3.0L Diesel “Money Code” P0016… Repair Goes Wrong 

I don't know of any updated parts thus far. The early 3.6L engines had timing chain wear issues, but I've really only seen that when soccer mom/dad drives it low on oil and has minimum oil changes. The new 3.6L engines are much better and seem to be solid with good low end torque. I owned one for a while and it was great. Also I did request new gears, but the parts were not available within a reasonable time. I'd prefer to replace them, but you can't replace the crankshaft gear either so I figured it would be ok to re-use the cam gears if they didn't show signs of wear. Thanks.

Been there, done that. Never gained much from getting upset. I've learned the fastest way to get out of a hole and get back to making money is to just bite right into that turd sandwich and start chewing. Thanks.

Another award winning design. Thanks.

Nope. I fashioned a home made tool from an 8mm socket and an allen wrench that I cut down and bent. Thanks.

I don't recall. As far as I remember, warranty almost never pays enough. Thanks.

I fabbed up a home made tool from an 8mm socket and an allen wrench that I cut down and bent to get around the turbo coolant pipe bolts. I can't think of any tips in particular other than to take your time with every step and double check everything before reassembly. Group and label all of your fasteners step by step and take a lot of pictures. If this is something you've never attempted before it can be a very overwhelming task. Thanks.

I am back to ask a question not sure how else to reach out to you. I am in the middle of changing timing chain now and I noticed that the copper links don’t line up as you are supposed to set them up when you replace timing chain. Did you check that initially before removing timing chains and find that also? I am a little concerned about that. I still need to pull upper cover working on that next. Also no matter where I pin crank the copper links don’t line up in any of the 2 locations you can see. Arrow on fuel pump never aligns with any copper link. thanks for the info it has really helped.

The copper links are for installation only. After the timing tools are removed and the crankshaft is turned or the engine has been run they won’t line up again.

Thanks!

Well the disadvantage of a cam in block design is that the intake and exhaust valves both share the same camshaft so even if you do have a variable valve timing system you're forced to adjust the timing of both the intake and exhaust at the same time. With a DOHC engine you can adjust the timing the intake and exhaust valves independently of each other which can allow the engine to breathe better under a lot of different conditions at both low and high RPM and loads. Also you can eliminate an EGR system by playing with the valve overlap and achieve the same EGR effect....as well as virtually change the displacement of the engine on the fly which can drastically increase fuel economy. Also this diesel engine seems to happily run all the way up to 5000 RPM and it seems to have good torque from low to high. Disadvantage of a SOHC or DOHC design VS a cam in block would be that the engine must be taller and wider to accommodate the valvetrain. Thanks.

@DadsGarageDiagnosticSpecialist That's true for a gasoline engine but this diesel does not have VVT. I just don't see a benefit to this dohc layout in this application.

@4wdiesels I guess only the engineers who designed it know the answer to that.

exactly here in australia I have holden colorado rg with 2.8 duramax with normal oil pump and timing belt my previous car was isuzu d max3.0 and never problems with timing chain after 200000km even expensive cars like bmw or mercedes lost their quality

They sure do run and pull good when they're running though... Too much expensive technology for me. I'll keep all my old stuff running for as long as possible. Thanks.

The 2.8L seems to be very solid. I have seen basically NO mechanical problems with them, and minimal emissions faults. Just don't forget to change the timing belt on time or that could ruin your day.

I have a question. I watch both of your videos on the timing chain replacement. I have a 2020 Gmc 3.0 140,000 mi, just replaced turbo def tank and ecm 6500 bucks. 2 months later broken motor mounts and a growling sound towards rear of engine not on and off sound sometimes louder then others no codes but I'm wondering if you would think it could be a place to start timing chain or have you ran across that sound. Thanks

I'm sure they used a belt to keep it quiet. The cost of repairs on modern vehicles these days far exceeds what many people can afford. They can't afford to buy the vehicle in the first place if they can't afford to drop thousands at a time for repairs. Thanks.

I'm not sure about that. I was beginning to think it had something to do with 0W20 oil and extended oil change intervals. Thanks.

@@DadsGarageDiagnosticSpecialist the oil it uses is quite good and the capacity is more than sufficient for soot load. bobistheoilguy has some details about the diesel oil those engines use and the engine bearing designs for that type of oil.

Thanks for commenting.

It's not a new idea. There are other engines that have the timing set in the back..... Ford SOHC V6 and VW comes to mind. Although the chain should last longer than the oil pump belt in my opinion. Thanks.