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A 2023 Toyota Tundra owner reports an engine failure roughly a month after passing the hammer test. Tim discusses the report, what remains unverified, and what the inspection checks. This episode also covers allegations in a Ram 1500 Hurricane ECM/PCM lawsuit, recent PUTT truck coverage, and upcoming Silverado and SEMA reports.

The Tundra account is an owner report. We have not independently reviewed the repair order, inspection results, or Toyota findings. The Ram lawsuit contains allegations, not court findings.

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Read the Tundra story: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/2023-tundra-engine-failure-after-hammer-test/
Truck news and reviews: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/
Newsletter and giveaway: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/monthly-giveaway
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Are GM’s 6.2L V8 engine failures affecting truck resale value? I compare Kelley Blue Book estimates for 2023, 2024 and 2025 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate trucks, explain the recall and investigation context, and look at what the numbers can—and cannot—tell us. Then we catch up on this week’s truck news, diesel technology and upcoming reviews.

Sponsored by ScreenProTech. Save 15% with our sponsor/affiliate link: https://screenprotech.com/tim

These are price-guide estimates, not completed sales or a measured recall penalty. Age, mileage, equipment and original pricing affect the comparison; similar estimates do not prove the recall had no effect.

Full story and appraisal methodology:
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/gm-6-2l-resale-value-engine-recall/

Recorded October 23, 2026.

0:00 Is the GM 6.2L recall hurting resale?
1:03 Recall and investigation context
3:55 Engine teardown and aftermarket questions
4:35 How I compared the KBB estimates
5:21 ScreenProTech sponsor
5:49 What the resale numbers show
7:29 Toyota Tundra resale comparison
8:04 Giveaway and truck research tools
9:15 This week’s truck coverage
10:20 EPA 2027 and diesel technology
11:54 F-150 V8 correction and upcoming coverage
13:38 Wrap-up

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Watch the video: https://youtu.be/SXJSrSL-DvU

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What will EPA 2027 mean for the engines that keep freight moving? Aaron Turpen talks with Dan Potter, head of emissions compliance at Daimler Truck North America, about Detroit Gen 6, emissions warranties, DEF derates and the uncertainty around EPA’s proposed changes.

This discussion concerns heavy-duty commercial engines. It should not be read as a blanket description of pickup-truck warranties or emissions requirements. Dan explains Daimler’s position; manufacturer claims and views remain attributed to Daimler.

IMPORTANT CONTEXT: Proposed amendments are not final law. The interview retains Dan’s explanation of that distinction. The EPA highway-vehicle greenhouse-gas repeal discussed here occurred in February 2026; the speaker says a different year in the recording; February 2026 is the corrected date shown in the original video. Separate fuel-economy requirements are also discussed.

CHAPTERS
0:00 2027 diesel emissions with Dan Potter
0:38 Detroit Gen 6: evolution, not a clean-sheet engine
4:39 Planning through regulatory uncertainty
7:20 Proposed emissions-warranty changes
9:11 Useful life and truck durability
9:59 DEF derates: current updates and future proposals
12:30 What is proposed versus legally in effect?
13:14 NOx reduction and regulatory development
14:39 EPA greenhouse-gas rules and fuel economy
17:23 Nonconformance penalties: Daimler’s position
21:35 Planning beyond 2027
23:01 Closing thoughts

More truck news and interviews: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/

Watch the original interview: https://youtu.be/t8fZBF_VGk8

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Source material: Daimler Truck North America regulatory presentation and images supplied with Aaron’s reporting.
EPA proposal: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-amendments-and-nonconformance-penalties
EPA February 2026 final action: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/final-rule-rescission-greenhouse-gas-endangerment

#Diesel #DetroitDiesel #myoriginalcontent

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Could Ford introduce an 8.0L Power Stroke by 2029? Tim Esterdahl walks through four clues behind his prediction: Power Stroke history, GM’s new Duramax, information from Shell’s technology center, and changing diesel emissions requirements.

The 8.0L displacement, 550 horsepower and 1,400 lb-ft of torque discussed here are PUTT predictions—not specifications confirmed by Ford. This episode also includes our Friday truck-news recap.

00:00 My 2029 Power Stroke prediction
01:37 Power Stroke history
03:26 ScreenProTech sponsor and giveaway
04:27 GM Duramax and the displacement question
06:29 Clues from Shell’s technology center
12:08 How dual DEF dosing works
14:35 EPA 2027 and my prediction
17:18 This week’s truck news

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Watch the video: https://youtu.be/zsCllXXhKKw

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Is red-dyed diesel a worthwhile option for your pickup? In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl explains why fuel compatibility, taxes, state permission and warranty coverage are separate questions. Hear the practical concerns behind the headlines, including fuel specifications, contamination, deferred taxes and the different owner-manual warnings for Ford, GM and Ram.

We also catch up on Ram REV, truck sales, recent reviews and upcoming reporting trips.

Recorded October 9, 2026. A tax deferral is not automatic forgiveness. Eligibility depends on applicable guidance and state rules. Warranty exclusions discussed concern damage from improper, contaminated or noncompliant fuel, not automatic cancellation of all truck coverage.

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Read the reporting:
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/red-dyed-diesel-truck-savings-trump-order/
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/red-dyed-diesel-warranty-truck-manuals/

WDRB Louisville, Kentucky, mentioned for Tim's planned TV appearance:
https://www.wdrb.com/
This station homepage is not a link to an already-published interview.

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Ram is walking back one of its biggest selling points. In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl breaks down the end of Ram’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for 2027, what that means for shoppers considering a 2026 truck, and the differences in diesel coverage across Ram, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC.

Then we dig into the 2027 Ford F-150’s engine changes, GM’s latest diesel and gas-engine news, and what Tim learned about engine development and testing. There’s also a practical discussion of trailer-brake setup and the reliability and transmission questions truck owners still want answered.

Recorded October 2, 2026.

IN THIS EPISODE
00:00 Ram’s 10-year warranty is ending
00:26 This week’s truck news recap
00:57 New vehicle research tools
02:07 What changes for 2027 Ram buyers
03:41 Comparing diesel warranties
04:47 Why the longer warranty is going away
05:25 ScreenProTech giveaway and screen protection
06:33 2027 Ford F-150 engine changes
08:45 GM coverage and trailer-brake setup
10:00 Duramax and HD gas V8 news
11:00 How GM develops and tests engines
13:19 Reliability and transmission questions
15:13 Becoming better-informed truck buyers

READ MORE
Ram warranty story: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/10/2027-ram-trucks-lose-one-of-their-biggest-selling-points-the-10-year-100k-mile-warranty/
Truck news and vehicle research: https://pickuptrucktalk.com
Cars and unibody SUVs: https://wetalkcars.com

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Tim Esterdahl answers questions about the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in this replay of Tuesday’s livestream, “2027 Silverado & Sierra: I Asked GM—Now Ask Me Anything.”

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GM’s new V8 engines bring more power—and plenty of questions. Fresh from GM’s powertrain event in Flint, Tim Esterdahl breaks down what engineers told him, what remains unanswered, and what it means for truck owners.

In this week’s Truck News Recap:
• Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), lifter concerns and the revised oiling system
• Why GM is dropping the physical oil dipstick
• Direct injection, port injection and intake-valve carbon buildup
• Why the 6.6L V8’s towing rating surprised Tim
• 2027 Chevrolet Silverado pricing and the High Country price increase
• GM’s use of manufacturing data and AI to improve engine quality
• Ram news, a 323,000-mile Hemi owner story, and a Ram truck dealership in Germany

Sponsored by Screen ProTech: https://screenprotech.com/tim
This is our sponsor/affiliate link.

Watch this recap on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2c2jWjOONZ4
Watch the GM powertrain video: https://youtu.be/wdTGZ_QoLlI
Watch the RTR Ram Truck Ranch interview: https://youtu.be/iRBxqhF3PI0

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More car and SUV coverage: https://wetalkcars.com/

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I ordered my next truck: a 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. In this episode, I explain why I chose Chevy over GMC and Toyota, why timing pushed me into the High Country trim, and the exact engine, color and towing configuration I ordered.

CHAPTERS
0:00 I ordered a new truck
0:45 The trucks I considered
2:10 Why Chevrolet instead of GMC
3:20 The new Silverado V8 decision
4:10 Ordering through Kelley Chevrolet
5:20 Why I chose High Country
7:05 Pacific Blue and the 6.6L V8
8:25 Max Trailering availability
9:10 The 3.23 rear axle explained
11:05 Delivery timing and estimated price
13:25 Screen ProTech giveaway and PUTT updates
15:25 This week in truck news
20:30 Germany programming note

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NHTSA has escalated its investigation into GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8, moving the case into an engineering analysis that could affect nearly one million Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVs.

Tim Esterdahl explains what the expanded federal investigation means for GM owners and whether the current recall remedy is resolving the engine problems. This week’s truck news also covers Toyota technicians using a hammer test on recalled Tundra engines, Ford Super Duty engine changes, GM’s updated 8-speed transmission repair procedure, proposed California tire-efficiency rules, new recalls and other important pickup truck and SUV stories.

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More truck and SUV news: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/

#GMRecall #TruckNews #PickupTrucks

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Toyota has a new way to inspect certain 2022-2024 Tundra engines, and yes, it involves a plastic hammer. Tim breaks down Toyota’s V35A crank bearing inspection, why the automaker is testing these engines, how an accelerometer and software are used to analyze the results, and why this unusual-sounding procedure is actually based on established engineering principles.

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Ford has revealed the Fathom, a new electric pickup expected to start around $30,000. But who is this truck actually for, and can Ford find enough buyers to make it successful?

In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl examines what we know about the Ford Fathom, its expected size and range, and how it could compete with the Slate truck and Ford Maverick. He also explains why commercial fleets and urban drivers may be the real target customers.

Other topics include Pickup Truck + SUV Talk’s first full-size truck award, changes coming to the 2027 Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, Toyota Highlander reliability problems and what Tim learned while towing a camper with the GMC Sierra EV.

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Which heavy-duty truck is the most reliable: Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD or Ram HD?

Tim Esterdahl ranks today’s heavy-duty trucks using Pickup Truck + SUV Talk’s original reporting, NHTSA data, recalls, technical service bulletins and owner complaints.

The Ford Super Duty claims the top spot despite its recall history and death-wobble complaints. The GM heavy-duty trucks follow closely, while valve-body concerns prevent them from finishing first. The redesigned Ram HD comes in last, largely because its Cummins and TorqueFlite HD powertrain is still too new to have an established long-term record.

Do you agree with the rankings, and which heavy-duty truck has proved most reliable for you?

Explore the PUTT Reliability Center:
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/truck-reliability/

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The 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability, but owners and used-vehicle shoppers should know about recalls, transmission complaints, ECU-related stalls and several other reported problems.

Cory Fourniquet examines the Highlander’s loose second-row seats, airbag concerns, transmission whining, hybrid braking behavior, infotainment glitches and unusual fuel-tank readings. He also explains how owners can check their VIN for open recalls before buying or servicing a Highlander.

Plus, this week’s Truck News Recap covers pricing for the new Ram Rumblebee lineup, including the first 6.4-liter HEMI offered in a Ram 1500 and the nearly $100,000, 777-horsepower Rumblebee SRT. Toyota also updates the 2027 Tundra TRD Pro with front recovery hooks, adjustable Fox shocks and the new Honeycomb exterior color.

The episode also highlights the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk Reliability Center, the new We Talk Cars website and the monthly Screen ProTech giveaway.

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Which full-size truck is the most reliable today? Tim ranks the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Toyota Tundra using PUTT’s reliability reporting, NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, failure severity and recurring problems.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power are included for comparison, but they do not determine the final ranking. The results may surprise you, especially the trucks finishing first, second and last.

Read the full report:
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/07/most-reliable-full-size-trucks-ranked-surprise-winner/

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The 2027 Toyota Tundra has arrived, and viewers have two major questions: Did Toyota finally fix the twin-turbo V-6, and why isn’t the V-8 coming back?

Tim Esterdahl examines Toyota’s engine recall solution, the sharp decline in reported failures among newer trucks and whether buyers should trust the Tundra again. He also covers the revised grille, persistent remote start, recovery hooks, the new Trailhunter package and lingering problems Toyota has not publicly addressed.

Plus, this week’s Truck News Recap includes the most reliable full-size truck rankings, GMC Sierra 2500 HD known problems, the Cummins hydraulic-lifter controversy and new resources in the PUTT Reliability Center and Buyer’s Guide.

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Why won’t the 2027 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon get GM’s new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8 engines right away? Tim explains GM’s rollout strategy, the engineering and investment involved, and what buyers can actually expect from the 2027 Tahoe.

Also in this week’s truck news recap: Cummins hydraulic lifters versus flat tappets, a modified Silverado owner’s reliability problems, Ram’s new TRX warranty restriction, Tim’s 90-minute Flock camera traffic stop and the expensive hail damage to his Ford F-150.

Find more truck news at PickupTruckTalk.com.

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The EPA has released its long-awaited proposal to revise the 2027 heavy-duty diesel emissions rules, but does it mean diesel owners can finally delete their trucks?

In this episode, Tim Esterdahl breaks down what the proposal actually changes, including the plan to eliminate many DEF-related engine derates, reduce warranty requirements and delay some emissions durability standards. He also explains what didn't change, why DEF systems and emissions deletes remain a hot topic, and why many diesel enthusiasts may still be disappointed.

If you've been following the diesel delete debate, this episode separates the headlines from the facts and explains what the EPA's proposal could mean for current and future diesel truck owners.

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Fifteen years after Ford tore down a production 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in front of a live audience to prove its durability, truck owners are still arguing about what the test actually proved. Tim looks back at the famous Detroit Auto Show teardown, the results Ford revealed, and why debates over carbon buildup, 10,000-mile oil changes, and turbocharger reliability continue today. Plus, a quick roundup of the week's biggest truck news, including EPA DEF rule changes, Ram TRX updates, Tacoma sales, recalls, and more.

Sponsored by: Get 15% off Screen ProTech screen protectors at screenprotech.com/tim.

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Quarter 2 truck sales results are out, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Ram continues its impressive comeback thanks to the return of the Hemi V8, Ford F-Series sales have slipped amid production challenges, Chevrolet Silverado sales are down, GMC Sierra continues to gain ground, and the Toyota Tacoma remains the undisputed king of midsize trucks.

In this episode, I break down the biggest winners and losers, explain what's driving the latest sales trends, and discuss whether Ford's nearly 50-year reign as America's best-selling truck could eventually be challenged if current trends continue.

We'll also look at:

• Ram's sales surge and what's behind it
• Ford's production and aluminum supply issues
• Why GMC is outperforming Chevrolet
• Toyota Tacoma's continued dominance
• Nissan Frontier's surprising growth
• The latest EV truck sales numbers and what they mean for the market

If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk. New episodes cover the latest truck news, reviews, towing tests, and automotive industry insights.

Read the full story:
https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/07/2026-q2-truck-sales-ram-keeps-rolling-tacoma-widens-lead-while-ford-and-gm-continue-to-slide/

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