2013 duramax what to do when truck is hard to make left turns
What Are The Most Common half-dozen.6L LB7 Duramax Problems?
The LB7 Duramax engine fabricated 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. Every bit successful equally the 6.6L LB7 Duramax was even so, they do have their fair share of problems.
The outset Duramax was far from perfect. As with anything make new, at that place were some kinks that needed to exist worked out. That doesn't hateful the LB7 Duramax isn't a keen truck though. With some aftermarket solutions, y'all tin can fix about of the 6.6L LB7 Duramax's nigh common issues. Here is our guide to the 7 nigh mutual 6.6L LB7 Duramax problems and how to fix them.
one. LB7 Duramax Injectors
The most notorious LB7 Duramax problem is their original injectors. Even GM best-selling their problems when they corrected the original injector design and issued a 200,000 or seven-twelvemonth warranty on the updated model. That doesn't mean the LB7 Duramax you own has this problem corrected though. If y'all recently purchased your LB7 and it has lower mileage, it could even so have the original injectors. If you don't know the original owner, i'd recommend looking through the paperwork you received when you bought it, or you can expect upwardly it'southward service history online. When you pull up a vehicle'due south Carfax, you tin often as well see it's service history and get information on any major mechanical overhauls.
Original LB7 Duramax Injector Flaws
What exactly were the issues of the original LB7 Duramax injectors? Well, for starters, the injectors themselves are vulnerable to cracking. This can occur at anytime on the injector bodies themselves. The brawl seat inside the injector can also go faulty over time. The brawl seat tin 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 tin can lead to more serious issues, as diesel fuel fuel doesn't offer the same lubrication properties as oil. Y'all'll also experience loss of power, excessive smoke, crude idling, and engine misfiring.
Signs of Bad LB7 Duramax Injectors
Hither are common problems experienced when you accept bad injectors.
- Excessive/Constant Smoke when Idling
- Hard Starts
- Fuel in Oil. Check Dipstick await for a surplus of oil or fifty-fifty odor the dipstick. When fuel is nowadays, you can oftentimes odour it.
How To Set Bad Injectors
Unfortunately, in that location is no expert style to fix the manufactory LB7 Duramax injectors other than replacement. When you've found a faulty injector, it needs to be replaced and unfortunately, it isn't cheap. For that reason, it makes sense to go ahead and replace all of the injectors, even if you're non having problems with all of them. Virtually shops will accuse you lot 10-16 hours of labor with a full injector overhaul costing over $3000 after paying for parts, labor, and taxes.
Replacement of LB7 injectors takes a long time because the injectors are located underneath multiple vehicle components. It'due south frequently also difficult for a novice mechanic and should exist left for more experienced diesel fuel mechanics. While yous're working on your LB7 yous may desire to think nearly replacing the fuel injection lines also. These lines tin get contaminated and cause fuel quality issues.
LB7 Duramax Injectors
two. Lack Of A Fuel Lift Pump
The vi.6L LB7 Duramax uses a high pressure common rail fuel system with directly injection. A major part of this fuel injection organization is the CP3 fuel injection pump. While the CP3 has proven itself equally reliable, it's not only responsible for pressurizing the fuel before it's sent to the injectors, only likewise for cartoon fuel from the tank.
This lack of a fuel lift pump puts some actress strain on the CP3 injection pump. Despite this, issues are still not very common with the actual pump when used with stock applications. When you add some tuning or other functioning modifications all the same, the lack of a elevator pump begins to reveal itself, and issues begin to surface.
Lift Pump Problems
The lack of a elevator pump means the CP3 injection pump has to work extremely hard to pressurize fuel too equally suction fuel from the gas tank. In higher horsepower applications, a loss of fuel rail pressure while accelerating can occur. Even in stock applications, this design is also more likely to encounter air in the fuel lines.
Fixing The Trouble
The only style to fix the problem is to add a lift pump! Even a stock truck tin benefit from the addition of a fuel lift pump. They tin greatly improve the life span of your fuel system components like injectors or your CP3 injection pump. They also improve performance and reduce emissions!
You have to be careful when selecting one however. If yous're driving a stock truck, yous should select a unit of measurement that offers flow of 100 gallons per hour or less. For higher horsepower applications, you can purchase upwardly to 160 gph or higher, all depending on your needs.
Benefits of a Elevator Pump Organization
- Improved Fuel Economy
- Better fuel filtration and water separation
- Increased fuel system life, including: Injectors, CP3 injection pump, and more.
- Improved throttle response
- Reduced emissions
Lift Pump Systems We Recommend
Air Dog II 4G 100 GPH Flow
For stock applications, Air Dog makes the Air Dog Two 100 GPH Air/Fuel Filtration system. This lift pump is ideal for stock trucks or slightly modified trucks upward to 500 horsepower.
- Photo courtesy of Air Dog Website
three. Fuel Filter Housing O-Band Leaks
1 of the about common LB7 Duramax bug is leaking O-rings on the Fuel Filter Housing. As these trucks proceed to get older, the original o-rings can deteriorate over fourth dimension. They're also susceptible to normal wear and tear. If you're going to own an LB7 Duramax over an extended menses of fourth dimension, the odds are you lot will feel this problem.
A leaking o-band not only results in a fuel leak, but air can also enter the fuel system. This causes diverse functioning issues, hard starts, and even engine codes.
Fixing LB7 Duramax Fuel Filter Housing O-Ring Leaks
At that place are inexpensive kits to totally replace the o-rings found on the fuel filter housing unit. You can also replace the entire unit itself for more than money. Take a look at some of the solutions we recommend beneath.
4. Water Pump Failures
Different the LBZ Duramax, the LB7 Duramax water pump is decumbent to leaking, non outright failure. The OEM water pump uses an iron impeller which makes it much more durable than the plastic impeller used on newer models. Instead, over time the seals can deteriorate resulting in lower coolant levels because of coolant loss. This tin can cause overheating issues. Leaks also reduce pressure, causing the coolant organization to inadequately supply coolant.
Replacing the LB7 Water Pump
Replacing the water pump on an LB7 Duramax isn't as easy as yous would remember. Because of its location, you have to remove a few different components to get the pump off. To gear up a broken or leaking water pump, you lot just have to supersede it. Nosotros recommend using a quality OEM h2o pump when you supplant your broken one. Depending on your truck's mileage, you should also consider replacing nearby parts like the h2o pump housing, or even the thermostat. Take a look at what we recommend below.
v. Overheating
Overheating issues are more common on LB7 and LLY Duramax trucks than hereafter generations. This is nigh probable because they have a smaller radiator and fan than 2006 or newer models. Overheating bug typically occur because of a faulty water pump, or a damaged fan clutch. When the fan clutch is damaged, it prevents it from operating and giving the LB7 Duramax engine the additional cooling it needs.
Overheating tin also be attributed to a dingy or chock-full radiator. Over time, your radiator can accumulate clay, grime, and other gunk. To make things worse, the manufacturing plant radiator is a little pocket-size. This means a smaller surface area and even less overall cooling capacity.
How to Gear up LB7 Duramax Overheating
First, yous desire to place what is causing overheating on your LB7 Duramax. Y'all can definitely start past making sure your radiator is free and clear or debris, clay or other gunk. Check for a bad thermostat or water pump. Effort to observe out under what weather the overheating occurs. If your truck is only overheating under extremely heavy loads, that is generally more normal. If your truck is overheating someday you lot drive information technology, y'all definitely have a problem that needs to be taken care of as shortly equally possible.
One time you've identified what the problem is, you'll probably take to order some parts. Here are the parts nosotros would utilise to fix our own LB7 Duramax. At that place are also some aftermarket solutions that can assist, similar Mishimoto'due south LB7 performance aluminum radiator.
Mishimoto LB7 Operation Radiator
Performance Radiators like this one from Mishimoto oft produce ameliorate cooling than mill units. Bank check information technology out here.
| Part | Office # & Purchase Link |
| Radiator OEM Mishimoto | Come across Below GM 21490 Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-01 |
| Fan Clutch | GM/ACDelco 154964 |
| Fan Clutch Removal Tool | Schley Products 61500B |
| Fan Shroud Upper Lower | See Below GM 15088324 GM 15196054 |
| Fan Pulley /w Begetting | ACDelco 1540039 |
| Fan Blade | GM 1580690 |
6. Head Gasket Failure
The LB7 Duramax is more prone to head gasket failures than future generations of the Duramax engine. Despite this, head gasket failure usually doesn't occur until over 100,000 miles, and then it's non nigh equally common equally it is in 6.0L Powerstroke engines. LB7 Duramax caput gasket problems tin can occur for a couple of reasons. Overheating can sometimes be attributed to head gasket failure, as the LB7 Duramax does suffer from a small radiator, fan, and problematic water pumps. Caput gasket failure can besides be attributed to performance modifications like tuning that allow the head bolts to stretch and a lifted cylinder caput.
These aren't the cause of all caput gasket failures though. More LB7 head gasket failures are attributed to the poorly designed head gasket institute on these trucks. The LB7 Duramax has a layered steel head gasket. During the compression stroke, the head tin elevator a petty. This in turn, tin result in gaps in the steel head gasket. The layered gasket will and then leak. Leaks can occur internally or externally. Internal leaks result in coolant reaching the cylinders, while external leaks result in coolant loss.
How to Fix A Diddled LB7 Duramax Head Gasket
Once you've determined that the head gasket on your LB7 Duramax is blown, y'all're going to want to fix this trouble asap. Unfortunately, this can exist pretty complex and require a skilled mechanic. Even for a skilled mechanic it takes over ten hours to do everything correct.
While we recommend OEM parts a lot for maintenance, and even some repairs, it'southward best to go with Aftermarket parts when replacing your caput gaskets and head studs. ARP head studs are second to none and provide vastly amend clamping force than the stock caput bolts. GM has since updated their caput gaskets to be more durable, so it is possible to use a new OEM gasket. Merchant Automotive makes a complete head gasket kit that is of better quality. If y'all want to make your LB7 Duramax more than durable than the factory design, this is the route yous should go.
ARP Head Stud 230-4201
The ARP Head Stud Kit 230-4201 should be used when doing an LB7 Duramax head gasket job. These studs offer the best clamping strength and drastically better performance than comparable studs from other manufacturers.
vii. Allison Transmission
The Allison Manual is well-known by diesel enthusiasts for being one of the nigh reliable transmissions ever. There is a reason GM has stuck with this transmission and continues to use them, fifty-fifty in today's L5P Duramax. The original Allison wasn't nearly as stout or beefy equally more contempo ones. In fact, when yous tune your LB7 Duramax or add other performance modifications, the Allison 1000 transmission can enter limp mode. This occurs then frequently that nosotros included it in our listing of the about common LB7 Duramax issues.
The Allison yard transmission'southward Limp mode feature is a neglect condom to foreclose further transmission harm from occurring. When it detects the transmission slipping, it'll become into limp manner, seriously decreasing power. If you have a stock truck, you probably won't take issues with your Allison transmission going into limp mode.
How To Fix A Limp Allison 1000 Transmission
With a stock truck, you probably won't experience your Allison chiliad going into limp mode unless it's time for a manual rebuild. If information technology occurs, effort cycling your key and turning the truck off and on. Sometimes you can reset the truck from limp manner. If you have a browse tool, you can simply articulate the code which will release your LB7 from limp mode. A monitor similar the Edge CTS3 Insight volition likewise work to clear codes. If the issue continues to occur on a stock truck, your manual volition likely need a rebuild in the near future. For modified trucks, you tin can try the ATS Co-Pilot transmission controller.
viii. LB7 Duramax Steering/Interruption Issues
The contained front end suspension found on Duramax trucks is both a approving and a curse. It gives a smoother ride, but it's not quite equally durable as the straight axle found on a Powerstroke or Cummins truck. Information technology might do okay on a stock truck, but if you're planning on bigger tires, wheels, or a lift kit upgrading the suspension and steering components is definitely recommended. These upgrades can also benefit yous if yous're going to be towing heavy or if y'all are going to do any kind of off-roading.
What steering and intermission parts cause the 6.6L LB7 Duramax the well-nigh problems though? Cleaved or snapped necktie rods are the nearly mutual issue. They're often caused by other underlying issues however, like a worn or damaged pitman arm or idler arm. If yous install a leveling kit, or simply torque your torsion bars, your manufacturing plant steering geometry will exist thrown out of whack too. This can pb to premature ball articulation wear and control arm issues. For that reason upper control arm kits can be a lifesaver and tin can meliorate both the longevity of your mill parts and steering geometry.
Fixing your LB7 Duramax IFS Problem
Fortunately, the IFS organisation doesn't accept to permanently be a weak spot on your LB7 Duramax. With some aftermarket upgrades, yous can greatly improve the steering and pause on your LB7 Duramax. It'll make it safer to drive while simultaneously improving steering response and overall front-end durability.
Tie Rods
Cognito Alloy HD Tie Rod Set up
More than durable than the factory Necktie Rods, the Cognito Alloy Tie Rod set up is beefier than the factory tie rods. In fact, when compared side-past-side the manufacturing plant tie rods look tiny in comparison.
Kryptonite Death Grip Necktie Rod Kit
Kryptonite Death Grip Tie Rods are a huge improvement over the factory necktie rods. They're more durable, and they offer a lifetime warranty.
Upper Control Artillery
Kryptonite Upper Control Arm Kit
Kryptonite UCAs are a huge improvement over the manufacturing plant control arms. If you've added a leveling kit to your LB7 Duramax or cranked the factory torsion bars, these are a MUST-HAVE.
Cognito Uni-Ball UCAs
For off-roading, Cognito'southward Uni-Brawl Upper control arm kit is the perfect solution. The uni-ball brawl joint is much sturdier and can handle more abuse than the standard brawl articulation.
Pitman And Idler Arm Support Kits
Cognito Pitman And Idler Arm Support Kit (PISK)
The Cognito pitman and idler support arm kit adds additional back up to critical LB7 Duramax steering components. Basically, the forrard and rear movement of the middle-link is eliminated.
Other Steering/Break Upgrades to Consider
Front Finish Packages
9. High Horsepower LB7 Duramax Issues
Other LB7 Duramax problems occur almost exclusively with high horsepower applications. If you're vehicle is mostly stock, these aren't problems you lot need to worry about. If you are building a high functioning truck however, these are things y'all need to consider. It might exist better to keep your truck in more stock class, therefore making it more than reliable. If you decide to pursue college horsepower and torque, these are some bug you lot need to be aware of.
Snapped Crankshaft
High horsepower Duramax trucks of all generations are susceptible to snapping a crankshaft. Excessively high RPMs and poor tuning have attributed to some crankshaft failures. Some people also blame the firing guild for putting boosted stress on the crankshaft. Breaks typically occur nigh the number one and two rod journals.
Fixing a broken crankshaft is an expensive repair that can upshot in your truck being in the shop for weeks or months. There are several aftermarket crankshafts that agree up to ability improve than the manufactory unit. Do your research before ownership and make sure y'all're working with a reliable shop that knows what they're doing. You but desire to accept to tear down your motor once.
Bent Rods
Another high horsepower LB7 Duramax problem is bent rods. The manufactory rods are forged steel, so they're not necessarily delicate, just they are the weak point in the LB7 Duramax Diesel engine. The LB7 Duramax engine has a 17.v: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 beingness needed, the forged steel rods simply curve.
Learn More About the LB7 Duramax
You tin can acquire more than well-nigh the LB7 Duramax by visiting some of our other resource. Click on i of the links below to visit that LB7 Resource.
- LB7 Duramax Specs
- Comprehensive 6.6L LB7 Duramax Maintenance Guide
Source: https://dieselresource.com/diesel-resources/6-6l-lb7-duramax-problems/
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