04 Duramax wont start!

boltonn · 08-05-2011, 04:12 PM

Been having problems with the truck not starting, it happens randomly doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. Took it to the dealer they said it wasn't showing any codes, and every time they tried to start it the truck started right up. Got them to replace the filters and change the oil just in case. Still doesn't start. I can spray starting fluid in and it starts up after a few sprays and trys but then does it again later. I've been told that the fuel pump in the tank is messed up. But that doesn't seem right to me. Any suggestions?

RyanZ71 · 08-05-2011, 04:16 PM

Could be the fuel pump, only way to know is to have the fuel pressure checked.

**Johnasara** · 08-05-2011, 04:19 PM

You do not have a fuel pump in the tank. I would look at the filter head. it could have a hairline crack in it causing it to randomly suck air. When you have a no start issue try pumping the primer bulb until it gets hard. Then start it. You should not need any type of starting fluid.

**Siewell Dmax** · 08-06-2011, 04:42 PM

Do not use starting fluid on your truck or it will become parts for the rest of us. I second the filter head is probably the problem their are rebuilt o-ring kits from Merchant that you can probably solve that problem.

boltonn · 08-07-2011, 12:39 PM

Truck sat for a day got home sat morning fired right up

Is there a pick-up pump in the tank, was told by a mechanic about that possibly being it. John are you talking about the fuel filter? Thanks for the input guys, as you can probably tell this is my first diesel. Don't really know alot about the engines.

**Johnasara** · 08-07-2011, 01:01 PM

Yes the fuel filter head. It is the part the filter screws onto. I hear they cause porblems in the earlier years. Merchant automotive carries a rebuild kit. There is no kind of lift pump in the tank the pump is settled in the lifter valley and it actually sickt the fuel through the filter. That is why it will not run when there is a gap in the system.

Bob Trailerhauler · 08-07-2011, 01:53 PM

Been through this problem. A: There is no pickup pump in the tank. I know that because I put a Titan 43 gallon tank in my "03. Pickup and sending unit only. B: My problem was an easy fix. Bought the fuel filter head rebuild kit as mentioned above. Took the new stainless steel bleeder valve out of the kit and replaced the plastic POS that is original equipment. Have not had a problem starting in 2 years. Threw the rest of the kit on the shelf just in case. Haven't needed it.

08-05-2011, 04:12 PM	eBay Motors #1 (permalink)
boltonn Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 6	04 Duramax wont start! Been having problems with the truck not starting, it happens randomly doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. Took it to the dealer they said it wasn't showing any codes, and every time they tried to start it the truck started right up. Got them to replace the filters and change the oil just in case. Still doesn't start. I can spray starting fluid in and it starts up after a few sprays and trys but then does it again later. I've been told that the fuel pump in the tank is messed up. But that doesn't seem right to me. Any suggestions?

08-05-2011, 04:16 PM	eBay Motors #2 (permalink)
RyanZ71 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 924	Could be the fuel pump, only way to know is to have the fuel pressure checked. __________________ 2008 GMC 2500 D-Max Crew Cab Long Bed Z71 100% Stock Real trucks don't need stacks

08-05-2011, 04:19 PM	eBay Motors #3 (permalink)
Johnasara EFI'd and lovin it Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Roswell, NM Posts: 9,134	You do not have a fuel pump in the tank. I would look at the filter head. it could have a hairline crack in it causing it to randomly suck air. When you have a no start issue try pumping the primer bulb until it gets hard. Then start it. You should not need any type of starting fluid. __________________ 06 2500 CREW CAB 4X4 LBZ LOONNGGGGG BED EXHAUST,EFI LIVE,DSP5,TPTUNED BY KORY WILLIS,S&B COLD AIR INTAKE AUTOMETER GAUGES, TRANSGO JR, BLOCKED, TIE ROD SLEEVES... WORK RIG O7.5 3500 CREW,DUALLY, LMM, ROYAL UTILITY BED...STOCK......ISH This is not only your forum you have to share it with over 80,000 others Last edited by Johnasara; 08-07-2011 at 01:02 PM.

08-06-2011, 04:42 PM	eBay Motors #4 (permalink)
Siewell Dmax Duramax Lifetime Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 144	Do not use starting fluid on your truck or it will become parts for the rest of us. I second the filter head is probably the problem their are rebuilt o-ring kits from Merchant that you can probably solve that problem. __________________ (FOR SALE) 2004 Silverado 2500 HD, LB7, Resonator capped, shiny mod's - billet door handles and buckets, Centerline Blackfoot forged wheels, and a drop in K&N filter. New Headgaskets, Injectors, Cups, Turbo and Nicktane Cat Filter mod. **(AND IT IS FOR SALE)**

08-07-2011, 01:01 PM	eBay Motors #6 (permalink)
Johnasara EFI'd and lovin it Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Roswell, NM Posts: 9,134	Yes the fuel filter head. It is the part the filter screws onto. I hear they cause porblems in the earlier years. Merchant automotive carries a rebuild kit. There is no kind of lift pump in the tank the pump is settled in the lifter valley and it actually sickt the fuel through the filter. That is why it will not run when there is a gap in the system. __________________ 06 2500 CREW CAB 4X4 LBZ LOONNGGGGG BED EXHAUST,EFI LIVE,DSP5,TPTUNED BY KORY WILLIS,S&B COLD AIR INTAKE AUTOMETER GAUGES, TRANSGO JR, BLOCKED, TIE ROD SLEEVES... WORK RIG O7.5 3500 CREW,DUALLY, LMM, ROYAL UTILITY BED...STOCK......ISH This is not only your forum you have to share it with over 80,000 others

08-07-2011, 12:39 PM	eBay Motors #5 (permalink)
boltonn Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 6	Truck sat for a day got home sat morning fired right up Is there a pick-up pump in the tank, was told by a mechanic about that possibly being it. John are you talking about the fuel filter? Thanks for the input guys, as you can probably tell this is my first diesel. Don't really know alot about the engines.

08-07-2011, 01:53 PM	eBay Motors #7 (permalink)
Bob Trailerhauler Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kiowa, Co Posts: 192	Been through this problem. A: There is no pickup pump in the tank. I know that because I put a Titan 43 gallon tank in my "03. Pickup and sending unit only. B: My problem was an easy fix. Bought the fuel filter head rebuild kit as mentioned above. Took the new stainless steel bleeder valve out of the kit and replaced the plastic POS that is original equipment. Have not had a problem starting in 2 years. Threw the rest of the kit on the shelf just in case. Haven't needed it. __________________ 2003 Extended cab, short bed GM running boards, Titan 43, Air Lift Bags Bilsteins all 4, Slider Hitch Homemade flaps Montana 29 RK, Ebbtide 19' 150 horse Johnson, Lowrance Electronics GPS, Downriggers, 15000 bucks per pound of Fish, It's worth it!

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