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2003 LB7 white smoke at idle Injectors?

26K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  DIRTEEMAX  
#1 ·
I have a 2003 silverado with the lb7 about 98000 miles on truck and am seeing a lot of white smoke at idle. I have the auxiliary nictane fuel filter kits 2 micron cat by the tank and a 1 micron where the oem filter is. Both filters were replaced and still have the white smoke. Havent noticed any loss of power and have not had any hard starts in the morning. I suspect that it could be a injector problem but am not sure any thoughts would be greatly appreciated?
 
#2 ·
we had an '04 that did the same thing. it is injectors. it will get worse. if not taken care of, it could cause more damage. the '04 we had sucked the injector into the cylinder, and caused zero compression in one cylinder.
if the smoking gets worse, and increases with accelleration, it won't be long before damage is done.
 
#3 ·
Ive noticed that if the truck idles for a period of time that when it takes off it seems to pour out the white smoke at first but goes away. Also havent noticed any fuel in the oil because ive been checking it everytime i stop to get fuel. What is the best way to determine which injectors are bad or should I just replace all of them? I would like to get it fixed the fastest and cheapest way thats why I was thinking to only to replace the bad ones but it may just be worth it to do them all so I will know what I have
 
#4 ·
Typical symptoms for injectors. I'd start with checking balance rates which should give you an idea which one is the culprit. If those are original injectors, I would change them all. How many miles on the current set so far?
 
#5 ·
Sure sounds like injectors from the symptoms your describing. If you have access to a scan tool, you can usually narrow down the culprits, but I'd recommend heavily considering replacing all of them.

Balance rates will help narrow down the bad units, but the pulse width of the individual injectors will be more likely to help narrow it down.

Be sure to use genuine Bosch injectors, dont get sucked in by somebody claiming they can reman them.
 
#6 ·
There is 98000 on the stock injectors. Is there a certain scan tool required because I used one at a local shop to try to turn the airbag light off and it didn't pick up any other codes
 
#7 ·
there is a program that some shops that specialize in duramax engines use. it allows them to check all of the pressures and readings for the engine.
the program is not cheap for the normal consumer. it does allow for mechanics to look at what the engine is doing in real time.
 
#8 ·
Would the efi live tuner/scanner work or do I need to find a shop that specializes in working on the duramax because taking it to the local dealer is out of the question because of some previous bad experience s we've had with them
 
#9 ·
i am not sure bout the EFI program.
as for you have problems with some dealers, i understand this. we had the same problem, then the boss found a place north of where he lives and they do great work.
ot sure if they would know of any shops your way or not.
 
#11 ·
You say - "Be sure to use genuine Bosch injectors, dont get sucked in by somebody claiming they can reman them."

Does this mean that reman by Bosch rather than others that say "reman to Bosch standards" is OK.

Also, are those that are reman by Bosch upgraded to newer standards or just rebuild to the original LB7 standards that we can expect to fail early?

Are those that you sell remans or new?
 
#12 ·
Very good questions.

I prefer to stick with injectors that were actually reman'd by Bosch. They are the only ones that have the parts plain and simple. I will not speak for other companies that offer in house or similer remans, but from my conversations with Bosch people, as well as those that are not directly tied to Bosch, but are some of the most talanted people I know, Stay with Bosch. Thats enough for me.

They are available in reman and new, but the new units are considerably more money. I can get the new, but most cant justify the extra cost for no apparent gains.

All of the Bosch units offer all of the updates, including hardened bodies, chrome plated ball and seat as well as other updates. You can always be sure that I'll supply you with the latest and most updated units from Bosch.

Warranty is 12 month/unlimited mile that covers parts only. IF a problem arises, we will assist you in getting the coverage on units sold by Merchant Automotive.
 
#14 ·
there is a ton of info out there and on this forum with regards to 'how to' with LB7 injectors.
Your best bet is to search this forum or the net.
 
#15 ·
Def inecotors Change them all and def use Bosch new injectors . I just went thru the same thing with mine . And yes EFI can check the balance rates . I feel for you this is BS we have to deal with this .. if possible dont have a dealer install them you would be better off with a reputable diesel shop in my opinion