I have an '03 GMC 2500HD with the Duramax diesel. A while ago, I was leaving the house and after 1/2 mile, it just died, never to start again. Truck started fine that morning, and has had no previous issues. No codes were thrown, and it turns over just fine, it just won't hit. I can spray a little ether (I'm a big boy, so no lectures please) and it will catch for a second, but as soon as the ether burns off, it dies. Three different mechanics and I have been through the (*&^*&)(*)(&*^ truck and so far, all we've had zero success.
As I said, the computer isn't telling us jack. We have changed the cam shaft position sensor, and entire new fuel filter, housing, intake and outflow hoses, water sensor, etc. Gone through all of the fuses, and several other things to no avail.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Sounds like the high pressure pump is dead.

Have you changed the fuel filter? You probably have but.....
Also, the injectors are controlled and activated by the onboard computer so the issue could be electrical which is an issue with the GM and Dodge diesels. If the computer has crapped out it may not have thrown any service codes. Hope you get it sorted out.

Replace the water separator valve on the bottom of the fuel filter.
Sounds like you spent enough money trying to save a buck that a real mechanic could have fixed.
I would bet you a hundred that it will fix it.

If the ether fires, it's probably not getting fuel. Check to see if there is air in the fuel lines between the injector pump and the injectors. Crack the lines and crank long enough to get a spray, but cover your eyes while you do it. Also check the lift pump, but I suppose that's already been done.

TomP,
I have seen this several times. Happened to me at about 140,000 and at 210,000. The o'ring seal between the little valve on the bottom of the filter cracks and it sucks air. You can use the priming pump and it will fire and die. I have had numerous of them towed into the shop and that was the problem.

Butch, did you miss the parts about have completely replaced fuel filter housing and 3 diff mechanics? Do you think I did all that and put the old filter and o-rings back on? Geez

Thanks for suggestions, will have diff mechanic test fuel rail pressure this week.

You probably didn't understand what I said. It has nothing to do with the fuel filter housing. Take your fuel filter off the housing and turn it upside down. Do you see what is screwed on the bottom? Go to GM and buy another and screw it on. Fill your filter with diesel, ATF, or whatever. Prime it and start it. Not trying to be a smartass, just telling you what I have seen numerous times.

Thanks to y'all for trying to help. It would seem that the CP3 pump of the EDU?? comp module would be the next two things to try.
Butch,
I understood perfectly what you were saying. Maybe I haven't been clear. Every single stinkin' part, including the Water sensor, and all o-rings, etc. that you are suggesting, (which were btw, the very first parts that I changed) plus housing etc. that has anything to do with fuel filtration is brand spankin' new. I'm not trying to be an ass, I just thought I was clear about that, and I'm not being cheap either. Also thought the 3 different mechanics thing covered that part too.

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:
Butch, did you miss the parts about have completely replaced fuel filter housing and 3 diff mechanics? Do you think I did all that and put the old filter and o-rings back on? Geez

Wow, you make a plea for help and then when someone tries to help, you brush them aside with a condescending little back hand. One would think that a simple, "Thanks Butch, already tried that but appreciate the thought and the attempted help" would have sufficed. I little civility goes along way when someone is looking for someone to help.

Thanks Mike,
I get this all the time. They tow them in and say that they have done all of this, so it must not be much wrong.
The c3 pump is the lift pump. I believe it gets its power from the oil pressure switch. You could have a defective OP switch if you are not getting power to the c3 pump. I'm not saying you have a lift pump problem. This is just a way to check it to eliminate it.
If you have 3 mechanics that haven't figured it out maybe you need to find a real one.

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:

Sounds like you spent enough money trying to save a buck that a real mechanic could have fixed .
I would bet you a hundred that it will fix it.

He lead with this, and you call my response a backhand. Like I'm a cheapskate dumbass who searched the Yellow pages under the heading of "Most Incompetent but Inexpensive Mechanics".
You have no idea how much time and money I've already spent on this #$%%@^**^ problem. It's pretty damned frustrating, and if it was something THAT simple, do you think that I'd be appealing for help on a forum like AR.

Butch,
I do appreciate the attempt at help, and sorry if I came off as an asshole, but it felt a lot like Mike Detorre's sig line "you really want pork chops"... In fact, the fuel filter and water sensor were the two first things that I replaced. Another new filter and water sensor came with the fuel filter housing, so I've already actually changed them twice. Not that you knew that...
I've also got a similar post on another forum. I thought that they were identical, but, in fact, the other one is more complete and outlines all of this info in detail. I was ASSuming that Butch simply didn't read my post and automatically ASSumed I was a dumbass. My Bad. Sorry Butch.

How exactly does one go about finding a "Real Mechanic?"

Daniel,
You have a PM.I understand your frustration, but stand by my statement about your mechanics being a little shy on diesel problems.

Well,
What was the outcome?