Additional fuel filtration / injector replacement poll

[Mark Rinker]

Looking to hear from Duramax owners that have added additional fuel filtration capabilities to their trucks, and results (measured in miles) of service life on your injectors.

Very unscientific, but with a volume of good data, we may be able to see a trend line. Please include the following:

Year/Make/Model truck
Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)
Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading
History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s)
Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary

[jbplock]

Mark, Great idea on this thread. My truck’s history is as follows:

1. Year/Make/Model truck
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LT Crew Cab Short Box – currently at 82,000 miles. Except for being a little louder (fuel knock) the truck runs as it did when new. Mileage is 17-18mpg with mixed highway/city driving and 19-20mpg highway. Balance rates have increased but are still in spec. I’ve used Stanadyne Perfomance formula and a lubricity additive since the truck was new. First 30kmi was with with 4oz of 2-cycle oil/15 gal then switched to Stanadyne Lubricity Formula.

2. Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)
LB7 Federal Emissions with no CAT or EGR

3. Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading
- 6019 miles: Installed Kennedy Mega Filter (Baldwin BF7635) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1067971249033933568ZTDzat), Post OEM connection
- 9428 miles: Installed AC EP158 Lift pump and Stanadyne FM100 30 micron pre-filter (http://rides.webshots.com/album/77018086bLHHHC)
OEM and Stanadyne filters have been changed at 10kmi. Mega filters were changed at 31,232 & 71,671 miles (currently at 82K).

Used filters are routinely cut open for inspection. Both Megas looked good with no visible discoloration. The Stanadyne will always have some black (asphaltene (http://www.destinfloridacharters.com/tech/fuel/index.html)) discoloration but the OEM filters are relatively clear. The OEM’s are also fully uniform in color with no darkening on the bottom half (lift pump keeps the filter completely full - with stock suction system the filter is only partially full – see see Filter Council TSB (http://www.baldwinfilters.com/engineer/pdf/94-6R1.pdf) )

4. History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s)
Original Injectors

5. Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary.
I'm happy with my setup. Based on the Southwest Research institute’s “High-Pressure Injection Fuel System Wear Study” (SAE doc 980869) I think added filtration for our HPCR injection system is good insurance against wear related injector failures (i.e. ball seat erosion) and should help extend IP life too. Quote from the paper:

“The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) Fuel Filtration Cooperative Research Program evaluated the effects of abrasive fuel contamination in rotary injection pumps to establish a baseline for high-pressure injection systems. It was determined that the critical particle size for rotary injection fuel pump was 6 to 7 microns.”

From my simple way of thinking the more filtration the higher the efficiency of removing the critical wear particles. However I’m not sure it does much to prevent design related failures (cracked injector body).

Here's a related and very interesting article in MaxxTorque magazine:
THE Black, White and Greys of the Duramax Fuel Filter (http://maxxtorque.com/excerpts/4-spring-2008/15-the-black-white-and-greys-of-the-duramax-fuel-filter?showall=1)

For me it’s so-far-so-good at 82K on an 03 with about 1 year to go on the 7yr/200kmile injector special policy. Unless I have a problem before it expires, for peace of mind I’m thinking I’ll take the truck in and pay to have return rate test done. If the injectors fail out of warranty I’ll probably just change them out myself. It’s still cheaper than buying a new truck. :)

[Idle_Chatter]

1.Year/Make/Model truck

Late build 2001 Chevy Silverado extended cab short box 4x4 DMax/Allison

2.Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)

LB7

3.Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading

Kennedy Mega Filter installed post-OEM at 46,000 miles

4.History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s)

Zero, on factory originals at 158,000 miles

5.Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary

Excellent product, long service life on filters and sometimes difficult to change after a long use interval (filter stuck to filter head).

[SoTxPollock]

2002 Chevy Silverado LTCC, SB,

Added Racor RS60s filtration post OEM, at 20,000 miles.

Original injectors, 132,000 miles, they're not as quite as they used to be, but still run great.
Never had any kind of problems, starting, running etc. Love that truck.

ROI, supposedly the filtration is down to about 2 microns so I don't expect any problems from particle errosion. I'm sure this has already saved GM some money on replacement of the injectors, next year come July it will be my nickle if they go bad. I jus think its an investment in assurance of continued top performance. I've always maintained my vehicles like I was going to walk out of the house in the morning and drive straight to New York without haveing to check anything first.

Side note: By the way JBPLOCK, you said SWR said the wear was 6 to 7mm size, that's not millimeters obvously, you ment microns right?

[jbplock]

Side note: By the way JBPLOCK, you said SWR said the wear was 6 to 7mm size, that's not millimeters obviously, you meant microns right?

SoTx,

Yes thanks for catching this :).. microns not mm :eek: (post has been edited)

Also ..



Kennedy Mega Filter installed post-OEM ....

... sometimes difficult to change after a long use interval (filter stuck to filter head).

Tom,
I also had a tough time breaking my first Mega Filter loose ... when installing the second one I removed the O-ring and coated it with some Parker Super O-lube (similar to silicone grease) .. When the time came to change, it came of with out any trouble ..

:)

[richp]

Hi Gang,

1. Year/Make/Model truck - 2001 K-2500 Chevy Standard Cab

2. Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM) - LB7

3. Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading - Universal Kit/150k

4. History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s) 1 set at 90k, second set at 165k

5. Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary - too soon to know, since I was (yes, I'm very ashamed of myself here) tardy in getting the extra filtration on with the early sets of injectors. Have to say it gives me a lot more confidence for the future, though.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips
Member #17

[LanduytG]

2004.5 LLY
My Universal Kit post OE when new
139300 with no injector issues
Change both filters every 10-12K miles.


Greg

[hogbody]

Year/Make/Model truck
2003 Chev. 2500 Silverado, LB7

Universal (Lubrication Specialist) 2 micron filter added pre OEM. Changed every 20,000. Added with about 20,000 miles on truck. OEM changed every 15,000.

Injectors replaced at 60,191 miles.

I was suprised to need replacement at this mileage. I buy my fuel from a reliable clean dealer and am meticulous with service. I was hoping to avoid the problem by adding the filter but I am glad the problem happened before the warranty was up.

I do not hesitate to recommend Chuck Nash Chev. in San Marcos, TX for their service on this warranty issue.

[mark g]

02 LB7 just turned 100k and just out of warranty. original injectors with no trouble.
stock fuel filter replaced every 15k. dealer replaced one under warranty.
love the truck!

[Hillbilly Jim]

Very early 2001 with 98,00 miles built in Nov of 2000
Extra filtration pre factory filter.
Pre filter added at 65000 miles
Orginal injectors. Filters changed at 15000 miles of use.

[dr.olds]

does any body have a part# for a filtration kit for an LB7? would put one on if had a #!:cool:

[DmaxMaverick]

does any body have a part# for a filtration kit for an LB7? would put one on if had a #!:cool:

You don't need a part #. You have several options HERE. John Kennedy (http://www.kennedydiesel.com) and Greg Landuyt (http://www.lubricationspecialist.com) (both are TDP members/supporters) offer the best there is to be had. The problem is choosing.

[chipper]

[QUOTE=richp;247126]Hi Gang,

1. Year/Make/Model truck - 2001 K-2500 Chevy Standard Cab
2001 GMC EXT CAB

2. Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM) - LB7
LB7

3. Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading - Universal Kit/150k
CAT750 post OEM 38K

4. History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s) 1 set at 90k, second set at 165k
Origional

5. Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary - too soon to know, since I was (yes, I'm very ashamed of myself here) tardy in getting the extra filtration on with the early sets of injectors. Have to say it gives me a lot more confidence for the future, though.
Looks good so far

[bigchev]

1. My truck is a 2003 Ext. Cab. with a lot of aftermarket performance equipment, turbo,intake,4" exhaust, Industrial Injection dual fuel lines, lift pump,exhaust brake, built tranny and triple disk convertor, KENNEDY 100/250HP ECM and more.

2. Engine is LB7

3. Additional filter/water seperator is a heated racor 2 micron.

4. Still running stock injectors. I have used AmSoil Diesel Fuel additive for approx. 3 years along with AmSoil Cetane Booster.

5. I am satisfied with the Racor filter which was installed at 30K. I am now at 41K. I will change both stock and Racor filter this coming spring. Previously to installing the Racor add on filter I was changing the stock filter every 5K miles.

Since my truck has low miles I suppose that it is still too early in it's life cycle to need injectors. At the rate I drive the truck 6500 annual average I hope that any future injector failure will be was off in the future.

[Heartbeat Hauler]

Year/Make/Model truck
2001 Chevy 3500 dually

Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)
LB7

Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading
Racor R60S pre-OEM from Greg @ approx 15000 miles.

History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s)
60K+ miles still running original injectors.

Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary
I'm happy since I haven't had to replace injectors yet, and I should note that I have been using additives since day-one (started with Power Service now using Stanadyne). I don't have that many miles on it yet, but with all the travel back and forth to W.Va. (We're moving back home) that low mileage is gonna change.

JP

[crafty]

Year/Make/Model truck
2001 GMC EXT CAB 2500 HD

Engine code (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)
LB7

Type of additional filtration added, and at what odometer reading
None Added

History of injector replacement, if any, and at what odometer reading(s)
182,000 KMS and the 2,4, and 6 injectors are still original injectors. The other 5 were done one at a time starting in 2002. The last one was changed 22 months ago. I've had no troubles since then. I use Stanadyne every tank full and I think it helps alot. The truck was built in Nov. of 2000 and went on the road Dec. 21, 2000. I am consistantly getting 21.5 mpg highway and 16 mpg towing the trailer (imperial gallons) .:D:D:D

Overall satisfaction with additional filtration - return on investment commentary

[et]

1. 2002 Chev 2500HD ECLB 4X4 purchased new in November of 2001.

2. LB7

3. Purchased Cat base and Cat 1R-029 filter in July of 2003 but horror of horrors did not install until June of 2007 at 69,151 miles and 2,024 hours. Currently have 91,704 miles and 2,655 hours. I use Kennedy’s fuel pressure gauge to determine when to change filters. So far, Cat filter needs to be changed at about 300 hours. Wix 33910 filters in OEM location looked new. I cut open the filters when removed. As soon as I get home, I will check fuel pressure again and change just the Cat filter and recheck the fuel pressure to determine if the OEM filter needs to be changed. When I exhaust my current supply of Wix 33910 filters, I will change to the new OEM filter. I try to never let my 56 gallon fuel tank get below half full.

4. Still have original injectors.

[WyoDutch]

2009 1-ton extended cab.
.
Don't plan on doing anything except add lubricity agent to the fuel and regular OEM filter changes.

I fuel from my bulk tank, and logic dictates that if I were put a high-efficiency filter anywhere... it would be at the pump. At least that's my thinking.

[GordonMarks]

The Suburban:
Changed injectors, presumably because it had been sitting for a while in our DRY weather. Engine has a little less than 100K by what I can tell from dealer info & extrapolating the tag info before it was wrecked.
Stock filter(DELCO only),& I added an old Raccor 500 10 micron (I think)like we used on the 5.7L & 6.2L(BOY, that was FUN!!!) I don't have the room that the later ones have. Nothing in it after 5K. It's before the main filter. I try to buy fuel where I think they will have a high turnover.

[conway]

See below for filtration installed (installed within 10,000 miles of new in both cases). I just had someone check my injectors with a TECH 2 on the 03 since the 7 year warranty is expiring. The check showed that the injectors (return rate, etc.) are right on the money.

[Kennedy]

2009 1-ton extended cab.
.
Don't plan on doing anything except add lubricity agent to the fuel and regular OEM filter changes.

I fuel from my bulk tank, and logic dictates that if I were put a high-efficiency filter anywhere... it would be at the pump. At least that's my thinking.

Good logic indeed. Add a good dessicant breather/filter on the vent also. 99% of my fuel comes from my storage tank these days. If I make a long trip I add my 90 gallon aux tank which usually gets me home.

FPPF Total Power in all fuel run through this tank. I buy Amoco Premier straight #2 non winterized whenever possible. I usually end up with a load of #2 winterized each year, but if I can I buy straight up and treat myself.

[havenopower]

Hey bigchev what kind of turbo do you run and what brand of tranny do you have?

[SoTxPollock]

2002 Chevy Silverado LTCC, SB,

Added Racor RS60s filtration post OEM, at 20,000 miles.

Original injectors, 132,000 miles, they're not as quite as they used to be, but still run great.
Never had any kind of problems, starting, running etc. Love that truck.

ROI, supposedly the filtration is down to about 2 microns so I don't expect any problems from particle errosion. I'm sure this has already saved GM some money on replacement of the injectors, next year come July it will be my nickle if they go bad. I jus think its an investment in assurance of continued top performance. I've always maintained my vehicles like I was going to walk out of the house in the morning and drive straight to New York without haveing to check anything first.

Side note: By the way JBPLOCK, you said SWR said the wear was 6 to 7mm size, that's not millimeters obvously, you ment microns right?

UPDATE FOR 2010-Had to do 8 new injectors at 160,000 miles on my nickle, waited too long go get in on the warranty. Truck runs better than it did when new, actually idles smooth now, it never did before. I suspect I may have had a bad injector right from the start at idle and never knew it since it was my first diesel, I also suspect that by the time 20,000 miles went by without additional filtration it was on the way to failure before I got the additional filter installed.

I suspect the mileage will drop a little from the original, but there's no scientific way to blame it on the injectors because of the ULSD which was not available during the first couple of years of the truck's life. I still love it. I would recommend extra filtration to anyone who like me wants to keep the truck for a long time.

[Mark Rinker]

2006 K3500 - went 166,666 miles until requiring injector replacement. Bone stock, fuel filter changed every 10-15K miles. Fuel sourced anywhere/everywhere across the US and Canada, Howes, FPPF, other name brand fuel conditioners run about 50% of the time.

[Cliff Lewis]

No added filters
215000 on original injectors
Loved it till all #### broke loose now not so much
I heard from a chevy mechanic that his friends lly went 1 million miles and motor never touched ?

[Mark Rinker]

2009 K3500 - Crew/Long SRW

285,000 miles on original injectors and going strong. No additional filtration, lift pump, etc. Fuel sourced at random pumps all over the US and Canada. Fuel additives run '...more often than not' but not one brand. Those used including Howes, Power Service, etc.

Due to constant towing, the total gallons of fuel run through this pump and injectors could easily be 80% more than typical - i.e. lifetime MPG is probably between 11 and 12mpg.

Go figure that one...

[chessy56]

'01 LB7 in a 2500 HD P/U, nearing 440K miles.

OEM injectors lasted ~185K miles. On the 4th set now which I installed myself (along with new feed tubes to the injectors).

Added a 2nd filter as a primary, a Kennedy lift pump and a CAT UHE filter conversion on the OEM head somewhere between the 3rd and 4th set of injectors. 4th (current) set of injectors are still running after ~75K miles. While I smell a heavier odor to my exhaust now, balance rates are still within spec (worst is about -3.4, in Park, on cylinder #7), but it's not smoking at the tailpipe. Yet.

I use a Fleetguard FS1000 filter as my primary just after the tank (and before the lift pump), and use a CAT 364-5287 UHE filter before the HP pump. (In retrospect, I should've purchased another OEM filter head with the heater and used that with the primary as extremely cold weather leads to my primary clogging.)

Did it help? The benefits may be intangible, given that the replacement injectors for the LB7s are of lesser quality and just don't seem to last like the originals. But, any extra life I can squeeze of of them is a plus to me.

[SoTxPollock]

Purchased a 2020 LP5 and wondering if anyone knows if they have improved the fuel filtration on this versus the older ones. Noticed GM has located the fuel filter close to the fuel tank underneath the truck.

[spongebob]

400400 miles on my stock 06 K3500 LBZ, original injectors, fuel from everywhere..fuel filter changed when I received a “change filter notice”..mostly ac delco filters. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

[EdHale]

I change my fuel filter every 10,000 miles, have replaced 1 injector at approx 170,000 miles. Currently have 211,000 on the clock. Use Baldwin filters and have since the first filter change.