I need some help with an LLY question

[More Power]

Of all of the Duramax 6600 engines, the LLY is mentioned occasionally as the one that runs too warm, due perhaps to changes in the cooling system and intercooler for that generation engine. Most owners don't have a cooling problem, but those who tow heavy in the high heat of a southwest summer might.

There are solutions to this overtemp issue with the LLY. The best I've heard involved retrofitting 2006 factory LBZ cooling system parts.

[socaltoolguy]

Thanks to all of you who took the time to reply. So, from what I'm gathering, I don't really have much to worry about with an LLY motor. That's great. Now all I have to do is find a truck that I can afford. One more question, At what point should miles become a factor? I realize that maintenance plays a huge roll but I am seeing a lot of trucks for sale with 175k to 200k miles. When I sold our truck it only had 70k on it. I was told that it wasn't even broken in yet. So, at what point should I say, "too many miles"?


Ray

[gary_lucas]

Thanks to all of you who took the time to reply. So, from what I'm gathering, I don't really have much to worry about with an LLY motor. That's great. Now all I have to do is find a truck that I can afford. One more question, At what point should miles become a factor? I realize that maintenance plays a huge roll but I am seeing a lot of trucks for sale with 175k to 200k miles. When I sold our truck it only had 70k on it. I was told that it wasn't even broken in yet. So, at what point should I say, "too many miles"?


Ray

I don't think this is specific to an LLY, it's legitimate advice for any vehicle. But most vehicles aren't 5-8k to replace head gaskets on.

The only piece of advice I'd give is watch out for overheat / radiator clogged up on the air side.

I have an LLY and had an overheat problem:

https://goo.gl/photos/Yhq49tzEDFz8aMza9

That was the cause, but it's not that easy to check. At this stage I pull it out every 2nd year and take a look.

I did need my head gaskets done and I'm pretty sure this was the cause.

[socaltoolguy]

Wow Gary. I looked at your pic of your radiator and I can see why you had an overheating problem. I've never seen a radiator that messed up. You must travel some crappy roads is all I can say. I had my 2001 and sold it in 2011. It had 75k on it and my radiator was clean. I will say though that I used to keep an eye on it. I figured if the front of the oil cooler and a/c condenser was clean, the radiator would also be clean. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.

Ray

[a5150nut]

Gary,

Those photos remind me of my old 74 350 3/4 ton running between San Jose and Paradise going through the Sacramento valley rice fields. The front of the truck would look like green fur when I got home. And for only coming home on the weekends the birds would swarm it as soon as I parked. I ran black nylon screen behind the grill and what didn't fall off the birds would remove for me.