What are the problems with a Duramax diesel engine?

Both of these issues result in fuel leaking from the injector which can then enter the crankcase. This can lead to more serious problems, as diesel fuel doesn’t offer the same lubrication properties as oil. You’ll also experience loss of power, excessive smoke, rough idling, and engine misfiring.

What are the most common 6.6L LB7 Duramax problems?

What Are The Most Common 6.6L LB7 Duramax Problems? The LB7 Duramax engine made its debut on Chevrolet and GMC HD trucks in 2001. These diesel engines are where the Duramax started, and they have been so successful that the Duramax are still used in GM HD trucks today.

How many versions of the Duramax diesel engine are there?

All told, there are six different iterations of the Duramax diesel engine: LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM, LML, and L5P spanning from 2001 to the present day. Each version of the engine has its own issues and quirks, and some are less problematic than others.

Are there any problems with the Duramax LMM?

One problem can rear its head when you are pushing the power of the LMM to a level GM never imagined, and that’s with the pistons. Simply put, they can crack under pressure. There are a lot of factors which dictate the power level where a piston bites the dust, but it’s usually north of 600 horsepower.

What kind of problems does a Duramax engine have?

The 5 Most Common LB7 Duramax Engine Problems 1 Fuel Injector Failure 2 Water Pump Failure 3 Fuel Filter Housing O-ring Leaks 4 Blown Head Gasket 5 Overheating (fan clutch problems, radiator gunk)

Can a leaking O ring cause a Duramax to hard start?

If you’re going to own an LB7 Duramax over an extended period of time, the odds are you will experience this problem. A leaking o-ring not only results in a fuel leak, but air can also enter the fuel system. This causes various performance issues, hard starts, and even engine codes.

What to do if you have bad Duramax injectors?

Here are common issues experienced when you have bad injectors. Fuel in Oil. Check Dipstick look for a surplus of oil or even smell the dipstick. When fuel is present, you can often smell it. Unfortunately, there is no good way to fix the factory LB7 Duramax injectors other than replacement.

What causes LB7 Duramax engine to overheat?

When the fan clutch is damaged, it prevents it from operating and giving the LB7 Duramax engine the additional cooling it needs. Overheating can also be attributed to a dirty or clogged radiator. Over time, your radiator can accumulate dirt, grime, and other gunk.

Are there any problems with the Duramax engine?

The failure is most common in higher horsepower engines, but can still occur in moderately modified and even stock power plants. Not specific to one version of Duramax in particular (ex: LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM or LML), the problem exists across all generations.

What causes the injector on a Duramax to leak?

Leaking Injectors—LB7 One thing the ’01-’04 LB7 Duramax is notorious for is injector failure. The two primary failure points of the factory injectors are internal cracking of the injector body itself and corrosion-induced failure of the internal ball seat.

What are the problems with the Duramax LB7?

One thing the ’01-’04 LB7 Duramax is notorious for is injector failure. The two primary failure points of the factory injectors are internal cracking of the injector body itself and corrosion-induced failure of the internal ball seat.

How can I Keep my Duramax Diesel pump healthy?

However, there are measures you can take to keep the pump happy and healthy, the first being to always buy your diesel from a high-traffic, reputable filling station that’s known to dispense good, clean fuel. Second, always change the fuel filter at or before the recommended service interval.

What causes a Duramax to overheat in the summer?

Overheating typically occurs while towing in the Summer months, and is most prevalent in 2005 or earlier models (2006+ models received a larger radiator and fan). Overheating often occurs as a result of a fan clutch failure, preventing the engine fan from providing supplemental airflow as necessary to keep the engine from overheating.

Are there any problems with the Duramax water pump?

This seems to be inherent of the factory water pump design. Overheating issues with the Duramax diesel seems to be a hit-or-miss problem; some owners experience it, while others never will. Regardless, it’s more common with the Duramax than other engines.

What was the problem with the LBZ Duramax in 2006?

Glow plug failure was a concern on the 2006 model year LBZ and LLY Duramax models, but the problem should have been long corrected for owners of these years. The concern was that the glow plug module would over cycle the glow plugs, creating a scenario in which the tip of the glow plug could actually deform and/or break off in the engine.

What causes white smoke in a GM 6.6L Duramax engine?

A common issue with the GM 6.6L LB7 Duramax engine is white smoke at idle. Worn and damaged injectors are often the cause however there are other causes and considerations that should be looked at prior to injector replacement. INJECTORS STUCK OPEN OR WITH EXCESSIVELY LEAKING NOZZLES DIANOSIS 1.

What causes a Duramax diesel engine to heat up?

When the engine is working hard, the turbocharger is drawing in a ton of air, and the restrictive stock turbo inlet tube can effectively choke the VGT turbocharger causing the compressor outlet temperature to skyrocket, heating up the intercooler, and ultimately raising the temperature of combustion and the coolant temp.

Where does the coolant go in a Duramax?

1. Coolant may enter the cylinder from a damaged seal between the fuel injector sleeve and the cylinder head. The injector sleeve is often dislodged during an injector removal. 2. Remove the glow plugs and the IGN 1 relay and pressurize the cooling system to 15-17 PSI. 3.

What causes a Duramax crankcase to leak fuel?

The ball seat can deteriorate over time, resulting in an incomplete seal, and ultimately, injector leaking. Both of these issues result in fuel leaking from the injector which can then enter the crankcase. This can lead to more serious problems, as diesel fuel doesn’t offer the same lubrication properties as oil.

Where does the fuel go in a Duramax?

It all starts in the tank, which is where the fuel is stored whenever you fill up. Depending on the model, you might have between 25 and 40 gallons of capacity, and on most trucks there is a low-pressure fuel pump which sits inside the tank and pushes the fuel toward the engine at a relatively low pressure.

Are there any problems with the Duramax diesel engine?

Overheating issues with the Duramax diesel seems to be a hit-or-miss problem; some owners experience it, while others never will. Regardless, it’s more common with the Duramax than other engines.

Are there any concerns about the aluminum cylinder heads on the Duramax?

The truth of the matter is that there are no concerns regarding the aluminum cylinder heads on any generation of the 6.6L Duramax. With over 1,000,000 Duramax engines on the road today, the aluminum cylinder head design has yet to be identified (with any credibility) as an inherent problem for Duramax owners.

What’s the maximum towing capacity for a 2oo3 trailer?

a=Requires automatic transmission and power-steering coolers when towing more than 2,000 lb; b=Maximum rated capacity of 4,500 lb is for towing boats; 3,500 lb for towing other trailers. BMW Vehicle Engine Tow Limit (lb) BMW X5 4.6is 4.6L V-8 6,000 a,b,c BMW X5 4.4L V-8 6,000 a,b,c BMW X5 3.0L I-6 6,000 a,b

What’s the towing capacity of a Chevy Duramax?

I went to a 2005 3500 SRW (GVWR of 9900 lbs) and finally a 2011 SRW with a GVWR of 11,600 lbs. I added air bags to the truck to level it and improve the ride.

Which is the best engine for a Duramax truck?

There are a ton of bolt-ons that make driving a Duramax-powered ¾-ton Chevy or GMC much more fun than operating a 7,500-pound pickup should be. Already the quickest trucks out of the box among the Big Three, it doesn’t take much to keep them at the front of the pack.

What causes a Duramax injection pump to fail?

As a result (allegedly), the lack of lubrication in the fuel can cause a premature failure of the injection pump, to a point where it won’t allow the LML Duramax to run. You can be driving down the road and everything seems normal, and when the pump fails, the truck just shuts off.

When did my Chevy Duramax die while driving?

04 Chevy duramax, dies while idling and intemitintly while driving, restarts and runs for long periods and shorts periods. Today it died while idling … read more I have 1994 c1500 5.7. When the truck is cold it starts just I have 1994 c1500 5.7.

Can a 2001 Chevy Silverado die while driving?

Re-start after a few minutes and runs well until driven a short distance, the … read more I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado. While driving my truck began to loose power while pressing the gas pedal and eventually died. It would restart but whould then quickly die.

What was the code name for the Duramax in 2011?

In an effort to keep up with the ever-tightening emission regulations, GM redesigned its Duramax for the 2011 model year, and this time the code name was LML.

What did the injector fail on my 2003 Duramax?

Was recently out of town in a friends 2003 Duramax during which, one of the injectors failed. Called the local dealer and they told me to bring it on in, and since I was from out of town they would get right on it.

Are there any issues with the Duramax fuel pump?

The new injectors available from us and others are updated and do not have the cracking issue. Fuel Filter Housing Oring Leaks – The Duramax fuel system does not have any sort of low pressure fuel pump pushing fuel to the engine from the tank. The injection pump sucks all the fuel from the tank.

What causes a fuel filter to leak on a Duramax?

Fuel Filter Housing Oring Leaks – The Duramax fuel system does not have any sort of low pressure fuel pump pushing fuel to the engine from the tank. The injection pump sucks all the fuel from the tank.

How to repair a LB7 6.6 Duramax engine?

We carry a full line of repair and performance parts for these engines that we install in our shop on a regular basis. Odds are we have run across your problem before and would be glad to help. Call us at 1-877-367-9351.

Where is the oil press sensor on my Duramax?

Have a 2003 duramax 6.6, 99,000 miles, last week just after oil change at the dealership i was driving along and noticed the oil press gauge on zero, dealership changed the oil and filter again but still zero, then said it was faulty oil press sensor, i have the replacement sensor but cant see where it goes.

What are the problems with a Duramax diesel engine?