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Posted: 2/26/2017 12:22:55 PM EDT
[#1]
Being a '03 they probably have been changed more than once. The GM injectors seem to last the longest but 100k miles is the best you will ever see out of them. If the the pickup is clean and priced right I wouldn't really worry about it.
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Posted: 2/26/2017 1:25:46 PM EDT
[#2]
They never changed the injectors much but what you can do is improve fuel filtration which will stretch the life out as far as possible.
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Posted: 2/27/2017 12:25:45 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Being a '03 they probably have been changed more than once. The GM injectors seem to last the longest but 100k miles is the best you will ever see out of them. If the the pickup is clean and priced right I wouldn't really worry about it. My truck has almost 300k on it and the first set was changed at 172k under warranty. Still going strong. GM/Bosch reved the design at least twice that I know of. They did fix them, seat erosion was one of the issues and that seems to resolved. Up until the LP5 Bosch continued supplying injectors of various design for the next 15 years and failure rates are not out if line. They also supplied injectors for Cummins and I think Ford when they finally went common rail. If they have been replaced since 2008 or so they are good injectors and should be fine. Change the filter regularly, I try to keep water out of the system with an additive...ymmv. I think the lb7 was the best...no emissions..at all. The VVT is nifty but I like my screaming little IHI |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 4:19:34 AM EDT
[#4]
Can't be permanently fixed due to the design.
Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 9:49:41 AM EDT
[#5]
Thanks for all the info, guys.
I'll probably pick it up this week, and then get to ordering some fuel filters, and possibly a lift pump!! This truck will my life a lot easier when it comes to pulling my trailer. My old Sequoia with the 4.7 just doesn't have the power to get over any small rise in the road!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 9:55:46 AM EDT
[#6]
The problem is not so much the injector but more of a system flaw. These were mostly failing due to fuel starvation, dirty fuel filters or a supply restriction. As another poster said fix the supply side and they will last a long time.
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Posted: 2/27/2017 11:31:49 AM EDT
[#7]
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The problem is not so much the injector but more of a system flaw. These were mostly failing due to fuel starvation, dirty fuel filters or a supply restriction. As another poster said fix the supply side and they will last a long time. That is my plan!! I'm gonna do the CAT fuel fliter upgrade, and will look for a lift pump/filter system in the near future!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 1:32:10 PM EDT
[#8]
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Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 1:38:27 PM EDT
[#9]
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I've spent good money with Merchant over the years, been to the shop...I'd be real careful believing the propaganda. Great place to buy hard to find parts and tools...for when you do the work yourself. Not sure I'd pay Eric to wrench on my truck again, then again, I don't pay anyone to wrench on my truck..so.. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements I'm a mechanic, but not a diesel mechanic. I think I can do most of this stuff myself, including replacing the injectors. If I had to pay someone to do the work on this truck, there's no way I'd buy it!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 3:17:22 PM EDT
[#10]
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I'm a mechanic, but not a diesel mechanic. I think I can do most of this stuff myself, including replacing the injectors. If I had to pay someone to do the work on this truck, there's no way I'd buy it!! Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements I'm a mechanic, but not a diesel mechanic. I think I can do most of this stuff myself, including replacing the injectors. If I had to pay someone to do the work on this truck, there's no way I'd buy it!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 3:21:21 PM EDT
[#11]
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Hey, I'm no kind of mechanic...and I've built them from an empty shell. Duramax aren't tough to work on, just need some specific knowledge...which is avaliable. If you get stuck on something feel free to pm me. I can at least point you in the right direction Thanks!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 8:36:38 PM EDT
[#12]
This thread has me eyeing LB7's now.
Goddamn it 
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Posted: 2/27/2017 8:44:03 PM EDT
[#13]
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This thread has me eyeing LB7's now. Goddamn it After doing some research, I can't find a reason not to buy this truck!! 6.0 and 6.4 Ford's have way too many issues, and around here, Dodge prices are way beyond my means!! |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 9:05:29 PM EDT
[#14]
The only ones I would avoid are the very early build 01's, I haven't been able to confirm this but I've heard the early blocks had some casting issues. When i was younger and dumber...I may have beaten an LB7 to death, and just about ran over the crank in the process. Cracked the block something impressive...but didn't bend the rods...? Now, those were the heady days of stacked tuners and other assorted shenanigans...so God himself only knows what kind of timing I had in that poor thing. No sprays but lots and lots of fuel. Pistons looked like golf balls when they came out...but they never cracked.
It's tuned correctly now, makes just as much power but the tuning is EFI live and not all 'tarded. I think they are great motors, lots of us early adopters still think the LB7 is the master race...simple ( for a diesel) and reliable. That's not to say that you can't find one that's been all fucked up by someone. Balance rates are a decent quick check, if they are good things are probably good. If they are bad....well it could be lots of things causing it. Return rates on each bank is a better check on the injectors. The injector setup is finicky, once it's right it's fine but there are lots of ways to mess up an injector swap on an LB7. The injector cups are a PITA. The LBZ is another good motor. I have LLY's in the family too...they aren't bad, basically an LB7 with improved injector setup. |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 9:12:46 PM EDT
[#15]
I had an LLY several years ago but at the time I made very little money and the idea of doing head gaskets scared me into selling it. Miss that truck a bunch.
Now, I'd love to hold out for a clean LBZ but they're like gold. |
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Posted: 2/27/2017 11:31:20 PM EDT
[#16]
Yeah a clean lbz is the unicorn. 6 speed, no dpf or scr. Really everything prior to '10 is pretty good. Once they went to the cp4 pump things got sketchy. I have a buddy that owns a small car lot and shop, he found a long box, 4 door 4x4 Texas truck at an auction for like 12k. Cp4 was bad, fixed it up and kept it for himself. I need a deal like that!
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Posted: 2/28/2017 10:50:01 AM EDT
[#17]
You're on the right track.
Cat filter adapter and change the filter every 10k. Lift pumps will help. I had a raptor on my 03. Its been awhile since I have had my 03, approx 4 years, but I did a lot of reading on the forums when I had it. Lots of speculation on why the LB7 had injector issues. The early failures were due to poor fuel filtration. GM changed the micron rating on their filters and this seemed to help a lot. Hence why changing the filter is key. Some of the speculation was on the location of the injector and its voltage. GM changed this over the years and, if I recall, they reduced it. Guys were thinking that had something to do with it. Anyways. The Lb7 is a great motor if you do some basic mods to it and realize the injectors will not last forever. I miss mine somedays. Other days I don't. |
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Posted: 2/28/2017 12:27:55 PM EDT
[#18]
I never bought the voltage argument. Yes they changed it...but they've kept on changing it over the years. I think the voltage was a heat issue in the ficm.
Nah, it was a materials issue combined with bad filtration. That basically built a 30k psi water jet and the guts of the injector weren't up to the task. DLC coatings and hard chrome appear to be the solution. The other issue is the plumbing of the lb7 head, having the injectors under the valve covers was a bad idea that made simple failures like leaks into bearing spinning disasters. Hence the LLY and all subsequent designs. The lb7 is an enthusiasts engine, lots of benefits but not for the guy that just wants to hit the key and go for 200k without paying attention. |
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Posted: 3/1/2017 5:53:07 PM EDT
[#19]
My Pop bought this one new in '03. It now pulls my camper and my car trailer - I love the truck. If memory serves it got a set of injectors within the first 60k miles or so - GM warrantied them. It's now got 146k on it. I keep the filter changed on it religiously (and actually had to rebuild the filter head just a few months ago). Since it was my Dad's truck, I'll likely keep the thing forever and do whatever is necessary to keep it running. By the way, that's an LS engine in the crate in the bed. It's going into my Vette autocross car project. Which will be pulled by the truck, of course!
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Posted: 3/1/2017 6:11:26 PM EDT
[#20]
Chevy dealer replaced my injectors under warranty about 8 or 9 years ago.I haven't had anymore problems.
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Posted: 3/1/2017 6:13:55 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements 
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Posted: 3/1/2017 9:48:32 PM EDT
[#22]
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Fuckin ridiculous. Yeah well first generation anything runs into all sorts of problems. For how cheap the LB7 is, the cost isn't too bad, and considering the rest of the engine and truck is solid, I'd take injectors in a LB7 over a 6.0L fiasco any day. If you can do the work yourself it's not too bad. But I'll agree, it was good for GM to resolve the problem (which they did with all future generations). |
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Posted: 3/1/2017 10:06:11 PM EDT
[#23]
I've done several sets. Go GM on the injectors. I recommend using a GM fuel filter also. If I remember correctly the GM filters are 3 micron and most aftermarket ones are 5+ micron.
Just my experience I've been a diesel tech for 10 years.... |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:09:32 AM EDT
[#24]
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Fuckin ridiculous. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements   
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:12:22 AM EDT
[#25]
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Yeah well first generation anything runs into all sorts of problems. For how cheap the LB7 is, the cost isn't too bad, and considering the rest of the engine and truck is solid, I'd take injectors in a LB7 over a 6.0L fiasco any day. If you can do the work yourself it's not too bad. But I'll agree, it was good for GM to resolve the problem (which they did with all future generations). Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Fuckin ridiculous. Yeah well first generation anything runs into all sorts of problems. For how cheap the LB7 is, the cost isn't too bad, and considering the rest of the engine and truck is solid, I'd take injectors in a LB7 over a 6.0L fiasco any day. If you can do the work yourself it's not too bad. But I'll agree, it was good for GM to resolve the problem (which they did with all future generations). |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:15:22 AM EDT
[#26]
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I've done several sets. Go GM on the injectors. I recommend using a GM fuel filter also. If I remember correctly the GM filters are 3 micron and most aftermarket ones are 5+ micron. Just my experience I've been a diesel tech for 10 years.... |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:23:02 AM EDT
[#27]
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You haven't done much bitching about this topic lately...I thought maybe you were over it... Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Can't be permanently fixed due to the design. Supposedly Merchant Automotive sells some that are pretty close to a one-and-done but overall still expect every 100k replacements
That I'm thinking about putting a small diesel in. God help me. 
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:49:45 AM EDT
[#28]
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Hasn't come up. But I have moved on, got a 4Runner now.
That I'm thinking about putting a small diesel in. God help me. Glad to hear you've "moved on"
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Posted: 3/2/2017 9:18:00 AM EDT
[#29]
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They revised the filter as part of the fix for the injectors. They are now a multistage very tight filter. ALWAYS go GM on the filter, I usually cut them open when I change them to have a look. The current GM filter is a good unit. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I've done several sets. Go GM on the injectors. I recommend using a GM fuel filter also. If I remember correctly the GM filters are 3 micron and most aftermarket ones are 5+ micron. Just my experience I've been a diesel tech for 10 years.... So, GM filter over the CAT filter setup? |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 11:31:41 AM EDT
[#30]
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So, GM filter over the CAT filter setup? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I've done several sets. Go GM on the injectors. I recommend using a GM fuel filter also. If I remember correctly the GM filters are 3 micron and most aftermarket ones are 5+ micron. Just my experience I've been a diesel tech for 10 years.... So, GM filter over the CAT filter setup? So now you have have another filter and pump to change, possibly.
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:34:00 PM EDT
[#31]
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Get both. The lift pumps have their own filters but you retain the stock filter. So now you have have another filter and pump to change, possibly. This is why healthy LSes with Prochargers are the best truck powerplants
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Posted: 3/2/2017 1:38:55 PM EDT
[#32]
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This is why healthy LSes with Prochargers are the best truck powerplants Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Get both. The lift pumps have their own filters but you retain the stock filter. So now you have have another filter and pump to change, possibly. This is why healthy LSes with Prochargers are the best truck powerplants
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Posted: 3/2/2017 4:32:30 PM EDT
[#33]
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xd341 is gonna keep busting my balls about it, but I agree. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Get both. The lift pumps have their own filters but you retain the stock filter. So now you have have another filter and pump to change, possibly. This is why healthy LSes with Prochargers are the best truck powerplants
I'm on board with the healthy LS thing....but prochargers are for nancy boys  . Real men run twins.  well REAL men drive diesels and don't bitch about a few filters....but I digress. 
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Posted: 3/2/2017 5:16:33 PM EDT
[#34]
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C'mon that's how you know I like you! besides you were like beetlejuice around this place for a while, all I had to do was think your name twice and *poof* there you were.
I'm on board with the healthy LS thing....but prochargers are for nancy boys . Real men run twins. well REAL men drive diesels and don't bitch about a few filters....but I digress. I'm not sure I want to hook up a 5'er with twins under the hood. Procharger is perfect for a working LS in a truck. |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 7:20:15 PM EDT
[#35]
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So, GM filter over the CAT filter setup? I ran dual cat filters with my lift pump. One in the rear fender well that was a 10 micron? and another that went into the stock duramax filter location. It screwed on with an adapter plate. I believe those were 2 micron. |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 7:26:00 PM EDT
[#36]
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I'm not sure I want to hook up a 5'er with twins under the hood. Procharger is perfect for a working LS in a truck. I've pulled heavy trailers with both and the difference is huge. I love me some LS goodness, but they are meant for fun not work. |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 7:41:00 PM EDT
[#37]
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I ran dual cat filters with my lift pump. One in the rear fender well that was a 10 micron? and another that went into the stock duramax filter location. It screwed on with an adapter plate. I believe those were 2 micron. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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So, GM filter over the CAT filter setup? I ran dual cat filters with my lift pump. One in the rear fender well that was a 10 micron? and another that went into the stock duramax filter location. It screwed on with an adapter plate. I believe those were 2 micron. |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 8:11:46 PM EDT
[#38]
I'm guessing the GM filter is an AC/Delco filter, is that correct?
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Posted: 3/2/2017 8:32:54 PM EDT
[#39]
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I'm guessing the GM filter is an AC/Delco filter, is that correct? |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 8:46:18 PM EDT
[#40]
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Correct. TP3018 Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I'm guessing the GM filter is an AC/Delco filter, is that correct? |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 11:41:30 PM EDT
[#41]
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Go ahead and order a couple 97779579 and 8 of the 97780144 while you're at it. You'll need them. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I'm guessing the GM filter is an AC/Delco filter, is that correct? you'd think they'd come all loaded...like a caliper!
There's the Zia I remember! Haha |
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Posted: 3/2/2017 11:53:28 PM EDT
[#42]
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If you're hooking up a 5'er with any regularity...a diesel is really the answer. Even a procharged LS works hard compared to a duramax when actually hauling a serious trailer. Combine that with the need for an actual heavy duty trans for such tasks...and it's the way to go. I've pulled heavy trailers with both and the difference is huge. I love me some LS goodness, but they are meant for fun not work. Meh. A modern 6.2L L92 with a Procharger will throw down close to 600ft-lbs of twist with a overbuilt and mild valvetrain. That's substantially more than 7.3's of old. Really, a new 1500 with the 6.2L and towing package (Large rear, 9.76" over 8.5") gets you 14000lbs towing, which is more than what my LLY was rated for. Having towed pretty heavy (10k or so) with LS'es in both my Escalade and my 2500HD, I've never really felt as if I needed more. Sure, some grades were slow, but overall they stay cool and chug along. The 4L80e, 6L90e and 8L90e transmissions are plenty enough for pretty much anything under 20k. The new diesels might pull 30k properly configured but I have no idea what you could possibly load up 30k with unless you move heavy equipment regularly. My in-laws have an old-as-fuck 40' Keystone toybox that's got three tip-outs, a steel-framed garage, etc. and it just barely crosses14k loaded/wet with ATV's in the back. |
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Posted: 3/3/2017 6:56:32 AM EDT
[#43]
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Correct. TP3018 Thanks for the info xd. |
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Posted: 3/3/2017 6:58:51 AM EDT
[#44]
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Go ahead and order a couple 97779579 and 8 of the 97780144 while you're at it. You'll need them. Hell, if you look at the pic of my truck posted earlier you'll see I'm carrying a spare engine in the bed. That should do it, eh?
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Posted: 3/3/2017 11:16:07 AM EDT
[#45]
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Meh. A modern 6.2L L92 with a Procharger will throw down close to 600ft-lbs of twist with a overbuilt and mild valvetrain. That's substantially more than 7.3's of old. Really, a new 1500 with the 6.2L and towing package (Large rear, 9.76" over 8.5") gets you 14000lbs towing, which is more than what my LLY was rated for. Having towed pretty heavy (10k or so) with LS'es in both my Escalade and my 2500HD, I've never really felt as if I needed more. Sure, some grades were slow, but overall they stay cool and chug along. The 4L80e, 6L90e and 8L90e transmissions are plenty enough for pretty much anything under 20k. The new diesels might pull 30k properly configured but I have no idea what you could possibly load up 30k with unless you move heavy equipment regularly. My in-laws have an old-as-fuck 40' Keystone toybox that's got three tip-outs, a steel-framed garage, etc. and it just barely crosses14k loaded/wet with ATV's in the back. I agree the gcwr of the newer trucks is nuts. They physics of the truck didn't change much, the tail can wag that dog hard. |
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Posted: 3/3/2017 11:19:06 AM EDT
[#46]
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Hell, if you look at the pic of my truck posted earlier you'll see I'm carrying a spare engine in the bed. That should do it, eh? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Go ahead and order a couple 97779579 and 8 of the 97780144 while you're at it. You'll need them. Hell, if you look at the pic of my truck posted earlier you'll see I'm carrying a spare engine in the bed. That should do it, eh? |
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Posted: 3/3/2017 11:23:28 AM EDT
[#47]
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Putting LLY heads on them halves the replacement time, since they put the injectors on the outside of the heads. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Go ahead and order a couple 97779579 and 8 of the 97780144 while you're at it. You'll need them. Hell, if you look at the pic of my truck posted earlier you'll see I'm carrying a spare engine in the bed. That should do it, eh? . I know guys have done it, the voltage driving the injector is different but it apparently doesn't cause a problem, I'd have to do some current research. I haven't followed those projects to see if it works long term. Mechanically it works fine.
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Posted: 3/4/2017 10:28:10 AM EDT
[#48]
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The CAT filter became a thing when LB7s were eating injectors like Pez. It was a relatively easy adaptation and readily available and the duramax community was looking for a solution to the injector problem, besides who knows more about diesels than CAT right? My opinion is more filtering is better, but I think the current GM filter is a solid unit and does a great job. I might add more filter upstream but I wouldn't take the GM filter out of the system. If you do that you might as well add a lift pump, the duramax fuel system isn't like a gasser, there is no pump in the tank (to die at 90K) the two stage CP3 pulls suction all the way from the tank and then does high pressure delivery to the commons rails.(near 30k PSI) This is simple and the CP3 (unlike the newer CP4) is a very reliable pump, the downside is that if you add more filtering in the system you add more resistance that the suction side of the CP3 has to overcome. This *can* lead to fuel starvation to the pressure side of the CP3. Same thing happens with plugged filters, gelled fuel or an air leak in the fuel lines. Most times the engines doesn't outright die it just gets sluggish, due to less fuel being injected than is commanded. There is a theory that loss of supply can cause cavitation or something in the fuel system and therefore a lift pump improves injector reliability. I'm not sure that's true, but I do know that a duramax, especially a tuned duramax is happier with a lift pump. A lot of the diesel specific lift pumps come with filters integrated on the pump itself so that's a common solution to the filter/lift pump question. The CAT setup is good, the GM filter is good now, it wasn't as good in the beginning. Yes a lift pump is needed with the dual cat filter setup or you will starve the cp3. Big advantage over the OEM filters are cost. The cat filters are 1/3 or 1/4 the price. If you changing them every 10k it will pay for itself fast. |
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Posted: 3/4/2017 11:29:39 AM EDT
[#49]
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Yes a lift pump is needed with the dual cat filter setup or you will starve the cp3. Big advantage over the OEM filters are cost. The cat filters are 1/3 or 1/4 the price. If you changing them every 10k it will pay for itself fast. No lift pump needed for the single CAT filter?? |
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Posted: 3/4/2017 12:08:48 PM EDT
[#50]
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No lift pump needed for the single CAT filter?? Unless you have an already weak cp3 then you will not need one. A lift pump is a good upgrade for your truck anyway. They are a little bit of money but will aid in the life of your stock CP3. |
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