Hi, looks like it is my turn to be bit by a no start issue.
:help2:

Here is what I have:
1995 6.5 TD K2500. Engine is all stock, K&N filter, double oil filters, Pro Comp Lift kit, 35'' tires.

My PMD is on its way out, I know that 'cause there is a definite pattern to no start/hard start condition. I have a spare, made my own extension, but keep postponing installing it, untill I'm ready to do an all out fix-up on a truck (intercooler, gauges, chip, custom upper intake, relocated PMD, etc).

Basically hard starting happens whenever there is a hot day, I drive around for more than an hour and park in the sun. After that it is pretty much guaranteed. If I get engine going from the first crank, I raise rpms to 1300-1500, keep it through the sputter and then it is good to do. If i let it die on the first crank, then there is a mandatory cooling off period of 2-3 hours, depending on the outside temperatures.
It is funny what one would learn just to drive a GM diesel, ha? ):h

Recently decided to put some Marvel Mystery Oil mixed with Kerosene in the fuel tank. (16oz of 50/50 mix for 3/4 tank full). Not sure if it has to do with anything, but my starting routine fell out of pattern at the next parking stop and I got stuck. Drained my batteries, got a jump start from a tow truck - still no start.

Towed it home, charged the batteries, read the info on the board, did the basic troubleshooting (bled the fuel bowl, shorted lift pump contacts at the fuse block, etc) - everything seems OK, but still no start. Since my truck has 98,000 miles, decided to tow it to a dealer for a possible PMD/Injector Pump replacement and here is where all the fun starts.

After a day at the shop, dealer says it is lift pump/fuel filer issue and quotes me $850 :confused: to do the work. 200 is diagnostic fee and the rest (650) is parts and labor (last I checked lift pump was $95 at heathdiesel.com). I know Lift pump was working when I messed with it at home, maybe not at 100% capacity (I didn't hook up the pressure gauge), but it was not dead. I also know there was a fuel in the fuel bowl and no crud.

My questions are:
- would a worn (still working though) lift pump cause a no-start?
- can I get diagnostic fee covered under the GM warranty, since it is fuel system related?
-what is the dealio with a $850 estimate, am I being screwed, I feel very vulnerable at this point ;)?

Thank you, appreciate all the help.

Bump

Yes
No
Yes

Dude, get a manual for your truck and start doing your own work. You can change a lift pump in less than 5 minutes. A bad lift pump and/or OPS will cause a no start condition. To make sure it is the lift pump/OPS that is causing it, unscrew the fuel filter and see if the fuel bowl is full.
Exact same thing happened to my Yukon. Truck wouldn't start, i checked the fuel bowl, and it was less than a quarter full. New OPS and lift pump installed and I was back on the road.

A bad PMD can also cause no start, but it will be accompanied by stalling as well.

I would lean more toward PMD failure on this one. If you could get it to "fail" again, you could try to crack an injector line and see if you have fuel there under the no-start condition. (disclaimer: not there to see, just a thought)

Stay away from stealers! Unless of course you're getting your Freebe under warranty stuff. By the way, I'm not sure what qualifies or not, but your fuel system does have a 120k mile warranty. Don't know if lift pump falls under that or not . . . but the stealer may not share that info with you willingly.

Here is a link to a copy of GM's warranty policy. Hope it helps.

www.thedieselpage.com/members/DSwarranty.htm (http://www.thedieselpage.com/members/DSwarranty.htm)

Dan

Thanks a bunch for the info.
I got a new lift pump with lifetime warranty from the local auto store for 69.99, will be installing it this weekend. Looks like a 10min job, including new filter install. If lift pump is not what was wrong with the truck, will be getting that 200 diagnostic fee back.

P.S. Are only members of thedieselpage.com supposed to have access to the warranty letter?

YEAPPER I bet, Don't forget the OPS, might want to search and see how to relay around or jump around (for testing only) to see if it helps.

OPS works, after cranking it for a while the lift pump kicks in.

is the filter bowl staying full during the start attempts?

Cut to the chase, lift pump and OPS work, you need an injection pump, they come with a PMD and a warranty, problem solved.