I have a '02 LB7. Last week it started to take a long time to start and a couple days ago it would not start at all. However, it will start with a quick blast of starter fluid on the air filter. (I know this is bad, but I've only done this three times.) I assume this is the typical injector problem. It seem to run fine once it starts, although I've been noticing that the engine temp seems to vary more frequently between 181 and 195 than it used to and that maybe it has less engine braking going down steep hills, or that maybe I'm just paranoid and more aware of everything since this problem started. My dilema is that I cannot find a GMC dealership that can look at it for at least a week and I need to tow from Manchester, Vermont to Danville, Virginia next week with a '45 5th wheel loaded with a couple race cars and gear. Is it safe to start the engine using starter fluid or am I asking for trouble? I would probably have to do it 6-10 times over the weekend. Will the heavy load on the engine make the problem worse even faster? Am I a complete jackass for even thinking about using starter fluid?

Stephen Bauer
'02 GMC Duramax 3500 Dually
Edge w/ Juice (run on #2 TOW only)

Almost sounds more like a glow plug issue.

There have some serious problems with runaway engines using starter fluid on diesels- There is no way to govern or shut off the engine once you do this. If it gets enough fuel, it will blow itself to bits! Diesels don't have a throttle mechanism, and even these new ones will not shut off till the fuel is all burned, or it runs away and blows up... not good, to say the least.
Have you checked to see if you have air in the fuel system? Plugged fuel filter? A lot of things could be causing the no-start problem, and you can get it checked out at most diesel shops if the dealer "doesn't have time". They can at least help you diagnose the problem. But DON'T use starter fluid unless you like the thrill of gambling...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif

Here's a little more info if it helps:

When I've used the the starter fluid, I only gave it a quick squirt (1 second) on the filter and when the engine starts it just starts and idles, it does not rev up at all.

The no start problem happen regardless if the engine is hot, warm or ice cold, it started happening right after a pretty hard 4 hour haul with the loaded 45 foot steel race trailer mostly between 75 - 85mph with a couple long hills. EGT's were usually in the 850 - 1100 range and for a few minutes in the 1250 range with a couple spikes to 1300.

Stephen

not glowplugs IMO

time to get fixed and ether can be very bad.

I'll won't use the ether anymore.:badidea:

Stephen

Have you tried pumping the primer until you feel resistance?
If you are loosing prime, then go after the air leak.

try w40 its not so hard on it

Not sure if I did this right, but I pushed down on the primer and it got hard to impossible to push after a couple times. Still won't fire. Do I need to open the bleed also? I plan on replacing the fuel filter and checking for air leaks tonight.

What do I do with the WD-40? I assume use it instead of the nasty ether? Or just spray it all over myself and get silly?

The truck is a GMC and the GMC dealers can't get it in until next week at the earliest. However, one Chevy dealer can take it this week but after I mentioned that it was a GMC they got weird on me and first said that they can't work on it and then said that they can but they can't submit GMC warrantee work. Do you think GMC will reinburse me later if I pay the Chevy dealer?




Thanks,

Stephen

any gm dealer can cross warranty its all paper work. My guess is injection pump or injectors. with your post I would go with pump. a flow test will answer that.

at least use w40 istead of either wont blow up youer motor

It took me a whole 20 minutes of my time, but it now starts! Here's what I found: I decided to change the fuel filter (enthough I had a service at the dealership afew weeks ago) just to see if there were any leaks and to see if maybe I got some nasty fuel. When I removed the filter I noticed that it was on there extememely hard and that it appeared like the O ring was not in it's seat in one spot. Then, after removing the filter completely, I noticed that the rubber gasket inside the filter was not there. Well it must be still on the truck right? No dice, it was nowhere to be found and apparently was never there at all. The moral of the story - If you want it done right, do it yourself! Thank you to everyone for your help, it was much appreciated.

Stephen

I hope you let the dealer know what they did.
Glad you fixed the truck.:)

i doubt its glow plugs.. i've unplugged my glowplug controller and she still starts fine..