish GM good luck with the turbo-4.
|