Need Advice

[Randy822]

I thought I might post here also. I have a 2002 2500HD 6.6 Turbo. 268,000 miles. Injectors replaced at 85,000. It is well maintanined. Now has a rough idle and white smoke from the exhaust when idling. Has power and drives good. Checked turbos-no oil. Fuel filter changed. People around me think it is the injectors again. Could it be anything else? Also, is there a way to determine which injector might be bad? Thank You for any assistance. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

 

[The Neens]

Do a search for "balance rate test"...With 185,000 miles on those injectors, it's probably time to replace them again unfortunately...I'll move this thread to get more responses...

 

[Robby Avery]

You'll need to have either a local shop or GM dealer with a scan tool capable of reading injector balance rates and get them to show you the data the GM specs at idle is -6/+6 prime percentage is closer to 0 from either side of the scale/range mentioned if you have 2-4 or more out of spec if would be wise decision to go ahead and bring new life to the fuel system and replace all 8 injectors as well as be prepared to replace the injector hard feed lines and all the appropriate seals and washers if need be due to possible fuel leaks associated with the mileage you mentioned the truck has on it hope this helps once you get the data post it here for help in further diagnosis of what's going on hope this helps buddy keep us posted

 

[Randy822]

That is what I am hearing.

Thanks for the reply. What is a balance rate test? I don't want to spend 4-5 thousand on all injectors but if that is it I was hoping to just replace the one or two that is bad.

 

[Randy822]

Thanks. The local Dealer wants $300 to test them. I have a friend who works on Cummins and perhaps he has the tool needed. I really hope to just replace the bad ones and not all due to cost. I am also looking for a used 5.3L 2500HD in case I want to get rid of my Duramax.

 

[OregonDMAX]

No do them all at once if a few are bad because the ones you don't replace WILL go soon after, the parts and labor to get into it to change injectors is too much to just do the bad ones.

 

[Randy822]

I have been told that also. I may put it up for sale for $4,000 and look for a 5.3L Silverado. A mechanic friend says that is a great motor.

 

[LWATSON]

Dealer charges $300.00 to check balance rates, what a rip off!

 

[Big Block 88]

The dealer is full of shit. It doesnt cost more than $100 to install the scanner and check balance rates. Im assuming you dont have efi live or any other scanner to check them?

Do your research first man the dealer is just feeding off your lack of knowledge, which is not your fault. But study up.

To tear into the engine that far and replace just 1-2 i jectors is a huge waste of time and money. 186k out of a set of injectors is very good for any early common rail diesel duramax or cummins...

The 5.3 is a great motor but not a power house

 

[Randy822]

I thought $300 was to high also. I will check around for someone who may have the scanner needed although from all that I have heard it boils down to R&R the injectors. Remans would cost me $250 per which is a good chunk of change. I don't need a "power house" just a dependable work truck. I do want a 2500HD 4x4 extended cab though. I will keep searching for that 5.3 motor but really hard to find in AR. I may try to sell the 02 for $4,000. It's been a great truck but maybe time to upgrade to a 2005-2007.

Thanks for your input.

 

[WolfLMM]

I don't think any 2500s came with the 5.3. The 6.0 is a better motor, hands down.

 

[battlegraduate09]

was 300 to check balance rates or return rates? Big difference.

 

[TheBac]

I'd bet they want to do the return rates. $300 wouldnt be a bad price to do that job.

Randy, where are you located? Maybe a member local to you can help you with the balance rate scan, or you might be close to a shop we know that can help?

As for injector cost, check this thread out. http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62117 LDS is a trusted vendor for LB7 injectors. Depending on your level of expertise, you may be able to replace the injectors yourself.

 

[Big Block 88]

X2 im betting someone here if they are close will help you out and scan it for you.

5.3 is not available in a 3/4 ton after 02. And that was only a light duty 3/4 or heavy half ton.

The 6.0 is a great motor its an animal but it has a drinking issue. It will pass most anything in the highway except a gas station. My 03 with a 6.0 bit 9 mpg, period empty towing hughway town it didnt matter

 

[Randy822]

My Mechanic Says Different

I don't think any 2500s came with the 5.3. The 6.0 is a better motor, hands down.

One of my mechanic friends thinks the 5.3 gets better mileage and is a great motor. However he also thinks the 6.0 is a good motor also. I may just bite the bullet and change out the injectors. My 2500 is a work truck and not in perfect condition but not bad either. Fuel gauge doesn't work as it needs a new sending unit which is more dollars should I get that fixed.

 

[S Phinney]

Change your injectors and you will be dollars ahead if changing back to a gas motor. Once they start white smoking you just change them all. Do not do any less than that.

 

[WolfLMM]

One of my mechanic friends thinks the 5.3 gets better mileage and is a great motor. However he also thinks the 6.0 is a good motor also. I may just bite the bullet and change out the injectors. My 2500 is a work truck and not in perfect condition but not bad either. Fuel gauge doesn't work as it needs a new sending unit which is more dollars should I get that fixed.

I did injectors myself, it's a lot of work but it's not hard to do. Just lay everything out in the order it comes off, then reverse when going back together. SoCal diesel has tq specs on there site. I bought my injectors from them as well.

 

[Randy822]

Advice Appreciated

Change your injectors and you will be dollars ahead if changing back to a gas motor. Once they start white smoking you just change them all. Do not do any less than that.

That is probably what I intend to do. Can I borrow the money from you?