Duramax engines are incredibly dependable over time; many are still on the road today that are approaching or over 100,000 miles and still operate like new!
Of course, owning one will require some upkeep (which we’ll go into later), but if properly kept, it should last a long time.
At 200,000 kilometers, GM has given the engine a 95 percent grade. Based on durability and wear, GM estimates that 95 percent of all engines will not surpass 200,000 service hours.
If you’re wondering how long a Duramax engine will survive, you can anticipate it to last up to 300,000 miles before requiring substantial repairs. This figure, of course, varies depending on how well the engine was maintained and driven over its lifetime.
How long does a Duramax diesel last?
If you’re wondering how long the Duramax engine will survive, it should last up to 300,000 miles before requiring substantial repairs. The number of miles an engine can go is determined by how well it was cared for and driven throughout its life.
What problems does the 6.6 Duramax have?
Water pump failures are prevalent on LB7 and LLY engines, thus the 2006 model year LLY received a rebuilt, larger water pump to address this issue. A water pump on a 2001 to 2005 model year engine is likely to need replacement in as low as 75,000 miles; this appears to be a flaw in the early water pump design.
Engine Overheating, High Engine Coolant Temperature, Blown Head Gasket(s)
Overheating difficulties are particularly common in 2005 and previous versions, while larger radiators, fans, and water pumps were introduced beginning with the 2006 model LLY. Overheating is frequently caused by a faulty fan clutch, which prevents the engine fan from generating extra airflow across the radiator when it is needed. A dirty/clogged radiator is thought to be a contributing factor, as the grime that builds up on the radiator over time lowers its effectiveness in releasing heat. Engine overheating is also a regular outcome of water pump failure. Engine overheating is a common cause of head gasket failure.
Glow Plug Failure, Glow Plug Tips Breaking
Due to malfunctioning glow plug modules, the 2006 model year LLY and later LBZ both had a high rate of glow plug failure. The glow plug module would repeatedly cycle the glow plugs, causing the glow plug tips to become brittle and, in some cases, break off while the engine was running. In such cases, engine damage is likely to be severe. GM discovered the issue, and affected trucks were recalled so that technicians could reprogram or replace the glow plug module, so removing the risk. While there shouldn’t be many vehicles on the road that are still at danger, you should err on the side of caution and have your local GM dealer verify that this problem was handled by a prior owner if you decide to acquire an impacted model year.
Turbocharger Oil Ingestion (PCV Design Flaw)
Excess crankcase pressure is vented into the intake with the Duramax PCV arrangement. Engine oil is fed into the turbocharger as a byproduct of the process. The engine oil coats the inside of the intercooler and the intercooler tubing over time. The main issue is that enormous amounts of oil may collect in the intercooler boots, leading them to degrade quickly. There are a variety of aftermarket equipment on the market that reroute the PCV line so that it vents into the atmosphere rather than the intake, as well as a number of “DIY” solutions.
NOx Sensor Failure
For the 2011 model year, the Duramax LML was introduced with the most advanced emissions system yet. The selective catalyticreduction (SCR) system, which requires a continuous supply of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to allow the reaction that converts nitrous oxides into more desirable byproducts, was one of the most recent additions. In order to correctly control the injection of DEF into the catalyst, the system relies on different sensors plugged into the exhaust system.
Not surprisingly, the new system was riddled with flaws, the majority of which would be straightened out before engines for the 2012 model year were produced. The most typical issue was the failure of one of the system’s two NOx sensors on a regular basis. DEF level sensors, DEF pumps, and DEF tank warmers were among the other issues (which often allowed DEF to freeze in extremely cold environments). Owners of 2011 model year trucks may or may not be covered by an extended warranty on NOx sensors, as GM increased the warranty duration for “affected trucks” due to the high frequency of problems.
DPF Clogging
Clogging of the diesel particulate filter was a common problem with the Duramax LMM, although it became less prevalent with the introduction of the LML’s selective catalytic reduction technology. DPF blockage occurs when soot and ash accumulate in the particle filter, reducing exhaust flow and resulting in a variety of issues such as rough driving, excessive smoke, limited performance, and poor fuel economy. Soot is trapped by the DPF and easily removed during the regeneration process, while ash deposits do not burn easily under conventional regeneration settings. Because the passive and active regeneration cycles will be disrupted if you drive in heavy city traffic and make many short journeys, you will be more prone to DPF blockage. The following steps can greatly lower the likelihood of DPF clogging:
- When an active regeneration cycle starts, keep driving at highway speeds until the procedure is finished.
- Avoid frequent starts and stops, particularly if they prevent the engine from reaching maximum operating temperature.
- Use a full synthetic low ash engine oil that complies with the API category requirements.
What year Duramax should I stay away from?
The Duramax V8 engine is a 6.6-liter diesel engine manufactured by DMAX, a joint venture between GM and Isuzu.
The Duramax engine replaced the 6.2L and 6.5L Detroit engines in 2001. In the light diesel sector, it proved to be a formidable competitor. The engine has undergone various changes and enhancements over the years to ensure that GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks outperform their competitors.
Quick Answer: Avoid Duramax Year Models 2001-2010
The Duramax has a long and illustrious history. Any GM vehicle equipped with the Duramax engines from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, or 2010 should be avoided. In short, the performance of recent model years has improved.
The 6.6L Duramax LB7 engine was utilized in the Chevrolet Kodiak, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Topkick, and GMC Sierra HD from 2001 to 2004. Because it lacked a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation, it was the most basic model in the lineup (EGR). These were added subsequently.
In 2004, the LB7 was replaced by the Duramax LLY. Until 2005, it was available in the Chevrolet Silverado, Hummer H1 Alpha, and GMC Sierra. The Duramax LBZ was then offered for the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Kodiak, Chevrolet Express, GMC Sierra, GMC Topkick, and GMC Savanna from 2006 to 2007.
The Duramax LMM, which debuted in 20072010, is the penultimate engine on our list that we recommend avoiding. The Chevrolet Kodiak, Silverado HD, Express, and GMC Topkick, Sierra HD, and Savanna are all equipped with it. Continue reading to learn more about the troubles that affect certain Duramax model years.
What years did Duramax have problems?
Due to its absence of emissions control equipment, the LB7 remains immensely famous among diesel enthusiasts as the original Duramax model. In general, it’s a tough and dependable engine. As the initial models approached 100,000 miles, however, significant concerns arose. On the LB7 engines, injector failure was a typical occurrence.
Even GM noticed the issue, since the original design was later modified and the revised Duramax parts were given a 200,000-mile warranty. It’s critical to check if a used LB7 still has the original factory injectors before purchasing it. If it happens, you’ll need to look for a new work soon. Other serious issues with the LB7 included:
Is a Duramax better than a Cummins?
Torque is the most important factor in hauling, but horsepower isn’t far behind. Whether you’re towing or not, more horsepower means faster acceleration. With 445 horsepower, the latest Duramax 6.6L L5P diesel dominates this category. The modern Ram Cummins 6.7L 24V diesel engines have 400 horsepower. Historically, the Duramax line has had a modest horsepower advantage over the Cummins line.
What year Duramax has injector problems?
We recommend getting a service handbook if you are performing this job yourself because the method varies from model year to model year and is complex enough that we recommend purchasing a service manual.
How much does it cost to replace injectors on LB7?
Having a repair replace 8 injectors on an LB7 Duramax can cost anywhere between $4000 and $5000 CAD, depending on what else is done at the same time.
What year Duramax has injector problems?
The LB7 Duramax was produced between 2001 and 2004. Injector failure has been linked to the number 5. The good news is that the replacement injectors you buy from us come with a number of improvements to help you avoid recurrence failures.
How many miles will a Duramax 6.6 last?
The DuramaxTM 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel Engine comes with a 100,000-mile/160,000-kilometer warranty. The DuramaxTM has been tested for up to 200,000 miles (320,000 kilometers) of travel. Within its design restrictions, the DuramaxTM powertrain is intended for reliability, peak horsepower, and torque.
What generation Duramax is best?
Duramax LBZ 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque 25% higher fuel economy than any other diesel engine on the market today, and can last up to 12 years with regular maintenance. On average, $5000-$7500 is spent.
Duramax LLY 450 horsepower and 850 lb. ft. torque – 30% more powerful and efficient than its predecessor, with the ability to provide greater power at lower RPMs; expected lifespan of 16 years with routine maintenance. On average, $6000-$8000 is spent.
There are many wonderful engines on the market today, but if you want an engine that produces a lot of horsepower and torque while also being fuel efficient and durable, the Duramax LBZ or LLY is a great choice.
Which Duramax engine is the best? 1. 6.6L Duramax LB7 – Best Diesel Engine Overall When GM withdrew the 6.5L Detroit diesel, the LB7 Duramax was released in 2001. The Duramax outperformed the Detroit and marked a significant turning point in the diesel market for Chevrolet pickups and GMC trucks.
What year is the best 6.6 Duramax?
General Motors’ Duramax engine line consists of 6.6L diesel engines. They’re made by DMAX, an Ohio-based diesel maker that’s a joint venture between GMC and Isuzu, a Japanese vehicle and diesel engine manufacturer.
A Duramax engine from LML. Have you ever noticed how closely an engine resembles a heart? In other words, this is how a robot’s heart might appear. I’m sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Wikipedia is the source of this information.
The main goal in designing the Duramax was to create a diesel engine that could fit in the same places as a traditional gasoline engine in a full-size pickup truck. This was no easy task. Diesel engines are often larger and heavier than gasoline engines. This is due to the additional equipment required for a diesel engine to inject fuel into a compressed air container, such as a turbocharger, injection pump, and intercooler.
Fuel rails were installed straight into the valley of the engine block, and the oil cooler was attached to the left side of the cylinder block, which solved the problem for GMC. This, combined with simplified coolant piping strung through the flywheel housing, resulted in a smaller overall size while guaranteeing that all sides of the engine were kept at the same temperature.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to keep you guessing. The new Duramax L5P engine, which debuted in the 2017 model year, comfortably wins the title of best Duramax engine ever made. At the end of this piece, we’ll go over the L5P’s numerous enhancements. But first, let’s take a look at the prior Duramax models to see how far they’ve progressed.
How many miles are Duramax good for?
Overall, a well-maintained Duramax engine should endure for more than 300,000 kilometers. Consumers, on the other hand, report Duramax engines lasting up to 500,000 miles! However, in order to extend the life of your engine, adequate maintenance is required.
