What happens to the head gasket on a Duramax?
Head Gaskets – As these truck reach the 100,000-150,000 miles we are seeing more and more head gasket issues. The Duramax has a multi-layer steel head gasket. When they have issues, they do not typically smoke out the exhaust or get coolant into the cylinders. What happens is the head lifts a little during the compression stroke.
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.
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.
What kind of engine does a GM Duramax have?
It’s been said before, but that doesn’t make it any less true: The 6.6L Duramax is one heck of an engine. In stock form and even when substantially modified, GM’s legendary V8 diesel can provide hundreds of thousands of miles of trouble-free use.
When to replace a head gasket on a Duramax?
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. Many people will not think they have a head gasket problem because they are not seeing any smoke out the exhaust or smell coolant burning.
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.
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 LLY Duramax?
In terms of LLY injector problems, GM had sorted out the internal failures with the 2004 ½ redesign, but the LLY Duramax would occasionally exhibit a trouble code for the injectors, but in most cases it turned out to be an issue with the injector harness rubbing through and causing a short or open in the wiring.