Greetings all - 96 Suburban 6.5 and 07 Sierra Classic 6.6 here

[Oceanguy]

Hello all,
I have been turning wrenches on my own vehicles as a hobby and more so due to necessity. I have owned my 6.5 since 2012 and just purchased an 07 Classic with the 6.6. Thanks to all I have communicated with over the years with in researching 6.5 troubles. I have yet to be able to share "knowledge" but have learned a great deal from many on the board(s).

I have a full fleet of diesels as I also have 3 VW diesels (pre-scandal vehicles) and my of all my vehicles, the 96 is the oldest and has the least amount of miles at around 160k.

I tow a 7500lb camper a few weekends each month of the summer and look forward to learning more about the LBZ I just added.

Bob
Northeastern PA

 

[NVW]

Welcome to TTS

 

[Will L.]

Welcome,
don't forget to fill out you signature line, I only mention my favorite toy, others list the entire fleet (probably a better idea).

 

[Ed HD]

Welcome!!! Share some pics of the trucks, and feel free to start threads for each in the Project Central thread, and update them as you do repairs and modifications!!

I still want to get an 07 Classic 2500HD CCSB loaded. I like that truck better than anything between 08 and 14...

 

[NVW]

Welcome,
don't forget to fill out you signature line, I only mention my favorite toy, others list the entire fleet (probably a better idea).

I have less than half mine listed, mind you most are in the bone yard out back.

 

[snarl95]

welcome

 

[btfarm]

Welcome to The Truck Stop from a fellow LBZ owner

 

[Oceanguy]

Thanks for the welcome notes - now for my next objective - proof read before posting I'll get some photos up soon. Steering box project for the weekend and glow plugs. Can't seem to pull the code with my Torque App pro but a dealer scan told me it was glow plugs (didn't note which ones as I figured I was replacing all). Odd thing is, when I got it home, the OBD plug was dead due to a blown fuse under the hood. I can clear the Check engine light but it comes back after re-starting. Glow plug light stays on for a while on a cold start.
Between reading the forums and addressing the loose steering this weekend, I may be posting in the other sections of the forum this weekend.
Happy Easter to all.

 

[Burning oil]

Welcome to you and you get your first like

 

[Oceanguy]

I may offer this up in the another section but I learned a valuable lesson on the glow plug removal... I have experience with seized plugs in my ALH motor so I should have had a better plan. I had soaked them all week in PB Blaster and Kroil and the first one (plug 1) came out as expected. I then moved to 7 figuring that would be the most difficult and found the 8mm nut was already gone and likely part of the code issue because when I went to remove the wire, the anode came out by hand with it. Went to remove the plug and it felt like it was moving but then broke. The rest of the details of the other 2 plugs on the passenger side are not important to the lesson except to say that I now know how to remove them without difficulty and feel 100% confident I could do anyone's plugs in any condition.
So after breaking 3 of 4 on passenger side, I was able to remove 2 of 3 with the Erwin extractor and impact screw driver with hammer blows. However, one broke off too short and the extractor wasn't able to grab. I ordered the Blue-Point/Rigid 35585 in hopes it will bite it inside the plug - if anyone has experience on this tool, I'd love to have the confidence when it arrives that it will work... I do also own this extractor kit (as referenced to the ALH history) http://blog.wiseautotools.com/sprinter-broken-glow-plug-removal-tool-instructions/ but did not want to damage the head with my drilling skills.

Avoid Frustration from broken glow plugs by following the steps below:
1st - expect the 8mm nut to break away from the plug - that's actually a good thing as it makes the next step easier access to the 12mm (assuming you don't break off the connector - which isn't fatal btw). Then I take my Erwin Nut extractor - this part is just my preference as you can use a 1/2" drive 12mm short drive socket as well. I place a 9" 1/2 drive impact extension onto my cheap (don't be a hater - Harbor Freght) Impact screw driver with the appropriate size socket to fit over the Irwin extractor which is grabbing the 12mm nut on the glow plug. A few whacks and you will feel the glow plug begin its happy removal from its seized position. #8 plug fear is completely removed in my humble opinion as this tool set up fits perfectly and with the extension, the hammer blow option fits easily. The only tough one is the access to the hiding one behind the steering column but with me doing the steering box, it makes it easy peasy.
Any one live nearby that has Duramax head removal experience in the event my 35585 doesn't do the job?

 

[Burning oil]

Is the problem that the GPs threads seize onto the head? Use anti seize on threads next time?

I make a tool to remove GPs but thread must be disengaged from head for it to work.
On 6.5s the tip on some brands can swell up and make it impossible to pull without a tool.
See it here http://leroydiesel.com/products/leroys-glow-plug-removal-tool/