well, I guess I didn't update this thread, the water leak was from the heater hose..I replaced the leaky one.. F7nsnp12 mines an early truck too.
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well, I guess I didn't update this thread, the water leak was from the heater hose..I replaced the leaky one.. F7nsnp12 mines an early truck too.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop on your journey. BTW - I visited Klamath Falls in 2007... its not that far... ;)
If I were a younger guy I'd go into business replacing Duramax head gaskets, injectors, pumps, and complete engines. The fear from the "look of complication/difficulty" goes away after having done a couple of them. The costs charged by dealers/shops today are so utterly outrageous. My two Duramax engines continue to run/perform very well - coming up on 4 years since replacing the head gaskets, injectors and other stuff in 2021 - but then I've been doing this sort of thing (GM engine work/replacement) off and on since I was 14.
Jim
Im starting to worry about my injectors now, 428,000 miles on them.. My best friend lives in eureka I came here from Bishop, Calif in 2017
Just my humble opinion... These trucks eventually reach a point in their life cycle where they become own-able only by those who are their own mechanic. Your truck sounds like one that a owner-mechanic would love.Quote:
Originally Posted by spongebob
In 2021 I replaced the head gaskets in my 2001 GMC crew cab for $3500 or so. This gave me a new set of injectors, head gaskets, water pump and ancillary consumables, plus the special tools to do a good job. Lil Red, on the other hand cost only ~$300 to replace the head gaskets and a few consumables. Lil Red runs perfectly today.
My GMC, as of June 2025 may need another set of injectors (and maybe more... won't know for sure till I get into it). The GMC has just 20K miles on it since the work/expense of 2021. Have to say I'm disappointed...
https://www.thedieselpageforums.com/...1&d=1751919221
The above is a brochure from the shop here in Montana (near Bozeman) that did the head decking for my GMC head gasket project in 2021. It's basically a well equipped 2 man shop that specializes in Cummins, Powerstroke and Duramax engine machine work. Another shop, that I used for Sarah's 6.5L diesel is also very good - a one man shop that did a marvelous job on the 6.5 machining work. Personally, I'd trust him to do any engine machining I needed, including for a Duramax. But, I'd do the engine re-assembly...
Jim,
Keep us updated on your GM journey.
d