The 3.0 Duramax Podcast

The 3.0 Duramax Podcast

Real-world answers to 3.0 Duramax questions from a working GM technician. This podcast breaks down oil choices, maintenance, diagnostics, known issues, and what actually matters when owning and servicing a 3.0 Duramax truck or SUV. Episodes are built around real viewer questions and real shop experience — not speculation or internet noise. Straight answers. Practical context. No fluff. Duramax® is a registered trademark of General Motors. This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors.

Episodes

  1. FEB 9

    3.0 Duramax at 300,000 Miles? I Tracked 200+ Trucks to Find the Truth

    Is 300,000 miles on a 3.0 Duramax realistic, or just a fantasy? In this episode of DemonWorks, we move past the internet rumors and break down real-world reliability data from over 200 owners. We reveal the actual failure rates of the LM2 and LZ0 engines, identifying what breaks, what lasts, and who is actually hitting high mileage. Plus, we dive into your technical questions: How to properly configure your Banks iDash for towing vs. daily driving, diagnosing phantom idle vibrations on the LZ0, and why some owners are smelling dangerous exhaust fumes in the cab during regen. www.duramaxnews.com https://www.bankspower.com/demonworks hrtps://www.duramaxnews.com Will the 3.0 Duramax really last 150,000… 200,000… even 300,000 miles?Real owner mileage data from 200+ trucks.In this episode of the 3.0 Duramax Diesel Podcast, I break down actual owner-reported results from public forums and Facebook groups to answer the biggest question I get asked:👉 How long does the 3.0 Duramax REALLY last?This discussion is based on documented mileage reports, not hearsay. We analyze what’s actually failing, what isn’t, and why Facebook can make reliability look worse than it really is.🚛 What We Cover in This Episode✅ Can the 3.0 Duramax realistically reach 150K, 200K, or 300K miles✅ Results from 200+ owner-reported trucks (LM2 & LZ0)✅ Common issues vs. rare failures✅ Why most problems are system-level, not engine failures✅ Real high-mileage examples (200K–300K+ trucks still running)✅ Why social media amplifies failures — not failure rates🔧 Listener Questions AnsweredBanks iDash Setup (3.0 Duramax)• What data actually matters• Best gauge layouts for daily driving vs towing• Regen tracking, EGTs, oil pressure, air density explainedIdle Vibration on LZ0• Why vibration at idle happens• GM’s diagnostic approach• Engine mounts, exhaust contact, injector balance & fuelingExhaust Smell in the Cab• Why exhaust fumes are more noticeable during regen• Common leak points (turbo clamp, DPF joints, backpressure valve)• What to check and when to involve the dealer🧠 Bottom LineThe data shows the 3.0 Duramax engine itself is not the weak link.High-mileage trucks already exist — they’re just quieter than the complaint posts.The real question isn’t “Will it last?”It’s “How much modern diesel complexity and downtime are you willing to tolerate?”🔗 Helpful Links & Resources• Demon Works YouTube Channel• Duramax News Blog: https://duramaxnews.com• Demon Works Shop: https://demonworkshop.com• Email questions via the links in the description📩 Have a question you want answered on the podcast?Drop it in the comments or send it through DuramaxNews.com.👉 Subscribe for weekly 3.0 Duramax tech, diagnostics, and real dealership insight.ACDelco Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/3QFfXex3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ PPE Oil Filter: https://amzn.to/3qmLR6o3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ ACDELCO: https://amzn.to/3QtmDO5PPE OIL FILTER: https://amzn.to/3JP9j22 - BE SURE YOU ARE BUYING FROM PPE ONLY - CHECK SELLER NAMEFuel Filter Socket: https://amzn.to/4b52BkYFuel Filter KlickWrench Socket: https://amzn.to/42arKH6Aluminum Fuel Filter Cap: https://amzn.to/3FZir28K&N Air Filter: https://amzn.to/3S5sLvqK&N Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/4b6Ux3ihttps:/www.maxl.com/demonworks https://www.bankspower.com/demonworksBANKS DISCOUNT CODE "DemonWorks"WEIGH SAFE HITCH: https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/weigh-safe-drop-hitch/?affiliate=demonworksALSO USE Discount Code DW10 at weigh-safe.com www.bankspower.com/DemonWorkswww.duramaxnews.comwww.bankspower.com/demonworksAs an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products!

    31 min
  2. FEB 2

    Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Valve Bodies Explained | 10L80 Duramax Fixes, Recalls & Cooling Mods

    In this episode, you’ll learn exactly what changed from the Gen 2 to Gen 3 10L80 valve body and why it matters for LM2 & LZ0 Duramax owners. https://www.demonworkshop.com https:///www.duramaxnews.comGen 2 valve body failures (wear, TCC shudder, wheel lock recalls)What GM fixed with the Gen 3 valve body (25-NA-334)Why the Gen 3 is backward compatible — and what must be programmedNextGen Project Carbon valve body (what it is, who it’s for, lifetime warranty)Thermal bypass options: stock vs barbell vs PPE Full FlowTransmission temperature myths vs real-world testingHow to properly fill transmission fluid with a bypass valve installedWhy heat, towing, and ULV fluid matter long-termIf you own a 3.0 Duramax (3Max) and want reliability, smoother shifts, and real-world answers — this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe for weekly 3.0 Duramax tech, diagnostics, and real dealership insight.ACDelco Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/3QFfXex3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ PPE Oil Filter: https://amzn.to/3qmLR6o3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ ACDELCO: https://amzn.to/3QtmDO5PPE OIL FILTER: https://amzn.to/3JP9j22 - BE SURE YOU ARE BUYING FROM PPE ONLY - CHECK SELLER NAMEFuel Filter Socket: https://amzn.to/4b52BkYFuel Filter KlickWrench Socket: https://amzn.to/42arKH6Aluminum Fuel Filter Cap: https://amzn.to/3FZir28K&N Air Filter: https://amzn.to/3S5sLvqK&N Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/4b6Ux3ihttps:/www.maxl.com/demonworks https://www.bankspower.com/demonworksBANKS DISCOUNT CODE "DemonWorks"WEIGH SAFE HITCH: https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/weigh-safe-drop-hitch/?affiliate=demonworksALSO USE Discount Code DW10 at weigh-safe.com www.bankspower.com/DemonWorkswww.duramaxnews.comwww.bankspower.com/demonworksAs an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products!

    20 min
  3. JAN 26

    3MAX Intakes Worth it or Just Hot air? 3.0 Duramax Podcast EP. 7

    Aftermarket intakes on the 3.0 Duramax generate a lot of questions — and a lot of misinformation. In this episode, I answer the most common intake questions owners ask, including power gains, MAF accuracy, EGR interaction, MPG changes, intake design, and why sound doesn’t always equal airflow. This is a data-first, no-hype discussion focused on how the 3.0 Duramax actually uses airflow and sensor data to make decisions.https://www.demonworkshop.com/products/2020-2025-gm-3-0l-duramax-diesel-fuel-cap-173001000Amazon Fuel Cap: https://amzn.to/4iSznKiACDelco Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/3QFfXex3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ PPE Oil Filter: https://amzn.to/3qmLR6o3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ ACDELCO: https://amzn.to/3QtmDO5PPE OIL FILTER: https://amzn.to/3JP9j22 - BE SURE YOU ARE BUYING FROM PPE ONLY - CHECK SELLER NAMEFuel Filter Socket: https://amzn.to/4b52BkYFuel Filter KlickWrench Socket: https://amzn.to/42arKH6Aluminum Fuel Filter Cap: https://amzn.to/3FZir28K&N Air Filter: https://amzn.to/3S5sLvqK&N Intake: https://amzn.to/4b6oy35K&N Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/4b6Ux3ihttps:/www.maxl.com/demonworks https://www.bankspower.com/demonworksBANKS DISCOUNT CODE "DemonWorks"WEIGH SAFE HITCH: https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/weigh-safe-drop-hitch/?affiliate=demonworksALSO USE Discount Code DW10 at weigh-safe.com www.bankspower.com/DemonWorkswww.duramaxnews.comwww.bankspower.com/demonworksAs an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products!

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Real-world answers to 3.0 Duramax questions from a working GM technician. This podcast breaks down oil choices, maintenance, diagnostics, known issues, and what actually matters when owning and servicing a 3.0 Duramax truck or SUV. Episodes are built around real viewer questions and real shop experience — not speculation or internet noise. Straight answers. Practical context. No fluff. Duramax® is a registered trademark of General Motors. This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors.

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