02 LB7 Injectors

[Chasestewart37]

Hey guys, so I am new to the website but have checked it out a lot for tips. I have an 02 2500hd lb7 with about 260,000 miles on it. I get a strong odor of diesel fuel while at idle and a little smoke. I have checked my oil and I am not smelling fuel. My oil level has not increased at all. A guy behind me the other day said my smoke looked more blue then white. Like I said there isn't a ton of smoke at idle but it is noticeable. The odor is what worries me it smells like it is burning fuel really rich. Any Ideas? Return line stuck open?

[Chasestewart37]

I was told that the older dmaxs do smell a lottle worse but just wanted y'all's opinon

[Chasestewart37]

Also had a guy say he thinks it could be bad fuel or water in my fuel?

[chessy56]

Check the site via the advanced search feature, using "injectors" and "LB7" words. Tons of information, especially on the early model DMax. I've got 350K on my '01 LB7 and if this is your first injector replacement, you're about due for a new set and have done fairly well on longevity. I'm on my 2nd replacement set and I've a bit less than 70K miles on them and I'm seeing smoke, plus the diesel odor is heavy. It bursts a smoke ball at startup in the morning, then I don't see any from the tail pipe until the engine warms up.

When you change oil next, pull a sample and send it in for analysis- you'll learn if you have any fuel in your oil (or water or coolant). I've been looking at another replacement and there's been some good advice, by enthusiasts such as yourself as well as experienced techs who know the LB7 well. My last 2 injector swaps cost me $4K and you'll get only rebuilt injectors- you can't get "new" Bosch replacements. I'm doing them myself the next time to save a bit of $$$.

If you're planning on keeping this vehicle for a while, I'd recommend looking at John Kennedy's site and look at a dual filtration system- that fuel has to be absolutely clean. Lots of posts on fuel quality on this site as well. Bad fuel is a possibility- buy your fuel at a reputable station (truck stops go through a ton of it and is usually a good place to fill up). If you have a reliable diesel repair shop locally, have them put a monitor on it and see what it's doing. You'll probably pay about $50 for their time, but it's worth knowing.

Others will eventually post on this as well. Good luck.

[Chasestewart37]

Got a better look at it today. The smoke does look more blue then white. Not sure what that means

[Kennedy]

What that smoke typically means is that it is injector time. The injectors are now weeping/seeping a small amount of fuel into the cylinder at the wrong time.

[Chasestewart37]

Is it something that needs to be replaced right away? I have been told not to worry about it until I'm getting substantial white smoke.