Can't compare the Duramax injectors to the Cummins injectors. Two different designs (at least for the LB7 Duramax). One item the Cummins injectors uses that isn't on the Duramax is the edge filters. This filters are located in the service port tube and it's designed to pulverize particles before entering the injector body.
So I would HIGHLY recommend using a diesel fuel additive like Power Service, Rotella DFA, Howes, etc on regular basis and drive it like you stole it.

MikeyB

 

NO issues here either. 18 mpg, no smoke at start, smooth idle unless cold and grid heaters on. It rattles when cold just off idle, sounds "normal" to me when warm.

a friend bought a new one and I compared the sound at idle. His was more quiet than mine. I started using Redline fuel catalyst and that helped. Truck runs great. - JKE

 

Mines going in for yet another injectors, the Tech ran test and # 1 is failing. I have blue/white smoke at first start up enough to cloud the neighborhood the mileage before was good at 16-18 mpg until it dropped off to like 12-14 now
( main reason I took it in) as well as a severe knock/tick in the engine. This is getting old real fast.

 

sorry to hear that HdPower. Are you using any additive? I don't know, but if the additive helps to keep them clean, maybe that would help prevent a failure.... - JKE

 

HDPOWER,

Noticed you're running the 315's, like me. Do you have the 6spd manual trans?

 

Hi JKE, yes have been running PS cleaner for several months now, it seemed like it helped make engine run smoother, not sure why I lost another injector but will keep you posted on what I find out when I question the Tech further.

Rossn2, I have the Auto tranny in mine, sure do like the 315's boy what a difference in ride/handling with the bigger tires and it looks so much better.
I see your in the "Hood", I used to live that way many moons ago, that base is HUGE ! Take care .

 

HdPower,

After latest injector failure, Star only recommends Stanadyne additive, and no additives with alcohol or ATF. More expensive than other additives on market. Time will tell if it makes any difference.

I lived in VA from 1989-1998 Norfolk/Chesapeake area courtesy of Navy. Boy, do I miss Striper fishing Oct-Dec in the Bay and those Steamed Crabs (in old bay seasoning of course).

 

I was using Stanadyne then switched to Power Service Kleen. It is much easier to get and cheaper. Dont know if I will go back to Stanadyne, the PS seems to make engine smoother and I think helped with mpg. Of course it could be in my head only.

I will do what is necessary to keep from having another injector go bad.

 

I haven't had injector problems, but, I have noticed it is much quieter sense I started using STANADYNE.

AS for cost. I order it in gallon jugs. Much cheaper than buying it in 8oz bottles.

I THINK you can order it in 5gal containers, but thats more than I want to order at one time.

 

I understand how it might sound to someone who is not experiencing problems to the extent others and myself are experiencing, and also how someone might become paranoid after reading about some of the problems. I admit that also being able to decern between a real problem and paranoia is important, but my point was to enlighten others so they may be more aware of problems that might significantly effect the performance of their vehicle and to avoid possible expenses and even engine damage.

When you say your vehicle smokes a bit, might that be some puffs of white smoke for a few seconds or massive clouds of blue-white smoke that will cloud the air for three minutes or more while the engine runs like a severely flooded 67’ imperial?

Also I would be interested to know if you are getting less MPG then a comparable hemi? While a couple of times I have been able to get a tad over 600 miles at 60 to 70mph freeway cruising out of a 34gallion fill-up (17mpg). I typically get 450 to 500miles (13 to 14mpg). In town by computer and fill-up I get typically 11mpg or less. By comparison the same routes and style my Powerstroke was 15mpg to 19mpg. A friend’s 04' 3500 hemi 4x4 does at least as good as my Cummins and gas is $.50 a gal less here. Spending $5,000 more for an engine that has the issues mine does and little or no benifit over a gas engine seems pointless.

Not to just to rag, but mine vibrates like a lawn mower at 72mph, the doors leak water, Power is only marginally better then a non-HO 03’s I test drove and much less then other HO 03’s and 600’s. Mine sounds like a rod is coming through the block and it idles rougher then any diesel truck vehicle I have owned or driven. My vehicle was not like this when I test drove it, nor for the first 250 miles. Over the last 9,000 miles my vehicle has only deteriorated, and in my case, my concerns and dissatisfaction result from a relative standpoint.

 

Well, had the truck in the shop for a while getting the plow wiring done and asked the dealer to check the knocking again, so they did. Dropped by yesterday and talked to the svc mgr and asked him if they had found anything and he wasn't aware of any problem but asked if he could keep it one more night to check it himself .... lo and behold they have ordered a "couple" of new injectors from chrysler for it. Delivery time ... who know?!

By the way, the "tech" had checked it and didn't think there was anything wrong.

Svc mgr said that it was overfuelling.

I wonder what this will do for my mileage now

Hope it gets as quiet as it was out of the box too!

Ken

 

I agree with GotCummins?. Mine smokes a little on start up when its -20 outside and it smokes when you step on it. Star is telling me now that I need a lift pump, but it has not come in yet (Chrysler will not get it from Cummins accross the street as it would be too easy). Other than that my 03 runs fine and I am at 50,000 miles now.