LB7 Injectors

dmax65 · 06-26-2009, 08:16 AM

I'm leaving next week on vacation from MI to Yellowstone. I've read enough posts here to be more than a little worried about these LB7 injector problems. Question? I don't feel any problems with performance today but, if these injectors take a dump, am I going to be stranded, or will I still be able to drive it?

**ob_1jr** · 06-26-2009, 08:26 AM

It all depends on how they fail. I think you have just read about the bad cases with injectors. You can never tell when they will crap out. I think the 04s have had less problems than the earlier ones. All you can do is just drive it. Your truck is still covered under the special policy for 7 years/200,000 miles. How many miles you have on your truck? I have 62,000 on mine with no problems. I know there are trucks well over 100,000 miles and original injectors in them. Just drive your truck and take it as it comes. If you havent had problems up until now, you should be ok.

tclarkbass · 06-26-2009, 09:47 AM

Just joined this morning and first post I read was yours.
I have an '02 chevy Silvrado w/ the 6.6 L Duramax and allison tranny, I pull a 29 ft Cardinal 5th wheel RV. Toyal wt of the RV is around 12000 #. We made the trip from St louis to Yellowstone last June through the badlands and all the tourist sites.
Wonderful trip. I know that your post was about injectors, and since I just joined, I don't have any input about them. Is there a problem or just concerns?
I have 110,000 on my '02 and other than changing oil and filters regularly, it has never missed a beat. Going through SD and Wyoming with my Buddy following in a new '09 GMC gas engine, really showed the difference that the Duramax made. I rarely got out of OD on the long pulls and had to wait for him to catch regularly.

**ob_1jr** · 06-26-2009, 10:55 AM

Here is a good example of the injectors not being bad on all the trucks.^^^

You normally hear all about the bad, but not any of the good.

tclarkbass,

: to the forum!! I think he is just concerned, but no real problems. It is a valid concern with the LB7, but i don't fret over mine. I will wait to worry and pissed off when or if it happens...most likely when though. Although i remember reading a thread where someone had talked to another person that had over 300,000 (actually i think it was more) on the original injectors and GM wanted to buy the vehicle back from them.

palposity · 06-26-2009, 11:07 AM

I bought my truck w/ 65K miles on it back in 2006 when it was already 5 years old. I checked the service history and it had several single injector replacements since it was new. It again had all 8 Injectors replaced at 62K miles. I bought it with 65K miles and I run Diesel Fuel treatment in each and every tank. I've heard a couple of different theories on why the injectors fail #1 is from ULSD Fuel that has less lubricity than what the injectors were designed for and #2 is from a voltage type of issue that I don't quite understand. I thought I would play it safe and run Diesel fuel treatment in each tank to help with theory #1. My truck now has 122K miles on it and I've not had any issues at all.

This was previously a problemed truck that the original owner dumped b/c of frequent injector issues. Now it has no issues at all. I highly recommend using fuel treatment in each tank. It has worked for me! If you contact bigdaddydiesel he can set you up with a good regiment to help you have the same succes I've had.

Have a safe trip!

dmax65 · 06-26-2009, 12:07 PM

The truck has 96,000 miles on it. I change the fluids regularly with amsoil and napa gold(wix). The only additive that I have used is the amsoil cetane. I use the 40 hp tow program when pulling the 5er. Like I said, I'm not having any problems. I just don't want to have them in the Rockies. Thanks for the posts.

**ob_1jr** · 06-26-2009, 02:31 PM

Just so you guys know it is not an issue of the ULSD. the LB7 has had problems since they came out with injectors. Most could be because the stock filter sucked. That's why we are on the 3rd or 4th generation filter for the engine. I too run additive in almost every tank. I personally use stanadyne. I also have a pre-OEM fuel filter with water separator. Obviously if my injectors fail i hope it happens in the next couple of years while they are still covered under the special policy. All you can do is just drive it until it happens. Each generation motors have had their problems, but the LB7 is the one known for getting the best mileage. Many people that have owned them and bought newer say they wished they never got rid of their LB7.

tclarkbass · 07-01-2009, 01:43 PM

What is the "special policy" on LB7 injectors?
I have recently developed a smoking problem on my '02 Silverado. Not during acceleration but idling after a short or long run time, I get billows of gray to blue smoke. No loss of any oil or anti freeze. No warning lights. Changed my standard Delco air filter, no change.
Taking off from a stop, with smoke coming out, it clears up in 50 ft or so and no more smoke until I get back to idle.
No smoke on start up.
Any ideas?

palposity · 07-01-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tclarkbass

What is the "special policy" on LB7 injectors?
I have recently developed a smoking problem on my '02 Silverado. Not during acceleration but idling after a short or long run time, I get billows of gray to blue smoke. No loss of any oil or anti freeze. No warning lights. Changed my standard Delco air filter, no change.
Taking off from a stop, with smoke coming out, it clears up in 50 ft or so and no more smoke until I get back to idle.
No smoke on start up.
Any ideas?

The policiy is to replace defective injectors for 7 years or 200,000 miles from in service date. BTW---Welcome to the DF!

**ob_1jr** · 07-01-2009, 03:24 PM

Take a look at my garage. They have to fail for certain things...high return rates, fuel in crankcase....etc. http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/vb...p?do=big&p=347

I hope this link will work.