In this episode, I answer three listener questions that are better suited for the podcast format, including when it actually makes sense to use a block heater, what the “best” year of the 3.0 Duramax really means, and how certain topics are handled differently on the podcast versus YouTube. We also start a broader discussion around emissions deletes—why the topic comes up so often, how it’s commonly misunderstood, and why context matters—without getting into instructions or recommendations.

I also briefly reference my latest video explaining blowby and the closed PCV system on the 3.0 Duramax, and why visual checks like popping the oil cap can be misleading on modern diesel engines.

In the next weekly episode, I’ll take a direct look at the LZ0 3.0 Duramax and address a question many owners are asking right now: is it actually a bad engine, or is important context getting lost online?

In this episode, I answer real viewer questions pulled directly from YouTube — the same questions I hear every day as a GM technician.

We cover 5W-30 oil use in the 3.0 Duramax, early oil changes and engine break-in, blowby expectations, LM2 teardown findings, LZ0 improvements, long-term wear concerns, engine swaps, and what the future looks like for the 3.0 Duramax platform.

No speculation. No warranty talk. Just practical, real-world answers based on what I’m seeing in the shop.

Duramax® is a registered trademark of General Motors. This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors.