Duramax History Lesson (Updated with L5P)

I had a LLY, now our son has it. It's at 190K miles with no engine/drivetreain issues so far. Yes, the LLY does run hotter than my LML, and when the fan clutch engages you WILL hear it! But even towing close to 10K lbs up 8% climbs it never overheated, temps did climb but no to the point of overheating. But then the LML doesn't even have the fan come on under the same conditions.

But others have commented on overheating being an issue to watch for.

and hearing about the injector housing chafing, I fixed that early on.

So far no engine issues, but did need to replace both front wheel bearings, again a known issue and the AC compressor was replaced at about 180K miles, leaking.

will be interesting to see what they say about the LML

The only thing I can say good about my 03 Duramax is that it went a like scared rabbit. The entire truck including the transmission and engine is a POS. I guess I got the bad one.

4x4ord wrote:
The only thing I can say good about my 03 Duramax is that it went a like scared rabbit. The entire truck including the transmission and engine is a POS. I guess I got the bad one.

Every model has a few turds for sure. I must have lucked out on the LB7 we had.
But, to your point, d@mn son, that truck was quick. Even more impressive for an early CR diesel that was bone stock with a canned tune.
That truck would run side by side with a modded 4.6L Mustang GT 5 speed with pretty much every bolt on save for N20 or a blower and a good driver in the seat...

I liked the LBZ (2006-07). Felt it was the best Duramax that at the time also got the best MPG. The next year they added more pollution junk and MPG dropped way off.

Some of us believe pollution controls aren’t junk. Breathe deeply.

I have my own Duramax History Lesson:.....our LBZ has been absolutely flawless (unless you want to talk about the one power window motor that I had to replace).

Great truck.

Our 05 is another awesome truck for our needs.

chevman

Update:DURAMAX HISTORY, LESSON 5: LML

Nice read on the Duramax... glad I don’t have a later model with all the added emission junk...and that’s what it is.. junk...when the DEF system goes out...and it will.. it cost an arm and a leg if not under warranty.

I’ll keep driving my 2007 LBZ.. I can live with the EGR valve system. Loads up a bit with in town driving but a little burst on an on ramp or back road cleans her right up..

21 mpg driving and 13.5 towing 12 K fifth wheel

ChuckSteed,

"21 mpg driving and 13.5 towing 12 K fifth wheel"

Nearly identical with our 2004.5 LLY Duramax crew cab long box 4X4 Chevy ordered new and as of today has 209,986 miles on it - all RVing with either the 11.4" Lance TC on the back or towing the 12,840 lb scale weighed Carriage 5th wheel.

13.6 mpg travel average over the years towing the 5th wheel, 14.5 average with the Lance TC on.

Total driveline/engine repairs needed or done was 1 fuel pressure sensor replaced at a little under 200K miles. Front brake pads replaced at 126K - rears are still original OEM. Only has been used for RV'ing since new. Not a speck of rust showing and truck was immediately undercoated when it came in from GM Flint, MI assembly.

Interior still looks new as does the exterior paint as bright and shines. Never has overheated and 100% OEM!!! Never once garaged as it has it's own place on the wide concrete main driveway or occasionally outside on the long wide side driveway back to our toy barn behind the home. Too many toys, motorcycles, boats, workshop, and storage, etc so no room for the truck inside. Live in West Michigan on the lakeshore as YES, they always salt the roads when needed here.