2004 LB7, 115,000 miles all stock.
- Around December 08, my truck was putting out a white/blue rich smoke. I took it into the dealer and they tell me that I had 3 injectors somewhat sticking open. As you know this is not covered under the Oil Making injector issues on these. He suggested Stynadyne (sp?) additive to clean them up. Ran that for 3 month, still smoked. Took it in to replace #6 injector, as the other two were cleaned up. (That was about 1 year ago)
- A couple of months ago it started smoking again. Now that engine was not under warranty, I was not too eager to spend the $1000 for the injector replacement, so I started running the cleaner again. After a couple of months it got worse (not clear/blue like last time). This time when I hit the accelerator it blew A LOT of black smoke. Then when it started knocking on acceleration I took it in the next day.
- The dealer found the Fuel Pressure Regulator (rail I am assuming) to have failed and they then did a pressure test to confirm the High pressure. They told me that this was most likely the cause of the smoke and knocking.
- After replacing the regulator, they said it still smoked and knocked. A compression test found #7 low.
- Almost 2 days later after head removal I got the bad news.... The exhaust valve had a piece broken off and there was a lot of seat damage. Then the piston had little pieces missing from the outer edges making it jagged and the cylinder was was scored.
Recommendation is engine replacement.
New GM LB7 = $7700
misc parts and tax = $1700
Labor = $3100
TOTAL = $12.5k This comes with 3yr/100k mi warranty and it is a BRAND NEW engine. the only reused parts from current engine is Turbo and High Press fuel pump.
I live in the Phoenix area. Right now they have not started on it due to lack of new LB7 from GM supplier. By Monday I will have an answer as to the availability of new engine.
You would have thought that I would have got a check engine light when the fuel pressure regulator failed. Hell, you get one if you don't put your damn gas cap on tight, why not when a pressure regulator fails and dumps in excess fuel at high pressure which results in excessive EGT and breaks your engine. Just my luck?
- Around December 08, my truck was putting out a white/blue rich smoke. I took it into the dealer and they tell me that I had 3 injectors somewhat sticking open. As you know this is not covered under the Oil Making injector issues on these. He suggested Stynadyne (sp?) additive to clean them up. Ran that for 3 month, still smoked. Took it in to replace #6 injector, as the other two were cleaned up. (That was about 1 year ago)
- A couple of months ago it started smoking again. Now that engine was not under warranty, I was not too eager to spend the $1000 for the injector replacement, so I started running the cleaner again. After a couple of months it got worse (not clear/blue like last time). This time when I hit the accelerator it blew A LOT of black smoke. Then when it started knocking on acceleration I took it in the next day.
- The dealer found the Fuel Pressure Regulator (rail I am assuming) to have failed and they then did a pressure test to confirm the High pressure. They told me that this was most likely the cause of the smoke and knocking.
- After replacing the regulator, they said it still smoked and knocked. A compression test found #7 low.
- Almost 2 days later after head removal I got the bad news.... The exhaust valve had a piece broken off and there was a lot of seat damage. Then the piston had little pieces missing from the outer edges making it jagged and the cylinder was was scored.
Recommendation is engine replacement.
New GM LB7 = $7700
misc parts and tax = $1700
Labor = $3100
TOTAL = $12.5k This comes with 3yr/100k mi warranty and it is a BRAND NEW engine. the only reused parts from current engine is Turbo and High Press fuel pump.
I live in the Phoenix area. Right now they have not started on it due to lack of new LB7 from GM supplier. By Monday I will have an answer as to the availability of new engine.
You would have thought that I would have got a check engine light when the fuel pressure regulator failed. Hell, you get one if you don't put your damn gas cap on tight, why not when a pressure regulator fails and dumps in excess fuel at high pressure which results in excessive EGT and breaks your engine. Just my luck?
Good Luck:thumb:
