Fuel injectors on Duramax engines are plagued with different problems. Fuel leaking is the most common, and that can cause fuel to mix with the oil. Knowing when you should think about replacing injectors can help you save a lot of money.
But how long can LMM injectors last? It mainly depends on the quality of fuel and maintenance of the vehicle. Depending on those factors, stock fuel injectors can last as short as 50k miles, but they can also go for 300k miles.
In either case, you need to know what the signs point out to injector replacement. When diagnosing the problem with the original injectors, you must act fast. A lot of drivers are upgrading stock injectors with new injectors that offer more power. Stay with us so you will learn the symptoms of fuel injection problems and how to resolve them.
Understanding LMM Injectors
Duramax LMM injectors are implemented in 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with LMM engines made between 2007. and 2010. These engines brought some innovative features. The EGR and DPF systems meet stricter emission standards.
How LMM Injectors Work
The fuel injector sprays fuel into the engine, and from there, it goes into the combustion chamber. The fuel system has several components; the injectors are the last. Fuel injectors spray fuel in a certain way so the combustion will go properly. They atomize the fuel into a spray and send it into the cylinders.
The ECU monitors the injectors and how much power the engine needs. When a driver presses the accelerator pedal, injectors add extra fuel to the cylinders.
Check Out FUEL INJECTORS – How They Work :
Signs of Injector Failure
Bad injectors can cause a lot of problems for the engine. Knowing to diagnose the warning signs will keep your engine healthier for longer. These are the most common symptoms of failing fuel injectors:
- White smoke is coming out of the exhaust. The common cause of white smoke is a fuel leak
- Rough idle. This is a sign that the spark plugs are not firing correctly. That is often connected with fuel injectors
- The smell of fuel in and around the car. If there is a problem with the fuel injectors, the ECU will send excess fuel. That can cause additional damage and leak.
Factors Affecting Injector Lifespan
Several factors will impact the mileage of the common rail injectors. Bad fuel, driving habits, and irregular maintenance are the most common.
Quality of Fuel Used
These common rail injectors are susceptible to problems caused by bad-quality fuel. The build-up in the fuel injection system can cause leaking and contamination of fuel. Clearing the injector lines can only postpone the resolution of this problem. Try to find a gas station that has a proven quality of diesel and fill the tank there.
Maintenance Practices
Changing the filters and oil regularly will keep the fuel injectors healthy longer. Also, the fuel pump should work adequately and lubricate all the parts. If there is insufficient lubrication, all the moving parts will wear and tear faster.
Driving Habits
How we drive impacts different parts of the vehicle. From the engine, transmission, suspension system, and others. All they react to is how we treat them. The same thing is to the whole fuel injection system.
The injection system controls how much fuel will be injected into the engine. If the driver constantly pushes this system to the limits, that can result in problems with the fuel system. Also, frequent towing of large amounts of cargo can pull the strain on the fuel injection.
Average Lifespan of LMM Injectors
One of the weaknesses of almost every diesel engine is its injectors. Depending on driving habits and how often you visit the mechanic will directly impact their lifespan. Also, choosing a better quality fuel will help.
Factors that Can Affect the Lifespan
Driving habits and style will affect the fuel injector’s lifespan. If the truck is driven regularly, the fuel injectors can last longer than 100k miles. If the truck is used for towing, that can shorten the lifespan of the injectors.
Extending the Lifespan of LMM Injectors
There are cases where stock LMM injectors lasted for 300k miles. The only way to achieve this is by following the tips for improving the lifespan of fuel injectors.
Maintenance Tips and Practices
Regular engine maintenance will ensure that the fuel will not be contaminated. Regularly replacing all filters and oil will keep the entire engine and fuel systems running smoothly.
Upgrades that Can Improve Lifespan
It is often difficult to find a fuel station with good-quality diesel fuel. These fuel injectors are sensitive to the use of bad fuel. In those cases, using fuel additives showed good results. Either way, it is recommended to use fuel additives to add power to the engine and prolong the lifespan of the fuel injectors.
Cost of Replacing LMM Injectors
When the time comes, be prepared that you will need to splash out a major sum for this repair. Replacing a set of fuel injectors can cost between $1500 and over $3000. After that, you need to add the price for mechanical labor.
Average Cost of Replacement
The price of new fuel injectors varies. A single injector can cost between $179 and over $500. If you decide to improve your performance, you must put more money on the table. With that, you get more horsepower and torque.
The cost of mechanic labor also varies between $800 and $1500. Replacing fuel injectors is difficult, and many parts need to be removed.
Pro Tip: We recommend replacing all the fuel injectors simultaneously if there is more than one that has a problem.
How to Determine If It’s Time to Replace
The only way to know that installed fuel injectors are ready for replacement is by diagnosing the problems. If you see white smoke from the exhaust or smell fuel in the car, visit a mechanic. It is hard if the engine is stalling or starting; you should check if the injectors fail.
How Long Do LMM Injectors Last: FAQs
How often do you need to replace Duramax injectors?
Depending on the state of the injectors. Some truck owners will replace fuel injectors every 150k miles. Others will have to visit the mechanic three times more often.
How do I know if my Duramax needs injectors?
Every Duramax needs injectors. They use the direct injection fuel system. The main parts of this system are the injection pump and fuel injectors.
Final Considerations
Without a properly functioning fuel injector system, the vehicle will have significant problems. Rough idling, problems with starting the car, and excessive fumes while idling are all warning signs. If you notice any of them, visit the mechanic. If you let this problem slide, the fuel injectors can spray the fuel into the oil compartment. Mixing oil and fuel will damage the engine in the long run.
Using low-quality fuel can result in dirt build-up inside the fuel filter and lines. Using a fuel additive can help minimize this problem. You can always replace the old injectors with better ones. These can offer better performance and longevity.
