How do you tell if a Duramax has a blown head gasket?
If your temperature gauge suddenly starts running colder than it always has, you may have a head gasket problem. The quickest and easiest way to check for combustion pressure in the coolant system is to squeeze the upper radiator hose while the truck is running.
How long does it take to do head gaskets on a Duramax?
36-44 hours
What is the cost to repair head gaskets? A hard question, but it’s necessary to know! With the amount of teardown and rebuilding required in order to do the job correctly, it will take 36-44 hours to complete – there’s no other shortcuts to take.
Does LB7 have head gasket problems?
So, blown head gaskets were a bit of a surprise to the owner, but it just goes to show that their failure can happen in any LB7, regardless of mileage, use, and/or abuse.
Is the 2001 6.6 Duramax a good engine?
Introduced in 2001, the LB7 is the OG 6.6L Duramax. This engine is the base platform that today’s 6.6L L5P Duramax is built off of. Spanning six different variations and nearly 20 years of production, the LB7 has certainly proved to be a reliable and durable platform. 2001 year models were pushing 235hp and 500lb-ft.
Can you drive a diesel with a blown head gasket?
Blown your head gasket? Keep driving with a blown head gasket and it will inevitably lead to further car trouble. K-Seal can stop the problem in its tracks, before it’s too late. Technically you can drive with a blown head gasket, but we’d always advise against it.
Is the Duramax LB7 a good engine?
Overall, the LB7 is a very reliable and efficient engine with exception to the injectors faults, but beyond that, the truck will only need basic maintenance and last for several hundred thousand miles.
How many miles will a LB7 Duramax last?
As we said earlier, the LB7 powered HD Sierras and Silverado’s are very reliable, and many you’ll find on the market have well over 300,000 miles on the original engine.
What causes Duramax head gaskets to go bad?
One of the common issues we see with the Duramax engines is head gasket failures. The gaskets in all years of 6.6 Duramax pickups are a multi-layer steel style gasket. Over time as the head/block surfaces warp and the strength of the head bolts weaken, the head can lift causing combustion pressure to go directly into the coolant system.
What kind of head gasket does a Duramax LB7 have?
Complete cylinder head gasket set for GM 6.6 Duramax engines on 2001 – 2004 Vehicle with the LB7 engine. This is determined by the eighth vin digit. It has the be a “1”
Do durduramax head gasket sets include the head gaskets?
Duramax head gasket sets are different from the rest of the industry – they do no include head gaskets – they must be individually purchased due to the unique thickness of each gasket. Includes all needed gaskets to replace cylinder head gaskets – except the actual head gaskets.
How much should a Duramax Head Stud cost?
$650 in head studs on a stock/near stock Duramax is a waste of money, IMO. There’s guys out there pushing some to the limit on off the shelf stock bolts. Damn. $4500 for a set of head gaskets. I REALLY need to get my shop built at home.
