> I did get a car maker to replace an engine at 85K miles (was a 3/36
> warranty) but it took some really sweet talking, and that was an
> unusual case.

Do they still have zone managers?

I was successful at getting a full refund of $1200 from Chevy for a full
rebuild of a rear-end at 40,000 miles. The rear end was making noise so I
took it to a Chevy dealer to dx and advise. I knew that it was probably an
axle bearing failure but did not have the time to do it myself. It was, but
due to the fact I had driven it a long time (it started making noise at
about 35, 000) the bearings and gears inside were also damaged. I tried the
local Chevy dealer but he would not budge. Just like the other gentleman
suggested I did not get angry or mad at them. I sweet talked them into
setting up an appointment with the zone manager and had a face to face with
him at the dealership.(this was about two months after paying for the
repairs myself). I laid out the facts with documentation. I have been a
Chevy man since my first vehicle and showed the picture of every Chevy I
owned since them. I used reverse psychology on him and told him of the facts
that Chevy rear ends just don't die at 40,000 miles and showed the pictures
of all my previous vehicles again with the miles on them and the fact they
had the original rear ends.

Bottom line because I did not argue with him but presented a straight
forward logical case I had a check from Chevy in the mail two weeks later
for the full repairs.

Try the same strategy. The duramax engines don't die at this young life so
it has to be the diesel fuel. Benchmark against other high mileage
duramax,s. May be ask another thread and see what the average miles on this
year are. BTW I have a 2002 with only 42,000 on it so I know exactly what
you are talking about. This thread has me worried as I have the same letter
in my glove box. I don't drive this vehicle much as I have a work vehicle
assigned to me (BTW, it is a 2004 duramax)

There may not be a whole lot to do at this point with the dealer. You need
to go up the food chain. Persistence, cool attitude, and asking them to do
something. (heck even the lets go 50 / 50 on this repair is better than
nothing).

Thanks
GM