Valve seat falling out @81800miles?
 

I have a 2003 chevy 3500 2wd duramax. injectors replaced @ 41000miles and @ 81700 miles noticed more smoking at idle. Went to the dealer and was told the injectors needed replacing again. I said I was going on a 3000 mile trip and would it be OK? Was told that it would be OK just the fuel economy would go down. 115 miles into the trip the engine lost all the coolant quickly. What had happened was a valve seat had fallen out on #8 cylinder and caused alot of internal damage. A replacement engine required. My question is "can a bad injector cause the valve seat to fall out burn a "V" in the valve and torch the head? Or is it just my bad luck.Anyone with simular experences?

doesn't seem likely to me.

i guess that if that cylinder was running hotter or colder then the others then the expansion differences may have caused it to loosen and fall out

sorry for your loss

any photos of the carnage?

Yes I did take photos. Need some computer help to get them on this forum. As soon as i can I will post them. Thanks

engine photos
 

ouch, took a chunk out of the valve

a quick google search indicates that there may have been an issue with some of the earlier models loosing valve seats as GM did some revisions to correct this in the newer ones.

Rebuilding The 6.6L Duramax Diesel: Engine Builder

MMM. After talking to GM thay said it was a rare thing w/ a Duramax but since it was a 2003 at only 81000 miles no help from them. I had asked directly if this was an issue with this engine and they said no. I will read what the engind builder has to say. Thanks.

it is near the bottom, it is more of hint then hard facts

I read the whole article. Interesting reading. Thanks for the info

good history and background info on the duramax:choochoo:

I once had complete faith in this truck, now I will always wonder if I will make it round trip without any "issues". New engine in,driven a few hundred miles and now in storage untill spring 2013,thats when the racing season starts again.