New to site with huge problem!
- Thread starter Dexx
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First, let me thank everyone that has replied, and the recommendations. I'm going to try and repost some of the pictures that demonstrate the milling that crosses from the coolant ports to the cylinder rims for clarity. The consensus so far that I am reading is this is normal appearing milling of the block, and not the cause for failure(?). As for the gaskets, they were 3 layers, and there was not one or two areas of seepage or breakdown of the gaskets. The type of gasket some are referencing, I can not answer that question. The areas that you can actually feel the defects in the block I hope will show up in the new pictures. I was told by the Diesel shop, and the independent mechanic I had go evaluate the issue, both said there is no way to file down the block, and pistons, and if with 7 layer gasket it would not take up the gap. Thanks again for the feedback!
If you're set on it not being fixable, like I said find yourself a known good shortblock but if it were my truck I'd do some sanding and put head studs in it.
I mean think about it, it ran 130,000 miles with those grooves, a little sanding will thin out the grooves and the studs will keep the heads from flexing as much. I'd run it.
I mean think about it, it ran 130,000 miles with those grooves, a little sanding will thin out the grooves and the studs will keep the heads from flexing as much. I'd run it.
And all duramax engines have head gasket failures. I've fixed plenty of LB7', LLY's, LBZ's, LMM's, and LML's. The least common is LB7's, and the most common being LLY's.
In my opinion the gasket isn't as much to blame as the heat cycles. That's why the LB7 gets away much better with the same gasket that fails very frequently on the hotter running LLY. Just my opinion.
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In my opinion the gasket isn't as much to blame as the heat cycles. That's why the LB7 gets away much better with the same gasket that fails very frequently on the hotter running LLY. Just my opinion.
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I had very similar marks in my truck. Granted they weren't as deep. I don't think you'll have any issue if you have the heads decked to true and use grade c gaskets and head studs. If you want extra insurance then do like another member said and sand a bit with 600 grit but really don't think you need it. Those shops just saw a big score and tried to truck you. If you'd like someone with more experience to say the same or maybe something different from what we all think in sure if you contact any of the garages and vendors from this sight and send them the pics they'd be happy to help you out.
Have you measured the gouges? I'd be willing to bet they are less than .001 deep. I machine stuff for a living (not automobile stuff) and I've seen some pretty bad gouging and chatter marks and most of the time it looks a lot worse than it is. Sanding with a flat block will take most of that out, just depends on how much time you put into it!
Whoever milled that block didn't sweep the spindle in square with the cut surface. It doesn't take much for a face cutter or fly cutter to leave swirls when they aren't perfectly square
Whoever milled that block didn't sweep the spindle in square with the cut surface. It doesn't take much for a face cutter or fly cutter to leave swirls when they aren't perfectly square
I agree. That engine has seen high EGTs or an injector is going south.
I'd be searching for a short block and new injectors.
To answer one of the questions, the explanation for it lasting to 133K miles, is I don't haul heavy loads, or pressure my truck at all. In fact, several friends asked why did you buy a 3500 for what you use it for. Overkill I guess. The defects are deep enough that you can feel them with finger, and finger nail easily catches on them. A machine shop in Jackson, that I am told is highly respected, said from the pictures and description, that they could not repair the block without altering the pistons, etc. I really don't believe the Diesel shop was trying to hit me up for more, since they already were aware I was in conversation with Chevrolet customer service and considering towing truck to dealer, which I did. The Diesel shop had no problem with me pulling it from their garage to take to dealer. I could be naive, but I really don't think the engine would have survived 133K if I used it for what it was made for, in the first 5 years.
Again, thanks so much for all the information, recommendations and suggestions! You all are fantastic at quick replies and knowledge of issue. It gives me some sense of relief hearing all of this information.
Again, thanks so much for all the information, recommendations and suggestions! You all are fantastic at quick replies and knowledge of issue. It gives me some sense of relief hearing all of this information.