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.

  1. 3.0 Duramax Podcast - Intake / 10L80 Service / Deleted Questions + Glow Plugs and New Oil Pan

    1D AGO

    3.0 Duramax Podcast - Intake / 10L80 Service / Deleted Questions + Glow Plugs and New Oil Pan

    The 3.0 Duramax Podcast, Home of The 3MAX ! We answer your questions related to intakes, transmission service and Oil Choice on deleted truck. Glow Plug differences as well as a discussion on the new 3.0 Duramax GM Oil pan. https://bankspower.com/demonworksDiscount Code DEMONWORKShttps://weigh-safe.com - Discount Code DW10As an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products! https://www.demonworkshop.com GREEN AIR FILTER: https://amzn.to/4tgxNWP Motul 5w30: https://amzn.to/4sRbSp1 Schaeffers 5w30: https://amzn.to/4sRbSp1 Schaeffers 0w20: https://amzn.to/4sbSxyB ACDelco Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/3QFfXex 3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ PPE Oil Filter: https://amzn.to/3qmLR6o 3.0 Duramax Oil Change W/ ACDELCO: https://amzn.to/3QtmDO5 PPE OIL FILTER: https://amzn.to/3JP9j22 - BE SURE YOU ARE BUYING FROM PPE ONLY - CHECK SELLER NAME Just buy from demonworkshop.com to be safe. Fuel Filter Socket: https://amzn.to/4b52BkY Fuel Filter KlickWrench Socket: https://amzn.to/42arKH6 Aluminum Fuel Filter Cap: https://amzn.to/3FZir28 K&N Air Filter: https://amzn.to/3S5sLvq K&N Fuel Filter: https://amzn.to/4b6Ux3ihttps:/www.maxl.com/demonworks https://www.bankspower.com/demonworks BANKS 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/demonworks As an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products! 0:00 - Intro & Episode Overview0:41 - Who Is Greg? (GM Technician & DuramaxNews.com)1:27 - Best Intake for Sound Without Losing MPG (2020–2025 Sierra 3.0)3:12 - PPE Carbon Zilla Pipe Recommendation3:35 - Why the Factory Airbox Is Hard to Beat4:28 - Green Filter vs. K&N — Which Is Actually Better?5:04 - Final Intake Verdict: Factory Airbox + PPE Zilla Pipe5:32 - Do You Need Dexos-D If Deleted? (0W-20 vs. 5W-30 at -30°F)6:24 - Why 5W-30 / 0W-30 Shows Better Wear Metal Results7:34 - The Oil Analysis Case: Blackstone, Lake Speed, Amsoil8:25 - Will Thicker Oil Fix Existing Engine Damage? (Important)8:54 - Transmission Pan Magnets — Sticky Residue, Glue, & What To Do10:35 - LM2 vs. LZ0 Glow Plugs — NOT Interchangeable (Know This)11:55 - Reamer Tool: Why Skipping This Step Can Destroy Your Engine12:49 - How to Tell LM2 vs. LZ0 Plugs Apart13:17 - Personal Truck Update: Newest GM Engine Oil Pan Swap15:00 - New Pickup Tube Design — Why It Matters for Engine Life16:20 - Next Oil Analysis: Mobile 1 0W-3016:42 - Experiment #1: Daily Remote Starts — Did It Cause Wear?17:02 - Experiment #2: SMB Intake vs. Silicon Levels in the Oil17:44 - Towing Content Coming + C8 Corvette Trailer Questions18:10 - Way Safe Tow Hitch Update & Scale Replacement Video19:06 - Send Us Your Questions — Outro

    19 min
  2. MAR 23

    3MAX LZ0 Thrust Failure In 2024 Engines? 2027 Trucks + Wet Belt Oil Warning !

    https://www.duramaxnews.com 3Max 3.0 Duramax will be in the 2027 new trucks, thrust bearing failures are taking place in the 2024 trucks as well, but why not the LM2? And we answer an email from a viewer about the new info coming out on oil pump belt potential issues when using the wrong oil. As an Affiliate / Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is appreciated as it helps the channel to continue to test products!https://www.demonworkshop.comMotul 5w30: https://amzn.to/4sRbSp1Schaeffers 5w30: https://amzn.to/4sRbSp1Schaeffers 0w20: https://amzn.to/4sbSxyBACDelco 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 NAME Just buy from demonworkshop.com to be safe.Fuel 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! 0:00 – Intro & Episode Preview0:14 – Channel/Host Intro & "3Max" Terminology1:25 – 2027 Truck Updates 2:05 – New Interior Features (Massaging Seats, Escalade-Style Screens) 3:00 – Platform Changes (T2 / Beefed-Up T1 Frame) 3:45 – Engine Options (3.0 Duramax Diesel, 2.7L Base) 4:20 – Trim Details (High Country, ZR2 w/ 35" Tires) 5:00 – Transmission Upgrades 5:50 – Surround Vision Recording Feature 6:21 – Additional Mechanical & Trim Details 6:56 – ZR2 vs. High Country Dilemma7:26 – LZ0 Thrust Bearing Failure in 2024 Models 8:39 – Comparison to 2025/2026 Issues 10:10 – Part Number Investigation (LM2 vs. LZ0 Bearings) 11:20 – Root Cause Speculation (Block Casting, Turbo Oil)12:47 – Engine Oil & Wet Belt Compatibility 14:00 – Lake Speed Jr.'s API Donut Rule 16:10 – Oil Review: Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE 20:20 – Oil Review: ACDelco Dexos D 0W-20 21:00 – Oil Review: Amsoil 0W-20 22:15 – Oil Review: Hot Shot's Secret 0W-20 23:00 – Oil Review: Pennzoil 5W-30 Euro L 24:00 – Oil Review: Mobil 1 0W-20 25:10 – Oil Review: Mobil 1 0W-30 26:10 – Conclusion & Upcoming Content

    27 min
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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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