Duramax won't run, fuel or fuel pump problem?

[DaveDelta]

Jumped in my truck yesterday (2005 Duramax 6.6 with 160k) and it cranked fine, won't run. Replaced fuel filter and primed many, many times. It would run about 3 seconds until, it seems, ran out of fuel. When I pump the primer with the bleed screw closed, a small amount of fuel comes out of the under the primer housing. Is that normal? The button does get firm.

When I open the bleed screw, it seems a small amount of air bubbles continue to come out. I had my friend continue pumping the primer button while I cranked it. The engine ran as long as he pumped the primer. As soon as he stopped, the engine stopped. Is it possible the primer housing has a leak and it is aerating or do you think the injector pump is gone? Other suggestions? My truck is out of town in Modesto CA. Anyone reasonable there if I have to have it towed in? Thanks!!

[TJO116]

no fuel should come out of anywhere with the bleeder screw closed. thats your problem. you'll probably need to rebuild the housing.

[DaveDelta]

Thanks TJ. I don't remember it ever letting a little fuel out under the housing when I pumped it in the past. If I pump it about 3 times a small amount does come out under the housing on top of the housing. The button does get firm. It seems like it does not maintain a prime. So it's possible it's sucking in air from the primer housing and that makes it not run?

[Drolly82]

Just an idea had it happen to me twice where the truck was parked on an incline and wouldn't start but would crank fine.

The last time i actually un-hooked the batteries for 5-10 min, an i also primed the pump and it worked. I had tried to prime it 3 times before that with fuel leaking all over the ground an it still wouldn't start.

Make sure if you changed the fuel filter by chance that it is seated properly on the housing. You have the water seperater on the bottom of the fuel filter, and that you got the old seal off the housing if it wasn't still on the old fuel filter when you took it off.

Just hinting a few ideas that might save you some cash.

[TJO116]

From what I've read on here, even a tiny bit of a leak can really cause problems as far as that stuff goes. Complete Duramax Filter Head Rebuild Kit
this might fix your problem, and its fairly cheap. but if you wait a little while I'm sure others will chime in with a second opinion for ya.

[Drolly82]

Not sayin tjo116 is wrong by an means, just a few thangs to look at, case you were in a hurry an maybe missed somethin.

[TJO116]

Originally Posted by Drolly82

Not sayin tjo116 is wrong by an means, just a few thangs to look at, case you were in a hurry an maybe missed somethin.

No worries man. Second opinions are great, especially since I've never had this problem personally...and I'm not a mechanic. We're all just tryin to help a brotha out.

[Drolly82]

Sure thing man

[DaveDelta]

Thanks guys. Off to check out the primer rebuild thread(s) and try to get o-rings at NAPA today. Problem was prior to replacing the fuel filter, that was just a starting point because it needed replacing. I have changed it before and was careful the o-rings were on the filter correctly and the drain plug assembly. Hopefully it's the primer assembly cuz I don't have the $ to replace the fuel pump.

[TJO116]

I doubt its the fuel pump. Dont hear about those going bad too often.