Smoke signals

[john.r.f]

I've just joined the forum today, but have been scanning the various threads for info on white smoke, injectors, and fuel pressure regulators.

My 02 Duramax [LB7, I presume] currently has 182K miles, within the new 200K warranty limit, but several months over the 7 year limit for replacing the injectors. In any case, the injectors were replaced under warranty at 102K. [Would be interested to know if anyone has had a second injector replacement under warranty?]

It was smokin' back at 102 and is smokin' again now. I presumed it might be the injectors and reluctantly drove into the local dealership, Lawley's in Sierra Vista, AZ. They got a P 0089 diagnostic code which indicated a bad fuel pressure regulator which they changed [for a mere $1032 and change] and my Duramax still smokes!

Back for more tests... the injectors were found to be "within tolerance," i.e., GM would not replace them IF my truck were still under warranty. Nonetheless, fuel was found in the crankcase; part of the $1032 was for an oil change, as well as an air filter replacement. Oddly enough the dealer didn't change the fuel filter, though I found an article on this site that says the fuel filter should be checked/replaced for any DTC related to fuel rail pressure.

Late last week the dealership -- which seems to be "working with me"-- did a compression check w/o charge. Passenger side bank: 285/280/282/280 Driver side bank: 260/250/270/280. Thus, driver side is low and uneven. I think this is bad news, but not sure just HOW bad.

Sorry for this long, long post...

So now what? Any idea where the white smoke might be coming from? The only major repair other than the injector replacement at 102K was a water pump replacement 2,000 miles back. It was leaking from a weep hole, indicating worn seals...? The coolant is holding steady.

Any advice out there? I don't want to replace the injectors and find it still smokes. Is there no definitive test to determine the reason for the smoking? I've experienced no loss in power, but the smoke screen is embarrassing and not doing the environment any good.

In any case, what's the "life expectancy" of a diesel engine. Someone suggest to me that it should last to 300K and beyond. Yes? No? Maybe...

Any and all advice appreciated.

[john.r.f]

Two days, 42 views and no help? Maybe I confused the issue with too many questions. Basically, I'd like to know if anyone else has had white smoke and difficulty diagnosing the problem?

[JohnC]

OK, I'm not an expert here, but....

If you are getting fuel in the crank case consistently, I think you need injectors.

What are the return rates for the injectors?

Does the cooling system still have pressure after sitting for 6-8 hours?

[Mark Rinker]

Yes, unfortunately there are (too) many LB7 owners here that have had multiple sets of injectors replaced, all within the 200K/7yr period.

GM has been tightening up their 'goodwill' extensions on injector warranty. You need to push to get this done - sooner than later - siting

1. the unacceptably short lifespan of the first replacement set;
2. ...the $1100 already spent on your dealer throwing parts at the problem, to no avail;

Sure sounds like you have a couple sprays hanging up. Sorry to hear that, but its not that uncommon with the LB7s. The smoke and fuel dilution are classic signs. I would ignore the compression variances, unless you are experiencing low power, rough idle, or unacceptable oil consumption.

Don't take no for an answer! Ask that your request be elevated to GM's Customer Service. Get your timeline and your receipts in order, and documented thoroughly.

Remember: Even paying half of the next 8, would be better than receiving nothing. Right now, GM is not contractually obligated to replace them, since your warranty term has clearly expired.

[john.r.f]

Yes, unfortunately there are (too) many LB7 owners here that have had multiple sets of injectors replaced, all within the 200K/7yr period.

GM has been tightening up their 'goodwill' extensions on injector warranty. You need to push to get this done - sooner than later - siting

1. the unacceptably short lifespan of the first replacement set;
2. ...the $1100 already spent on your dealer throwing parts at the problem, to no avail;

Sure sounds like you have a couple sprays hanging up. Sorry to hear that, but its not that uncommon with the LB7s. The smoke and fuel dilution are classic signs. I would ignore the compression variances, unless you are experiencing low power, rough idle, or unacceptable oil consumption.

Don't take no for an answer! Ask that your request be elevated to GM's Customer Service. Get your timeline and your receipts in order, and documented thoroughly.

Remember: Even paying half of the next 8, would be better than receiving nothing. Right now, GM is not contractually obligated to replace them, since your warranty term has clearly expired.

Good advice, Mark. I was hoping for something like that from GM. A couple of days ago I called GM Customer Service on the advice from the dealer, presuming the dealership would support some sort of relief from GM. GM called the dealer while I was on the line and spoke with one of the "writers" [a service person who is a kind of an apprentice] who told GM that the engine needed to be broken down or replaced! I was livid!

I'm meeting with the service manager today and am hoping for a three-way deal: new injectors 1/3 paid by me, 1/3 by GM, and 1/3 by the dealer. We'll see...

Thanks,

[Mark Rinker]

Good luck...and I mean that sincerely. It sucks to feel over the barrel about a product you like, with a company you support, and get the feeling that they won't / can't reciprocate.

There are lots of independents doing LB7 injector replacement these days - if you are outside warranty you might consider a good independent diesel repair shop to do the work, if GM refuses.

[john.r.f]

OK, I'm not an expert here, but....

If you are getting fuel in the crank case consistently, I think you need injectors.

<<I can't smell any diesel on the dipstick, but my nose is not very sensitive.>>

What are the return rates for the injectors?

<<These were quoted to me, but I don't remember. I'm meeting with the dealer today and will ask.>>

Does the cooling system still have pressure after sitting for 6-8 hours?

<<I don't think so...but will check. I did perform the squeeze-the-radiator-hose test and it does remain flexible with the engine running. As I remember this tests whether the engine compression is getting into the cooling system via a blown head gasket... ?>>

Thanks for the advice.