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Head Gasket Kit, LB7 Duramax | 2001-2004

Merchant Automotive

$189.95 - $1,199.95
SKU:
4500
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This head gasket kit is for the LB7 Duramax in 2001 to 2004 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks. It has the gaskets and seals for the parts that come off to get the heads out: valve covers, exhaust manifolds, up pipes, turbo inlet, intake, coolant pipes and the injector seals and return lines. Every part in the kit is for the LB7, so there are no extra seals for other engines.

You choose the head gaskets, head bolts and valve guide seals when you order.

Kit Options

What's Included

Every version of the kit has these parts:

Signs of a Blown Head Gasket

  • White smoke from the tailpipe
  • Coolant loss with no leak you can find
  • Milky looking engine oil
  • Overheating
  • Bubbles in the radiator or coolant reservoir
  • Coolant pushing out of the reservoir, or a hard upper radiator hose before the engine is started
  • Coolant streaks near the head gasket

Before You Order

  • This kit fits the LB7 from 2001 to 2004. For an LLY, LBZ, LMM, LML or L5P, see our other head gasket kits.
  • Grade C is the only head gasket grade offered with this kit. If your engine needs a different grade, order the kit without head gaskets.
  • Coolant, oil and filters aren't included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get the GM head bolts or the ARP studs?
Either one works. The factory head bolts are torque to yield, so the old ones shouldn't be reused. New GM bolts are the lower cost choice. ARP studs clamp harder and are a common pick on tuned trucks, but they aren't required to fix a blown head gasket. If you use studs, follow ARP's torque steps and recheck them before the engine goes back together.

Do I need the valve guide seals?
In most cases, only if the machine shop is taking the valves out of the heads. If the shop is doing a valve job, new valve guide seals go in when the valves go back in.

What does Grade C mean?
GM makes Duramax head gaskets in different thicknesses, called grades. The grade an engine needs depends on how far the pistons stick up out of the block. If you don't know which grade yours needs, check before ordering.

Are the head gaskets different for each side?
Yes. The left (driver) and right (passenger) gaskets aren't interchangeable, and each one is marked. Installing one on the wrong side is a common mistake, so check the marking before the head goes on.

Should the heads go to a machine shop?
In most cases, yes. Have the heads checked for cracks and flatness, and check the block deck with a straightedge while it's open.

Do I need to pull the cab?
Both ways are done. Many shops pull the cab when they have a lift because it opens up the back of the engine. With the cab on, the job is tighter, especially at the firewall.

What else should I replace while the heads are off?
The water pump, thermostats and old coolant hoses are the parts people most often replace at the same time. See our 2001-2005 water pump kit and thermostat kit.

Can I order the kit without head gaskets?
Yes. Pick "none" for head gaskets and you'll get everything else in the kit.

Are the injectors included?
No. The kit has new seals, cup O-rings and return line seals for the injectors, but not the injectors.

For warranty information, see our Warranty Policy.

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