Bulletin No.: PIP5016B
Date: Dec-2015

Subject:

Supplement To Service Information For Duramax Diesel Head Gasket Replacement

Models:

2001 - 2016 Chevrolet Express and Silverado
2001 - 2016 GMC Savana and Sierra
Equipped with the Duramax Diesel Engine RPO codes LB7 LBZ LGH LLY LML LMM

This PI was superseded to update Model Years. Please discard PIP5016A.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern
This PI is not for diagnostic purposes. This PI is a supplement to the Duramax diesel head gasket replacement procedure found in Service Information.

Recommendation/Instructions
The following are recommendations and best practices to follow during Duramax diesel cylinder head service or gasket replacement:
The left and right cylinder head gaskets are not interchangeable. Improper placement of the cylinder head gasket will block coolant and oil passages. Blocked
coolant and oil passages will cause severe engine damage.
Do not use any power type sanding devices. Do not use a wire brush or wheel to clean gasket surfaces. Do not use chemical cleaning agents on gasket
surfaces. Refer to the latest version of bulletin 00-06-01-012 for more information.
Refer to Service Information and the latest version of bulletin 06-06-01-006 for engine block and cylinder head sealing surface cleaning procedures.
During cylinder head servicing or cylinder head gasket replacement always use NEW M12 cylinder head bolts. The M8 cylinder head bolts can be reused.
Clean the bolt threads and holes
Leave the gaskets in the packaging until they are ready to install on the block. Once removed from the packaging handle with great care.
DO NOT set the gaskets on workbenches or toolboxes to avoid possible introduction of foreign debris .
DO NOT use air to blow between the gasket layers.
DO NOT machine the cylinder head surface. Measure the cylinder head for warpage with a straight edge and a feeler gauge. A cylinder head block deck with
warpage in excess of 0.1 mm (0.0039 in) must be replaced.
It is recommended to install two head bolts secured to minimal torque (Est. 20 Nm) prior to installing the remaining head bolts. This will minimize the chance of
introducing other foreign material during installation.
It is also recommended to use a paint pen on the M12 cylinder head bolts during installation. Mark the head of each bolt, one by one, indicating which of the 4
torque steps have been completed on that particular bolt. This prevents skipping a step or doing a step twice. In the end, all bolts should have 4 paint pen
marks.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the
remaining steps do not need to be performed.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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