What are the head gaskets on a Duramax?
The Duramax diesel engines came with three different grade thickness head gaskets. They are labeled A, B, or C. It is tough for most people to tell what gaskets they have before tearing the engine down. Some engines have a B on one side and an A on the other.
What kind of valve cover do I need for a Duramax LB7?
The Bostech GK01896 Valve Cover Gasket Kit is a direct replacement for your 2001-2004 GM 6.6L Duramax LB7. Bostech Components are manufactured to strict specifications and will meet or exceed OE specifications. Features: Meets or Exceeds OE Specs Sold Individually (Qty 2 Required Per Engine) Replaces OE Part# 97188896
What’s the compression ratio on a Duramax LB7?
The LB7 Duramax engine has a 17.5:1 compression ratio, and this, along with the excessive torque present when adding performance modifications places extra stress on the engine’s internals. Instead of breaking and an all-out rebuild being needed, the forged steel rods simply bend.
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.
What are the gaskets on a Duramax LB7?
Each Duramax LB7 head stud kit also comes with a complete gasket set for every engine component that seals against the cylinder head. The set contains gaskets for the exhaust manifold, up pipe, upper and lower valve cover, along with valve cover grommets, valve seals, and turbo drain seals.
Can you use the wrong head gasket on a Duramax Diesel?
While, Hoping that performance and reliability will not suffer. Above all, To maximize performance and longevity there is a proper gasket to use on the GM 6.6L Duramax Diesel. Consequently, After you have confirmed the piston protrusion. Therefore, Using the wrong head gasket on this engine could cause engine damage.
How do you remove cylinder heads on a Duramax Diesel?
Virtually all of the engine accessories have to be removed in order for the cylinder heads to come off. This includes the alternator, a/c compressor (which can just be moved to the side) as well as the idler bracket and pulleys (shown). To save time, Carrier removes systems in one piece whenever possible.
What happens when you take the valve cover off a Duramax LLY?
After the upper valve cover is removed, the lower valve cover can be taken off, which exposes the engine’s valvetrain. Once he completed the passenger’s side, Carrier moved on to the driver’s side of the engine, where it was wiring, glow plugs, lines, and injectors all over again.
Can a head gasket failure cause engine coolant loss?
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on engine coolant loss on 2002-2016 GM 6.6L Duramax diesel engines. It is important to note that not all instances of coolant loss on these engines is the result of head gasket failure.
What causes a coolant leak in a Duramax engine?
Failure to inspect the EGR cooler for leaks may lead to a misdiagnosis for coolant entering the combustion chamber. Previously, An EGR cooler pressure tester adapter set, EN-48974, was shipped essential to dealers in December 2007 to diagnose EGR cooler engine coolant leaks on all Duramax™ engines equipped with an EGR system.
After the upper valve cover is removed, the lower valve cover can be taken off, which exposes the engine’s valvetrain. Once he completed the passenger’s side, Carrier moved on to the driver’s side of the engine, where it was wiring, glow plugs, lines, and injectors all over again.
Why are my head gaskets on my Duramax truck failing?
One of the common issues we see with the Duramax engines is head gasket failures. The gaskets in all years of 6.6 Duramax pickups are a multi-layer steel style gasket. Over time as the head/block surfaces warp and the strength of the head bolts weaken, the head can lift causing combustion pressure to go directly into the coolant system.
Why do I need to replace my head gasket?
This is a common failure on higher horsepower engines that create cylinder pressure that overcomes the clamping load of the stock head bolts allowing the head to lift. Almost anytime you have a head lift even just once, you have compromised the integrity of the gasket and you will need to replace it.
How can I tell if my Duramax cylinder head is bad?
There is often a common concern that the compression ratio will change. It will not. The bottom of the head is flat with no combustion chamber. Surfacing the head area does not change the cylinder head to piston volume at all. The only thing that must be carefully checked is the piston to valve clearance.
Can a warped head gasket cause a leak?
If you install a new head gasket on a warped head there is a very good chance it will leak immediately. There is often a common concern that the compression ratio will change. It will not. The bottom of the head is flat with no combustion chamber. Surfacing the head area does not change the cylinder head to piston volume at all.
What causes head gasket to fail on Chevy Silverado?
While there are many reasons that your Silverado’s head gasket can fail, the most common ones have to do with the cooling system causing the engine to overheat. Low Engine Coolant– If there is not enough coolant to properly cool the engine, it’ll overheat and blow the head gasket.
What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?
Blown Head Gasket Symptoms: Chevy Silverado Most of the symptoms of a blown head gasket are obvious, since the way that the engine runs is usually affected. Here are some of the most common signs of a blown head gasket: Rough/Choppy Idle-When a head gasket blows, it will lower the effective compression ratio of one or more cylinders.
If you install a new head gasket on a warped head there is a very good chance it will leak immediately. There is often a common concern that the compression ratio will change. It will not. The bottom of the head is flat with no combustion chamber. Surfacing the head area does not change the cylinder head to piston volume at all.
What is the head gasket set on a GM 6.6 Duramax?
Complete cylinder head gasket set for GM 6.6 Duramax engines on 2001 – 2004 Vehicle with the LB7 engine. This is determined by the eighth vin digit. It has the be a “1”
While there are many reasons that your Silverado’s head gasket can fail, the most common ones have to do with the cooling system causing the engine to overheat. Low Engine Coolant– If there is not enough coolant to properly cool the engine, it’ll overheat and blow the head gasket.
Can a wrong head gasket cause engine damage?
Consequently, After you have confirmed the piston protrusion. Therefore, Using the wrong head gasket on this engine could cause engine damage. The left and right cylinder head gaskets are not interchangeable. As a result, Improper placement of the cylinder head gasket will block coolant and oil passages.
What are the different types of head gaskets?
As a result, GM offers three different thickness head gaskets depending on the amount of piston protrusion the engine has. There are also different head gaskets for the left and right bank of the engine.