
1,600HP Duramax Go-Kart (blows engine immediately)
AI Summary
The video details the process of converting a Duramax truck, previously involved in a "cheap diesel truck challenge," into a daily driver again, despite significant damage. The truck, which sustained a fire and impact, had a large crash bar installed by Tyler, which the presenter believes saved it. Initial assessments reveal a bent frame, and various components are either damaged or missing, including the radiator, intercooler, and washer reservoir.
The crew begins by attempting to straighten the frame using a skid steer and later an excavator and chains, pulling the truck in an effort to realign it. Despite the visible damage, the truck surprisingly starts after some initial checks and adjustments, including clearing the fan and addressing a low coolant level. The engine is noted to run remarkably well, resembling a new Duramax, without any smoke. The presenter highlights a successful restoration of the TCM (Transmission Control Module) and a makeshift USB cable holding up the fuse panel.
Further inspection reveals more issues, such as a crooked motor (which the presenter attributes to a perception issue), and a need for a new belt. A custom pipe is fabricated to run straight from the hot side to the cold side of the turbo, as the intercooler was removed, allowing the truck to build boost again. The presenter jokingly offers to sell the non-intercooled Duramax, noting a slight boost leak but claiming the frame isn't bent.
A humorous segment follows where the presenter "wakes up" the truck's computer by tapping it, claiming it makes "happy noises" and will now run. The frame straightening process continues with more aggressive methods, involving a larger excavator and chains, which results in further damage but is deemed "good enough."
The video then shifts to a "fan mail" segment, where the presenter reads a "hate mail" comment accusing him of arrogance. The focus returns to the truck, with the presenter deciding to "open up the cab" for more passenger room by cutting off the doors with a sawzall, further damaging the vehicle. The interior is then reassembled, with the glove box still closing, but the seat is visibly damaged.
A critical issue is discovered when the truck fails to run again. After an hour of troubleshooting the fuse box and wiring harness, it's found that a fuse was crooked, and when adjusted to a 45-degree angle, the truck starts. The presenter jokes about the "super safe" rear seat, which is made of glass, and highlights that the airbags and brakes are not working.
The truck is taken for a test drive, revealing the lack of functional brakes, leading to a dangerous situation. Another problem arises with the belt eating into the crank position sensor wires. During a subsequent drive, the truck overheats and catches fire, which is quickly extinguished with water. Transmission fluid is added, and another run is attempted, with the driver experiencing a lack of power. It's discovered that a charge pipe had come loose, explaining the power loss. A 10mm wrench is urgently requested to fix it.
After tightening the charge pipe, the truck performs a burnout, but then starts smoking heavily, indicating it's "pretty hot." The coolant hose is seen bulging, and condensation is present in the pipes. The truck almost makes it to the two-mile mark. In a final attempt, the truck rolls down a hill, crashing into a tree, splitting a tire. Despite the extensive damage, the motor is noted to still be functional, suggesting a new wiring harness could get it running again. The video concludes with the presenter giving up on his plans for the truck, contrasting it with advice to chase dreams.