I own a 03 Duramax(45,000 mi) and have had no problems (keep up with all the required mtce), after reading some of the post here; am I right in understanding that there have been changes at 04-06 and then again at 07-? I know the low sulphar stuff came in 07.
I understand some of the "lingo" but have no experience with diesel (hands on), I like my Duramax and understand that it requires a lot of maintenance and should last many years if taken care of, I have a trusted dealer (17 years with them for all vehicle mtce.)so I rely on them to guide me.
Next spring I will be getting the injectors tested before the 7yr warranty expires, I understand what the test does and don't expect any problems.
What are some of the problems I could expect, and what are the diffferences from mine to the newer models?
to the 09's, a cat and dpf (soot filter). The 2010's add urea injection. starting with the 07 classic they all have a 100k powertrain warranty, before that it was a 3/36k and a 100k engine warranty. the 05's were a little over 300 horse, 06 360, 07 new body style 365 horse, don't know what the 2010's will be.
you have a lb7, 04.5 & 05 was lly, early 06 was called lly, but the hardware was lbz, 06 & 07 classic lbz, 07.5 - 09 lmm, 2010-? lml.
Hang on to that '03. It sounds like you got one with a good set of injectors. Like you said get them tested before the warranty expires. After it does expire, Put a tuner on it and you would be running hp/torque right with the new ones. That LB7 engine is a good one.
Dave
The lb7 injectors will all fail after 150,000mi.(many before) Its a given-sorry. If you can get them done under gm special policy - great-good for another 150000 if done right. Also the transfer case is known for pump rub, keep an eye for leaks. There are upgrade kits you may want to get a trans shop to install-they prevent leaks. Benifits of the newer trucks are more power, less smoke and noise, nicer interiors. Engine wise the latest duramax is more stout on the bottom end (to handle the added hp/tq) and has better computers to juggle all the systems-including emissions, overall very reliable. I went from an 02 to 09, big difference but still think my 02 was a great truck for it's day.
Check out dieselplace.com. Lots of info on this DMAX forum frequented by many GM diesel mechanics. Paul..althought there have been many lb7 injector replacements..I doubt "all" over 150k miles will be replaced. We tend to hear about the bad ones and not the injectors that continue to do their job. I'm at 100k miles and going strong.
2003 GMC 2500 HD D/A 4X4 EC SB
94 Chateau 5'er, 26ft
Life is a roller coaster. I was a first time rider - once!
Mine went at 148000mi. No sign of failure coming up to that-then dumped fuel in oil. Check the site you quoted and you'll find most of the engine builders and owners agree that they will fail in the 150000 time frame-max. Sure the odd truck makes it a bit longer - rare. These trucks have been around long enough with enough miles on them to know the flaws. No mysteries left. Saying there is no problem doesn't make it go away. Also this doesn't make these bad trucks - they get very good mileage and are strong tow vehicals. If I still had mine I'd start a savings account for the next injector swap.
My injectors were replaced at around 100,000 on GM's dime and I have upgraded my transfer case because of the pump rub. Other than that, I have replaced U joints and a couple of other small items but nothing else major, not even brakes with over 130,000 on the clock. They still look good.
'03 Chevy CC/SB,D/A,4X4, Airlift Bags, Bilsteins, Reese slider, Hypertech programmer.
'06 Mobile Scout 31 BWFS
Yamaha 3000ISEB, Hard wired rearview camera from Rvcams.com
Hey, this is great info and I will visit that dieselplace.com.
Those of you running the newer duramax (07-10), what kind of milage are you getting and especially those who had the 03 or older before? I usually get 11.5-12.5 towing and about 22mpg empty here in the mountains.
04 and 05 have the worst peripheral flaws, but all-in-all, the best motor for injectors, IMO.
The peripheral flaws were just engineering errors that are easily remedies in most cases.
The best thing that the 03 has going for it, that the newer models will never see again, is the WASTE GATE. This liitle piece of hardware is so complicit in preserving longevity, but it the actual benefits are not very well understood. Love on that waste gate.
I have an 08 D/A with 4,700 miles on it all stock. Hand cacaluated. I get 19 highway @ 70mph and 14 mpg in mixed driving. Towing 5000 pounds I get 11.5 mpg at 60 mph and 13 mpg at 50 mph.
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