Hey guys new to the place. I just bought an 04 lb7. The truck kicks ***. I work at a cat dealer where everyone has super dutys. Their only complaint about the dmax is the aluminum heads. Now I am no stranger to the performance world, but it got me thinking has anyone had problems with their heads with or without mods. thanks justin

Fords seem to be the only ones with head problems along with manny other's Turbo's injector's the list is a mile long. you will have manny trouble free miles just remember to change your fule filter ever 10000 or less and you will have no problems. oh and just laugh at them because there trucks sound like tin cans banging around.

Justin,
There have been virtually no issues with head problems. I remember this discussion back in 2000 when they were first hitting the market. All the Cummins owners were laughing saying they would blow off...well not the case at all. Been a very very nice set up.

dont fords have aluminum heads
I could be wrong

no problems to date with the aluminum heads.

Oh yeah, I replace my heads every two months because they are aluminum. Can't trust them, you know. ):h
No worries man, cylinder head problems are few and far between..:)

Haha. They're jealous! I mean, wouldn't you be if you had to drive an old cornbinder to work everyday?

I've got a couple of them damn Dmax aluminium head motors with over 250,000 miles.:)




No problems though!):h

dont fords have aluminum heads
I could be wrong

In a way yes it's two piece
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The alum head issues are a myth they have proven to be a asset in heat displacement in the Duramax engines.

Although there has been a few gaskets issues primarily failures have been attributed to cylinder pressure and performance enhancements.

Not uncommon in all brands Alum or else wise.

I love when someone tells me the aluminum heads wont handle the heat of a diesel motor. I always ask them why is it that their aluminum pistons don't melt.

Oh yeah, I replace my heads every two months. Can't trust them, you know. ):h
Wow Scott. Wide open again!):h

I love when someone tells me the aluminum heads wont handle the heat of a diesel motor. I always ask them why is it that their aluminum pistons don't melt.

:exactly: I think that is the bet comeback I have ever heard.

I had a diehard ford man tell me, that aluminun melts @ 1100-1200 somthing degrees:rolleyes: As i look @ my monitor(Peak values) and said WOW!!! i have hit, 1765 degrees :eek: AND ITS NOT........MELTED:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: O.M.G. I HAVE....SUPER ALUMINUN HEADS:ro) :ro) :ro)

Some people will never learn):h

I love when someone tells me the aluminum heads wont handle the heat of a diesel motor. I always ask them why is it that their aluminum pistons don't melt.

That right there should be a sticky post for whenever someone questions the Dmax aluminum head. Good going, Blake!

If that was the case I would have to replace my heads after every weekend, or maybe every 1320 ft.):h

If that was the case I would have to replace my heads after every weekend, or maybe every 1320 ft.):h

especially when you spray too much and trap at almost 120mph!!!:eek: :muahaha:

Thanks guys I appreciate the feed back. I didnt think there were any real issues. It is just a bad *** setup. thanks

Thanks guys I appreciate the feed back. I didnt think there were any real issues. It is just a bad *** setup. thanks

Hey,

Welcome to the place. The next time your co-workers try to tell you the aluminum heads are bad, ask them how there 2 piece cast iron - aluminum heads are holding out on their 6.0's?

Lot's of people telling you that the Aluminum heads are not a problem. My experience is different to the tune of almost $3500.

Dropped a valve a couple of months ago at 247,000 miles that cost me a new motor to the tune of about $13,500usd inc tax and installation.

Add to that an injector lift pump at 104,000 miles, several single injector replacements and ultimately all injectors replaced at 193,000 miles.

Despite all that I still really enjoy this truck. :)

Repair Order Date : 11/24/2003 Repair Order Number : 057670 Odometer Reading : 99541 miles
Serviced By : CARL WHITE CHEVROLET, INC.
PO BOX 1773
CORSICANA, TX 75151-1773
(903) 874-6591 Selling Source : 13 - CHEVROLET
Site Code : 07758
Business Associate Code : 112245
Cycle Date Cycle Nbr Case Type Labor Operation Part Auth Code Person Code Line Total Comments
01/20/2004 449 01 M J0517 - HEAD, CYLINDER - BOTH BANKS - REPLACE 97320788 - HEAD ASM G N/A $ 3407.44 N
01/20/2004 449 02 M Z5000 - DEALER/RETAILER TRADE(PART OBTAINED LOCALLY) 97223559 - COVER G N/A $ 12.44 N

247,000 miles

Just wanted to quote that for a little emphasis. I feel that mileage is impressive, even though a valve was the culprit and not the head itself.

Just wanted to quote that for a little emphasis. I feel that mileage is impressive, even though a valve was the culprit and not the head itself.

I have to disagree. I don't think anyone who buys a modern day Diesel whether it's a Ford, Chevy or Dodge, does so with the expectation that it will need a new motor at 250,000 miles. I know I certainly didn't.

I can understand the injectors and maybe the lift pump but my expectation, for the price we pay for these trucks, this motor should have gone at least 500K without an overhaul. I forgot to mention the trans was replaced early on as well. A subsequent front trans seal was replaced at about 130,000 miles along with a cracked torque converter. I think the Torque Converter was a dealer induced problem but I couldn't prove it. Another $1800 or so.

Thankfully, GM has been very good about fixing things during the warranty period.

As I said, I still love driving this thing and the new engine has a 3 yr, 100,000 mile warranty so I'll feel safe for the next 18 months or so. :)

Repair Order Date : 08/06/2001 Repair Order Number : 043508 Odometer Reading : 20487 miles
Serviced By : CARL WHITE CHEVROLET, INC.
PO BOX 1773
CORSICANA, TX 75151-1773
(903) 874-6591 Selling Source : 13 - CHEVROLET
Site Code : 07758
Business Associate Code : 112245
Cycle Date Cycle Nbr Case Type Labor Operation Part Auth Code Person Code Line Total Comments
08/21/2001 197 01 # K7000 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY - REPLACE 29537669 - TRANS REM E N/A $ 4434.72 N

No heads problems here but then again I only have 42K miles on her. Here's a list of the warranty issues I've had.

1- L/H rear axle seal resulting in ruined park brake linings;

2- 2 x front output shaft tranxfer case seals (within a 6 month time frame);
3- NSBU switch went fer sh!t.

All items above replaced under warranty. I have a question about an above individuals lift pump. Where is it located??....................SWH...:grd:

I think it's under the intake manifold. It wasn't included with the replacement engine so we reused the old one.