2001 Chevy Van 2001 3500 Diesel stalling problem

MAZZY50

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I'm having a fuel (?) Problem with my van. I stall while driving or when idling or it doesn't start. Eventually it starts. Maybe I'm fooling myself but it seems to start after I empty the fuel filter and bleed it. Then it goes for a few days and dies again.

I dropped the fuel tank and there was flecks in it. I emptied the tank, cleaned (maybe not good enough) the fuel pump and put it back up, hoping I'd get through the winter and replace the tank in the spring.

Now I'm thinking the fuel injectors may be dirty. I don't even know where to look for them.

Where can I find a diagram of the fuel system of this?

Should I try to do it myself? I service oil burners and repair clocks so I'm not mechanically challenged.

Is there a way I can diagnose this. No "service engine soon" light that comes on and no codes.

Thanks

2 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

What is sounds like is that the fuel pump is getting weak. If you had the fuel tank out before and the fuel pump then you can replace it yourself.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 11:59 AM

MAZZY50

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I found out what the problem was. It was the PMD sensor on the fuel injection pump. It was getting hot and would stall. It happens in vans because of the close quarters of the engine.

The mechanic wired a new sensor from the injection pump on to a remote heat sinking thingamajig that was installed away from the engine so it wouldn't get hot.

The mechanic who diagnosised the problem wanted $1,000 to do the job. $600 for the part and $400 for labor. I shopped around and got the job done for $520. Tipped the 1st mechanic and didn't need Preparation H.

Thank you for your time. I hope this helps you in diagnosing the problem if you come across it again.

Marilyn