Looking @ an '03

FireFightinHD · 11-01-2009, 09:14 AM

I am not new to the forum and issues with the durmaxes because I currently own an 04.5 with the lly engine. I am looking at buying a 2003 duramax with 84000 miles on it as opposed to my 04.5's 193,000. I was just hoping to get some insight into this LB7 engine so when I test drive it I can keep my eye out for probelms or signs that indicate major problems. Just wanting to know what the major issues are with this year and engine just so I dont end up buying someones lemon. Oh and if anyone wants to run the vin# for me and let me know the history on it that would be great. VIN: 1GCHK23193F183767

**ob_1jr** · 11-01-2009, 09:31 AM

Why in the world would you want to go to a LB7 other than the miles? Your truck is just broke in. The big thing i would be worried about is the injectors on the LB7 engine. They will eventually go out and that will cost about 4-5,000 to get swapped out.

I would look at the transfercase if it has one...look for the pump rub hole.

You have owned your 04.5 for most of those miles right? you know what it has been through. Is it still running strong with no problems?

**1953drtelco** · 11-01-2009, 09:39 AM

The main item, is to make sure the injectors have been replaced. If you have 193K on your LLY it seems you've taken great care on maint. At least with your current truck, you know what you have. I wouldn't worry much about the mileage...

FireFightinHD · 11-01-2009, 09:53 AM

My truck has been a great truck. I was looing to get a truck with more room, mine is a extended cab and I want a crew cab and just came across this 03. Been reading into the LB7's and think I am going to stick with an lly engine or newer. My truck has some of those issues no one can figure out. You crank it up it runs fine but you drive for a while let it get to operating temp and it blows white smoke and surges like crazy. If you knock it into neutral it smooths out and quits smoking. back into drive and it starts right back up. Now take this for what its worth it does not do it all the time either. So it has been a complete mystery and a pain in my butt. A private mechanic scaned it told me it was my # 1 injector got that replace and absolutly no change in its performance.

CCDiesel · 11-02-2009, 08:29 AM

Im selling my lb7 with 200k miles and have had only one set of injectors put in at 170k. Other than that no major problems what so ever. It runs cooler and stronger than any LLY or LBZ Ive been in. But yes injectors are a likely issue with any of them