GM-GMC: HD 3500 6.5 Diesel, fuel injection pump, continuous trouble

Question
My 1996 Chevy HD 3500 6.5 liter diesel will just quit running for no apparent reason. The injection pump was replaced about 1 1/2 years ago. We replaced the ground strap already. What could be causing this?

Answer
It is generally the PMD (pump mounted driver) which is also known as the FSD (fuel solenoid driver).  This is the black plastic assembly mounted on the side of the fuel injection pump.  They are a source of continuous trouble on computer-controlled 6.5 diesels.

Go to www.kennedydiesel.com and look under tech tips for procedures to read diagnostic codes.  If you have OBD-I, you can jump the connections on the computer port.  For OBD-II, you have to use a scanner.  Most auto parts stores will scan the codes for free.

This procedure will ensure that something else is not causing the shut-downs.  If the PMD is bad, it generally does not set a diagnostic code that can be read.  To prevent problems. the PMD should be remote mounted away from engine heat.  Kennedy Diesel, and others, sell kits for that modification.