The Duramax is a family of diesel engines manufactured by General Motors. Duramax engines are designed and used in trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles, like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Hummer H2 and the GMC Savana. These engines rely on a steady flow of diesel fuel to run properly. A problem in the fuel system can shut down the whole vehicle. Troubleshooting a faulty fuel system immediately is critical.
Check your fuel tank for signs of a puncture or corrosion. Crawl underneath your vehicle and locate the fuel tank near the rear of the vehicle. Visually inspect the surface area of the fuel tank. Look on the ground beneath the fuel tank for signs of a fuel leak.
Check your fuel line for a puncture of corrosion. Follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. Look for rusted areas or obvious punctures.
Check the connections of the fuel line assembly. The fuel line flows through several components from the fuel tank to the engine. Inspect the connections of your fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel injector. Components should be securely fastened to fuel line via flange bolts and nuts.
Check your carburetor for signs of corrosion and dirt. Most vehicles manufactured after 1990 do not have a carburetor. However, if your vehicle has one, the carburetor will likely be located near the rear of the engine on the driver's side.
Check to see how much fuel is in your fuel tank. Add a few gallons to cover the possibility that your fuel gauge is malfunctioning.
Look for a fuel leak in your fuel tank. Check your fuel line for leakage as well.
Locate your fuel filter and fuel pump and inspect both components. Components should be free of corrosion and excessive dirt. Replace fuel filter and or fuel pump if it has been more than 15,000 miles since your last tuneup.
Inspect the fuel injection pumps. Locate the fuel injection pumps just below the cylinders on your diesel engine. Look for signs of a fuel leak around the injection pumps.
Drain and flush your fuel system to cover the possibility that you mistakenly filled your fuel tank with unleaded gas. Refill your tank with diesel gas.
Inspect your fuel tank for corrosion or signs of a puncture.
Inspect your fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel injector. Replace components that appear worn, corroded or excessively dirty.
Consider fuel saving tips, such as reducing the weight in your vehicle, properly inflating your tires, avoiding traffic and stop-and-go driving and avoiding sudden speed changes.
