Duramax Hard Start

[knotflying]

I was recently having a problem starting my Duramax. It would crank several times before starting. I brought it to the shop. It turns out that I was getting a leak from around the drain from the water/fuel separator. The mechanic told me that this is a common problem and the valve has to be replaced. He also said that the primer pump is an issue as well. He actually replaced the whole pump assembly which also included a new filter and fuel/ water separator. All covered under warranty.
He told me that any leak (and there can be a few places for it to happen) in the fuel system can cause the symptoms I had. Just figured I would give those with the Duramax a heads up.
He also said to be very careful when filling the DEF. It is very caustic and the pump assembly is right below the DEF fill. Any spilling of def should be cleaned and rinsed right away to avoid issues with the pump.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thanks for the post info Mike. I'll watch for the signs and be more careful when adding DEF. Did your check engine light or dash display come on? I also had our Duramax in the shop yesterday for what could be a hard start during the winter. My check engine light came on and it was diagnosed as a bad glow plug on the number 3 cylinder. There is a bulletin on this that has it covered under warranty. The difference between a bulletin and a recall being that GM only addresses an issue covered under a bulletin when the issue raises its head vs a recall that gets covered no matter what. Ours is a 2011 GMC as I think Mike's is as well.

Jim

 

[Barry Cohen]

I must have missed this in class. For the unwashed, what is the Duramax?

 

[Scuffy]

A Duramax diesel is diesel engine that comes in GMC and Chevy trucks. They seem to be pretty popular with serious boating towing road warriors.

 

[R Baker]

I guess you tow them behind your tug.

 

[knotflying]

Jim,
No waning lights on the dash, just several seconds of cranking without ignition.

 

[ALICE J]

MIKE, How many miles on your DuraMax. I just had mine in for fluid changes and the tec said a software update was needed for the glow plug heater sensor. I did not have any hard starting. Mine is a 2015.

 

[JamesTXSD]

I've had to replace several glow plugs on my 2006 GMC with the Duramax. The symptoms are: the glow plug light on the dash doesn't come on before the engine starts, followed by the "Check Engine Light." Not sure why, but mpg goes down (at least that's what I've noticed) until you replace the faulty glow plug.

 

[knotflying]

MIKE, How many miles on your DuraMax. I just had mine in for fluid changes and the tec said a software update was needed for the glow plug heater sensor. I did not have any hard starting. Mine is a 2015.

46,000 miles

 

[Levitation]

Crossing my fingers. No problems so far :mrgreen:

 

[Barry Cohen]

Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :roll: :roll:

So this has nothing to do with the boat itself?!?!

Am I feeling foolish!!!!!! 😳 😳

 

[Boatdreamer]

Here's how to fix a Duramax, buy a PowerStroke! (Sorry Mike and Jim I couldn't resist)

Tim

Gratitude

 

[Scuffy]

I think from the Duramax's engine introduction they have a very good reputation. The Allison transmission that is right behind the Duramax also has made the combination one with a very good reputation for providing excellent service.
I guess Fords do ok in the hills of Florida. :mrgreen: