Duramax Smoking and Hard Start Easy Cheap Fixes

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Duramax Smoking and Hard Start Easy Cheap Fixes

[@jtriley2963]

The crank case blow by could be a injector cup or a injector crush wash that is going out. Its not always a bad injector when you have a decent amount of white smoke. I was told I had a bad headgasket and when I pulled it all part found that some of the injector cups come unglued. So I rebuilt my lb7. after rebuilding my lb7 I had really bad blow by after 2 months when I had no problems after the rebuild. Took it to 4 different diesel shops that all told me the same thing. They claimed Its a hole in the piston or shot piston rings. The truck ran to good for that so I finally took the time to check it out myself and found that some of the injector cups did not properly seal with the threadlock. Also when I took out the injectors from the cups that came out with the injectors found that 2 of the crush washers had melted part way. So I cleaned up the cups and put threadlocker 272 on them and replace the 2 crush washers that had partially melted and got it back together and its been all good no blowby for about a year and a half now. Hope this info helps anyone that comes across this video and sees the comments.

[@singlespeedman]

Hi Brian, If you have a hydraulic shop near you(somewhere that makes hoses, repairs hyd. cylinders etc.) You can get O-ring kits from them in 3 different types. 1. Boss o-ring kit 2. Face seal kit(flat face fitting type.) 3. Standard O-ring kit These kits are designed for high pressure hydraulic systems and handle fuel just fine. Hope this helps.

[@Ktm65xc101]

GreaseMonkey X just a tip when going to a hydraulic repair shop or seal manufacture you must specify viton orings as diesel attacks buna orings An will go right back to leaking

[@maryridder2410]

Thank you for your post. Being a widow who lost her mechanic. I couldnt start the truck and watching your video you showed the primer onto of the fuel filter. I pumped it and it started. I still have a problem with smoking, and I have had the injectors checked. So maybe I can go to the next guy to change my filter and check O rings. Thank you from a happy old lady

[@bernardinorodriguez2435]

It’s safe to use transmission fluid on the diesel or possible fix injector problem?

[@briansmobile1]

Yes! I've done it for years and even seen older diesel trucks like the Cummins 12 valve run on used and strained ATF reclaimed from a transmission shop.

[@richirich1963]

How much ATF do you use? I have a 04 Chevy Silverado 2500hd Duramax LB7 just stared light haze/white smoke

[@refloyd1978]

Brian, Awesome video’s! I have a 2004 duramax with the LB7. Purchased the truck back in 2010 with 80k miles on it. I added a Fass 150 pump that came with water separator and filter. Also replaced stock fuel filter with Cat adapter and filter, figuring you cannot have enough fuel filtration. Added Diesel Kleen every fill up. Everything was going well until 160k miles, then I noticed I was spraying for mosquitoes and Prius’s at every traffic light. Balance rates were all over the place, so purchased new injectors, did the replacement myself and $2000 later was running fine. At 220k miles started smoking again and Balance rates pushing high and low on a couple of cylinders. Purchased the injector cleaner and hooked the hoses up with the cleaner and diesel mixture, truck took 1 hour to empty the bottle. Didn’t really make a difference on the balance rates, and still smoking. Saw your video and suggestion to add transmission fluid to the fuel tank. Bam, after two tanks, no smoke, and balance rates all below 2 in drive! I honestly believe I could have saved $2k if I had added transmission fluid to the tank back at 160k miles. Now I add it every fill up. Thanks bro

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

I ran my diesel for years on used atf. ran better than diesel

[@DDescalchuk57]

Robin Floyd I put a fass on my lb7 and threw that filter housing in the garbage ran fuel line directly to the ficm who needs a primer when you got an electric fuel pump lol

[@willtruitt7978]

hey man mind if i ask how much transmission oil you used?

[@codyc6483]

Also would like to know

[@antonioguerra462]

What. Oil you use. Bro

[@MuddyDrivewayProductions]

Watching this with my Daughter. I like it for the education material. My Daughter loves the leaf near the exhaust pipe on the ground LOL.

[@Bigbran0032]

The duramax engine has a pcv system that tends to get clogged and that will cause the blow by and white smoke that you are seeing. Both valve covers have a pcv valve and they tee together and go to the alt bracket and goes back into the oil pan. It something worth looking into if that customer comes back. Great video on fixing the fuel leak definitely the cause of a hard start. I wouldn't have thought to change the o-rings would have just put a new assembly on

[@ralfie8801]

Brandon Sartain The o ring kit is $15.00 + S&H from Nicktane Diesel.

[@akoobs7707]

Or, you could get a fass pump for $600, and delete the under the hood fuel filter altogether.

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

Brian thanks for the video , I am wondering about the blow by , was it pcv system , injector leaking wash down cylinder or piston rings thanks ??

[@johnferguson7235]

"Sometimes you make your own luck". My dad always said, "You have good luck fixing things when preparation meets opportunity".

[@austingoodson4953]

What kind of transmition fluid did you use?

[@ashtonls3]

Also wondering

[@jonathanbartsch9728]

THANKS, BRIAN! You were a HUGE help! :) It is nice to know someone else that can fix things and have fun while doing it! Haha, lol! I love ur commentary. Your helping me thousands of miles away and across the ocean. Jonathan, Hawaii

[@jakek7112]

I replaced all 8 injectors in my lb7 high pressure lines whole 9 and have great balance rates and I now still have a haze once the truck is warm and it smells like diesel. Pushes slightly more haze with a rev. RPMS dont jump around very stable. Help

[@dadeftones7]

I changed my injectors I changed my EGR valve and my EGR valve solenoid sensor. My truck does not have a lift pump I have one but I have not installed it my truck smokes a whole lot once it's warmed up and it's idling I can't figure it out. My check engine light turns on about once a month and it's for the EGR but I changed everything there

[@SeanBZA]

The ATF in the fuel acts like a lubricant, because diesel is actually a very poor lubricant. You can also add at a 100:1 to 200:1 mix of 2 stroke oil to the tank as well, every few tanks, this mixes with the fuel and lubricates the pumps and the injectors very well. As well you need low sulphur diesel, which is not too common at truck stops, but here in SA it is in most filling stations in a regular pump station, not out in a truck corner like the 500PPM stuff. Friend of mine called one evening late, the fuel attendant ( no self service stations here, due to regulation all filling is service) had put 20l of petrol in the diesel tank. Options were to tow the car to have the tank dropped and drained, but I suggested to fill up with diesel and add 1l of 2 stroke oil to the tank and try then. Worked well, a little rattly ( not recommended but fine on a common rail diesel, it might get petrol contaminant in it anyway from piping and tankers with self seal pipes that hold a lot of whatever was last dispensed in ullage and in valving) from the sudden change in cetane rating down to poor, but it ran well enough. The 2 stroke oil burns well in a diesel, in my petrol car I do the same every 6 months to lubricate the fuel injectors and pumps as well.

[@MrAirsoftmodz]

SeanBZA 2 stroke oil made a hudge different to our 2.8 pajero, run smoother and gave us about 5mpg more which is a win when you can only get 20 with out the oil.

[@18iser]

+SeanBZA I disagree about diesel beeing a bad lubricant. I found some on a roundabout one day and crashed my car!

[@SeanBZA]

18iser So, about as good a lubricant as water then. It is a very bad lubricant for metal, as the lubricating film it generates breaks down very easily with pressure, leading to wear.

[@18iser]

I don't know what you are talking about but the diesel I know lubricates a lot better than oil even. As soon as you spill some on a road it becomes slicker than ice and you don't see the rainbow pattern you get with just oil!

[@briansmobile1]

18iser Oh snap!

[@MrRickyrecon]

I have a similar issue with the fuel filter leaking... but when you start the truck it runs for about 5-10 seconds and dies out. Then it takes forever to get it started again. I hope it can be fixed the same way. Thanks for the videos, they are great.

[@ralfie8801]

It's the filter head o rings leaking. They can let air in without letting fuel out, I've had two trucks do that to me. When the engine is stopped, air gets past the o rings and that breaks suction in the fuel system and lets air in the fuel filter. When you start the engine, it runs on what's left in the fuel line between the filter and CP3 pump, then the CP3 gets a snoot full of air from the the big bubble in the top of the fuel filter and the engine dies. They usually won't start again until you get under the hood and prime the system with the hand pump. I put the $15.00 o ring kits from Nicktane Diesel in my Duramax and also my Dad's, both had all of the symptoms you described. Both were fixed immediately. Been starting and running good for about 6 or 8 years now.

[@n2brk1]

Ok, still could be dirty. Gm makes a nasty cleaner. In short, you pull the fuel lines and bottle feed the stuff to the Dmax and it cleans. It's so harsh that you can't put it in the tank. Google it. Hope this helps.

[@sammymontoya2781]

Thanks for posting this video helped out a lot can’t wait to change my filter it’s long overdue I think it may be the main cause of my white smoke as well. The rebuild kit is called the fuel filter primer housing seal kit correct? I’m looking to order it immediately and the filter as well

[@briansmobile1]

Glad it helped. Yes, that's what it's called.

[@tamilene]

I just happened across your video searching for answers or a girl doable fix for my smoking (bad - white smoke) '92 Chevy S10 pickup - I know - NOT diesel. So even though this didn't apply to me, I loved your presentation and it gave me hope to dream one day I might even be able to fix my own vehicle. lol

[@DDescalchuk57]

That check ball you can toss that away fuel restriction it just stops the fuel from dripping when doing filter change

[@TheHorsepowerHoff]

So the take away is that it still needs injectors.. fixing the fuel head leak helped the hard start

[@usernamelane1986]

I always run into your ch , your content is really good , Finally subscribed!

[@juliotorres512]

I have had good success whenever I could not find the right o-ring I have taken a larger o-ring of the same thickness and cut it to the correct size and then used super glue and baking soda and so far I have not had any thing leak!!

[@dukeman079]

What type trans fluid did you use in the tank?

[@briansmobile1]

+David Nunemaker Dexmerc

[@petergeralis3725]

Get the complete dorman kit, you should change all the orings and the two umbrella seals for primer

[@hoghopper]

Was the footage at the end the "after"? It looked like a recap of the" before " shots. Still looked a lot like a lot of smoke. And why all the blow-by?

[@briansmobile1]

hoghopper The end shot was filler footage repeated from before. As I said, I didn't get footage of the truck after. I moved shortly after, but I called and followed up to great news from the owner.

[@Hoserfishing]

Your videos are far more entertaining because you talk to yourself....keep up the good work...(both of you) hahahaha!!

[@captainr.8882]

White smoke out of a D-Max, check your coolant level for loss, the EGR cooler, then head gaskets.

[@edgaralfredo1467]

Hello guys I’m having the same problem after pumping b20 biodiesel

[@brian2990]

My truck (02 lb7) has been hazing lately but I use Power Stroke with almost every tank, is that the same as adding atf? I'm guessing its the injectors as they have 140k miles but I'll try just about anything first.

[@jlopezaaaa]

What causes the white smoke? I have a 2000 ford focus with a 2.0L engine that has a hard start and white smoke comes out of the valve cover, and some oil comes out of the return pipe that take its it to the air box

[@TheRick2130]

John Lopez check your pcv vavle first before you dig too deep

[@jlopezaaaa]

ebu touy works fine, I replaced it a couple of months ago.

[@darkwar12345]

+John Lopez I think those motors usually have head gasket issues. Look up cyl leak down test and then find out where your problem is on your car.

[@jackbquick123]

I know this is a 6 year old video but does it matter what type of trans fluid works best?

[@obet191]

i had gas in my tank run for 20 min and died hast start since any suggestions, i washed tank rebuilt primer housing still no go

[@monstersquashracing]

Awesome video man.

[@BREEZEONE1]

I swapped my filter with the Cat filter and run seafoam in the tank. She runs like a top!

[@ashtonls3]

What transmission fluid did you use?

[@teamonion3078]

My truck blows white smoke when I first start it I go down the highway I floor it and it’ll clear up and stops smoking. Park the truck for about an hour or so it’ll do the same thing

[@teamonion3078]

I’m noticing around my primer pump it leaks diesel. I have the fass lift pump on my truck think the primer head leaking is causing this?

[@wyattoneable]

Great info on the Duramax.

[@jeepmor]

"Everything else is AcDelco in this, even the batteries that suck." I always appreciate honesty like that. Did not know the trans fluid for cleaner, gonna have to do that one.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

First you start with narrating videos. Then you talk to yourself...so funny!

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

In preparation of making videos eventually, I occasionally talk to myself like I'm narrating. I tend to come up with pretty bland stuff, but when I don't my audience of 1 is rolling in laughter!

[@jt25333]

Have you ever used a diesel oil additive? I have heard good and bad things about them - one called "hot shots" is supposedly the best, what is your take?

[@briansmobile1]

+jt25333 I've used a few, but they did no miracles or anything like this did.

[@649childers]

Love your videos Brian,,, I have a 2002 and jus replaced all injectors and have done a ton of research and yes by the looks of it they need new ones.. I wouldn’t do the trans fluid in the tanks bad idea!!! But this is the internet and everyone has different opinions about that. That being said it is also all on the customer if he wants to fix it the right way.. because injectors for a lb7 are very $$$$.. keep make them videos and I hope to see an update on the new shop!

[@sunnygabisadventures7425]

hey boss do u know if i can put transmission fuelz in me 2012 cummins 6.7

[@MrFreeze79]

and before you know it, brian will be fixing cars in his reg g-string!! stay tuned!

[@seoulkidd1]

Dude thanks for this vid. BIG SUBSCRIBER

[@geojor]

thank you...

[@rsbatcrh06]

Good job. Curious as to how much ATF you put into the fuel tank? Also how much fuel was in said tank? Always enjoy your videos BTW.

[@briansmobile1]

rsbatcrh06 Thanks!~ I added one quart of Dex III to a full tank of fuel- pour in at pump and top it off to mix it in.

[@bullnpcola]

Lly fuel filter head is 165 at the dealer .

[@edgaralfredo1467]

I just change the fuel filter put fresh diesel no luck

[@playsportfun3356]

are the o rings you used the correct material and size? I'm a powertrain Designer. how long do you expect this fix to last?

[@MrZerocool5000]

didn't know you where diggin on diesels good to know

[@Halljand]

It is fascinating that they charge 800 dollars for that part.

[@westtexasconstruction]

It's $100 on Ebay

[@ralfie8801]

The o ring kit is $15.00 from Nicktane.

[@jasonfritz1963]

@@westtexasconstruction I bought it from eBay $70 leaks like a son of a bitch brand new. There’s a reason OEM is more expensive

[@447Film]

Hey dude I could really use your help. How much fuel was in the tank when you added a quart of trans oil?

[@briansmobile1]

Full tank

[@matthewhallmark4847]

@@briansmobile1 what trans fluid did you add?

[@mikef6706]

Is the trans fluid ok in the fuel with the LMM/DPF?

[@miket6978]

lol spend the 30 bucks on a proper o ring kit. it will pay for itself after a few repairs

[@briansmobile1]

+Mike Torrance I agree. I put a link in the SHOW MORE for a Merchant Automotive kit.

[@chrish3720]

Looks like he has a good kit to me,wide assortment

[@TM-lw8wn]

air in the fuel system..... yeh...been there.

[@Kevin-ty9hg]

Hey Brian, just curious what type of trans fluid to add to the tank?

[@rolliemoon5082]

Kevin did you ever get an answer on what type of trans fluid to use?

[@rolliemoon5082]

Kevin I found what type in the other comments thanks.

[@Rulusan]

700? For what? The OEM fuel filter assembly complete including the filter is less than 125 bucks. Granted a rebuild kit is far less but the entire assembly isn't much. Fun fact, a lot of the time the assembly develops a crack in the metal so your air sucking comes from the crack rather than an O ring so you end up needing the entire thing anyway.

[@Reaglesracing44_]

hey brian would the fuel filter head cause a hard starting on my 06 LBZ duramax?? also i get a really loud whine when i step on the brake pedal. power steering pump i replaced one year ago with a GM part! I also replaced the Master cylinder with a new Gm one. any ideas would be great!!

[@briansmobile1]

RVGURU As you likely know you've got hydroboost or a hydraulic brake booster that runs off your power steering pump. If it whines, it's likely got air in the system.... somewhere. Any time you have air getting into the fuel supply, it can and often will contribute to hard starting or if severe enough a crank no start condition.

[@Reaglesracing44_]

would i have a bad Hydrobooster?? or can i put on a power steering cooler?

[@briansmobile1]

Overheating the fluid will give a temporary sensation of air in the system (boil over) when it's really getting worked hard like when towing down a curve a low speed. A cooler may help a little with that. If it does it all the time even at a decent RPM driving straight and unloaded, then there's air being introduced.

[@Reaglesracing44_]

it does it all the time. the fluid stays full and does not leak. i flushed it couple years ago

[@Mebob2001]

RVGURU hard starting on an 06 LLY/LBZ could be a number of things, more commin by FAR is the fuel filter head or a shitty after market fuel filter, i have yet to see an after market fuel filter separate the water from the fuel... start with something simple go prime the filter head like brain did WITHOUT opening the bleeder, remember this system sucks fuel from the tank, there is no lift pump so by pumping the primer it will put pressure in the system and show a leak like this, but put a delco fuel filter on it a new one, and cut open old one look for restriction, after that take it to someone who knows that engine. not just any diesel tech sorry for stepping in brain i also work on duramax engines daily, well usally... right now a ford 6.0l...

[@grahambuchan4935]

how much trans fluid do you put in the tank?

[@briansmobile1]

a quart or two on a full tank.

[@LuisMartinez-sm4gl]

What brand name fluid

[@CrwlrZk]

Lake county? I know that area.

[@briansmobile1]

+CrwlrZk The truck is from there- yes!

[@angry4988]

Best place ever

[@vadoo1]

You are Ok

[@rexburn1955]

you can leave the check ball out. don't need it. when you buy the CAT fuel filter kit. the instructions actually tell you to leave the check ball out. it allows for more and easier fuel flow.

[@arrow251]

Looks the same to me.

[@77mrswag]

I have the same problem my truck It’s a 06 5.9 Cummins But instead is black smoke I’ve replaced the #5 injector And #1 injector I got it cleaned out It was good for a minute but does the same thing again

[@you77777777777777]

You added trans fluid to the fuel. How much?

[@ShadeTreeBuilt09]

He said a qt

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i ran 80% used atf in my old mb.. worked great

[@Crana]

99% of problems you get with modern diesels revolve around all the eco crap they fit, EGR valves, DFP filters, swirl flaps etc. etc. pain in the arse. I had to clean the EGR on my 1.9 CDTi engine and I looked like a chimney sweep by the time I was finished, it was just caked in 64,000 miles worth of soot.

[@Carlostype]

my Saab93 1.9tid May have the same engine and after cleaning egr follow the pipe down to the anti shudder valve- the circuit board in there sits in a pool of oil, crazy.

[@saywhat9158]

How ironic calling it "Eco crap" only to admit all the crap that had to be cleaned out that would otherwise been dispersed into the air for our lungs to filter instead. We should all be sorry that you have to do extra maintenance simply because most people desire soot free air. Again, apologies for your inconvenience and your right to impose your pollution upon others. Those damn "eco nazis" at the car companies as well as the world should be stopped from stopping freedom of pollution.

[@Crana]

I forgive you, it's ok, don't worry about it. I'm even so nice I choose to clean out these eco nazi devices instead of doing what others do and blank them off all together.

[@BiggusDickus2]

SayWhat? Stupid tree hugger, soot falls to the earth and the emissions from diesels are less harmful than gasoline. Do some research fuckwit.

[@fixaday]

Joe Smith Yeah but nitrogen oxides don't. They're also more plentiful coming from diesels, which contributes to ozone depletion, acid rain, and for some people severe tissue irritation. Do some research, fuckwit.

[@latinaso2007srmr]

where u loosing coolant?

[@nono-fn3zc]

checked the balance rates???

[@briansmobile1]

no no Yes, it said # 4 & #6 were slightly lean. By the book they were close enough. I can't remember the exact numbers, but I was disappointed to not have more evidence. I used the digital tuner (Edge).

[@adamsauto89]

lol i talk to myself all day. i think you have to be a little crazy to be a good mechanic. what we do all day is far from natural. we work with machines all day so there's nobody to consult with but ourselves. i work for myself doing what you do but do it mobile also. i have a helper that only works with me a couple months of the year. so im alone a lot and think a lot out loud. any one who gives you shit for talking to yourself prob has no idea how anything in this world works. Mechanics is like the master of all trades. name it we deal with it or are willing to learn cuz shit changes every year. by the way your vids are great.

[@briansmobile1]

+adamsauto89 Thanks Adam. I did year round mobile repair for years when I was in college. It was tough, but it sure paid a lot better than working a "job" and it fit my schedule too. Much respect brother!

[@adamsauto89]

You would make a great teacher. seems like you like to teach others threw your vids. would be a god job to retire and do. Thats my plan when i get old. Keep on making god vids bro and hope to see you progress to the top!

[@D6Spanky]

Cool!

[@deanomatic5129]

I just got the filter housing new gm for $107.00

[@zimmyflip]

i was gonna do this but my dealer sold me a new filter and head for 120 bucks lol

[@rusco321]

Which dealer?

[@stanleymacmillan2003]

My truck

[@scottsmith6571]

Wixx fuel filters have been working for me don't buy car quest

[@jasonfritz1963]

So I see you keep saying how the smoke cleared up and it quit smoking but it’s hazing like crazy I don’t know if you’re blind or lying to yourself but It’s still bad!

[@GrandPrix46]

He said he doesn't have any after footage, he followed up with the owner who said its been doing better since adding the trans fluid to the fuel.

[@DDescalchuk57]

If you remove that check ball and spring you’ll gain some fuel pressure that’s just a huge restriction in the fuel system

[@mikef6706]

I recently had a P0087 low fuel rail psi. Will this help to remove ball and spring?

[@Veikra]

of course the filter housing cost 700$, the bleed screw cost 23$ by itself ! Who the fuck price those things !

[@JohnDiMartino]

I know this is an old video. If this gentleman is still a customer and I were you I would take a good lookat the smoke coming out each side of the motor pull off the crankcase breather is on the valve covers on each side see what side most of the smoke is coming from. My LB seven Duramax was hiffi crankcase mist. Way worse than yours. I isolate it to the driver Side valve cover. I pulled the upper valve cover reconnected the injector lines and fired it up the second cylinder back compression and exhaust where escaping between the injector cup and injector. My injectors were done by a dealer who rushed the job and didn't tork the injectors properly. I replaced that injector and that cupbecause the heat had separated it from the head. Put it back together and I have zero blow by now my oil usage stoppedand my miles per gallon went up just a thought it may have a loose injector.I took a video of the leakage you can hear it very clearly I will try to post it on here.

[@alexsbikesandmotors]

does anyone make a decent diesel truck engine these days?

[@Veikra]

Alex's Bikes and Motors im pretty happy with my 250 000miles duramax, on original injectors

[@johnsmith-gk3ek]

Alex's Bikes and Motors bypass or take off all the emissions crap and then you have a chance of having a decent diesel truck.

[@chrisjohnson2403]

Yes they do the 7.3

[@Veikra]

Chris Johnson if you really want a ford, 7,3 is the way to go. Otherwise just factor in the lost time and expensive repairs and be happy with a 6.0 6.4

[@briansmobile1]

+Alex's Bikes and Motors Caterpillar is great, Kubota is decent enough, and I really like Cummins. Duramax is a great engine too, but cost of ownership goes up pretty fast after 120k miles or so.

[@georgesarabia4529]

Amazons car parts

[@butchcassidy5398]

Looks like it smoke to me are you blind?

[@neshobanakni]

He says it was stock footage from before the fix. He didn't see the truck after the fix, but the owner was happy.

[@rickmichalski2882]

.

[@MudRFunR]

So, seriously, the tranny fluid trick totally fixed it?

[@TreeFeller4Life]

MudRFunR no it did not. It's still snowing and has a ton of blow by. Nothing worked obviously it's still smoking the same exact amount as before.

[@jimmymangat9296]

First!

[@briansmobile1]

jimmy mangat Congrats! You nailed it!

[@jimmymangat9296]

Thanks, you did too with your video

[@grin64]

I think mine need injectors. not cats pajamas there.

[@grin64]

did you just put some f type in the tank?

[@milfordcivic6755]

First problem....it's a GM!

[@austinnipper6460]

Sorry, had to since I own an 04 66😉