I screwed up. 07 classic Duramax won't start

[deltadude]

I know better but did it anyway. I started my truck and moved it and then shut it off. It only ran for about 30 seconds. Now, the next day, it won't start. Cranks just fine but will not catch. I'm assuming I lost the prime. I looked in the manual but don't see anything other than being told not to use starting fluid. It says if it doesn't start, it needs to be serviced. Any hints out there? I've had boats with diesel engines and have had to loosen injector lines to bleed them but they were much simpler engines.

[saw dust kid]

I would check the fuel filter for water. I have a 07 also tells me change filter every 15,000 miles.

[bsmith0404]

There is a priming pump on the fuel filter bracket (passenger side of the engine near the fire wall). There is also a bleed screw that you can open with a large screw driver, pump the primer until you get fuel from the bleeder, then close the bleed screw and pump until it get firm. Also, be aware that the block the fuel filter attaches too was prone to cracking in those years which would cause you to lose prime on a fairly regular basis. If that happens, you can replace it fairly cheap, a lot of after market diesel parts companies make/sell the part.

[deltadude]

Thanks for the info. Took me a minute to figure out the pump. It's a plunger rather than a lever. The bracket doesn't show any signs of failing but I'll keep an eye on it.

[bsmith0404]

Guess I could have provided a better description of the pump, glad you figured it out. If you continue to have problems, replace the head. You can get them on ebay and amazon for around $70.

[shov]

Instead of replacing the head, there is an O ring rebuild kit readily available also. Very simple and straight forward, I think mine cost me about $19. Either way good luck

[Desert185]

I had a similar problem with a 12-valve Cummins, but after an overnight sit, not short term. Changed the fuel filter and end of problem.

Normally, a short run and shutdown should not have an impact on a restart.

[shov]

Fuel filters and properly functioning batteries solve nearly 90% of issues on the Duramax


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