Diesel Doctor

[robert b]

I have a 03 duramax silverado won't start unless fuel is pumped a couple times, once started runs fine no loss of power no loss of fuel mileage about 21 per gallon. Tail pipe has some black soot, idles fine no missing. Need some ideas took it back to dealership where purchased they have no clue

[ColoradoFan]

If I were in your shoes I would take it to the nearest Isuzu truck dealer since they work on the things more so than the chevy dealer.

[duramax143]

I have a 2003 HD and my truck is doing the same thing. Have you found out what the issue is yet? The dealer isn't sure what it might be and they want me to make another appointment. Half the time they seem clueless.

[RJS]

I've been having the same problem. 4 times I couldn't get started. I have just started using starter fluid. Chevy feels that there is either a fuel obstruction, or that the pump in the tank is bad. One parts dept. says that there is no pump in the tank. One says thaat there is a fuel flow sender with a pump on it. Another says that there is a sender w/no pump. $454.00 I'm going to drop the tank and see for myself. Wish me luck.

[JohnC]

There's no pump in the atnk.

If starting fluid didn't blow it up, then your glow plugs must not be working...

[RJS]

I'm back up and running. You're right, there's no pump w/ the sending unit. Apparently there is some kind of screen/filter that is part of the sender. I replaced it and she fires up right. The tank was spotless but there was some kind of deposit that had collected in the sender.

[JohnC]

[quote="RJS"]The tank was spotless but there was some kind of deposit that had collected in the sender.[/quote]

If fuel flow is restricted it should throw a code.