Engine dies

awdvkd · March 28, 2005

I have a 2001 2500 HD 8.1 4x4, for the past few months the engine can be running and all the sudden the engine just dies. It can be parked, driving, pulling up to a stop it really doesn't matter. It never happens when it is cold only when it has warmed up. I wait a few minutes and it starts right back up. I thought it might be a fuel pump but when it won't start I put a fuel pressure gauge on it and it has 50 lbs pressure. When it does happen the battery indicator comes on thats it. It has never thrown any codes. The only thing the truck has ever done since it was new is every once and while I start it and the gas gauge shows less gas than whats in the tank. I start it up and it reads the right amount. I thought it might be the computer, I have my old one since I have a westers update and it still does it with the old computer. Other than that the truck has been flawless. Any clues. Thanks in advance!

GM-Tech · March 28, 2005

Have seen some crank sensor problems in that engine. If you could get a scanner on it and see if you have cranking rpms when it doesn't start, that'd go a long way to help diagnosing this.

BTW, specs for fuel pressure is 55-62 psi.

Wingnut · March 29, 2005

That's exactly what my next door neighbors' 8.1 Avalanche was doing. No codes, no nothing...And it would just die.

It was his CPS just as GM-Tech said. Not the easist install in the world, but easier than the knock sensor I get to do on my '02 sometime soon.

GM-Tech · March 29, 2005

It was his CPS just as GM-Tech said. Not the easist install in the world, but easier than the knock sensor I get to do on my '02 sometime soon.

Not the easiest is an understatement. And the worst part? Sometimes they snap off flush with the block when you go to remove it. Have fun if that happens. I'll take a knock sensor replacement any day.

Wingnut · March 29, 2005

I'll take a knock sensor replacement any day.

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Great!

C'mon over!

chevy2500 · May 2, 2006

Have seen some crank sensor problems in that engine. If you could get a scanner on it and see if you have cranking rpms when it doesn't start, that'd go a long way to help diagnosing this.

BTW, specs for fuel pressure is 55-62 psi.

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I don't mean to jump in on this thread but I have been following this problem because I am having the same thing happen. I took my 2500 HD 8.1 to my local mechanic and he said it did have cranking rpms when it didn't start. What does this tell me? Please excuse my interruption but there are no codes and I don't know where to turn. I pull a 5th wheel with my bass boat behind that and I have been lucky it hasn't quit while towing all of this. Please help before I end up twisted and mangled on the side of the road.

ChevyTech007 · May 2, 2006

Put a crank sensor in it. It might happen so fast that a scan tool can not pick it up, especially if it is not a tech 2. Take it to a dealer, you have a better chance of getting it out without breaking it. Did one a week ago with 218,000 miles without breaking.

chevy2500 · May 2, 2006

Put a crank sensor in it. It might happen so fast that a scan tool can not pick it up, especially if it is not a tech 2. Take it to a dealer, you have a better chance of getting it out without breaking it. Did one a week ago with 218,000 miles without breaking.

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Thanks chevytech007.

My local mechanic builds race engines for local racers here and I have a lot of confidence in his abilities. He doesn't usually like to start pulling parts without knowing what is wrong but he said he would if that is really what I want. I may still take it to the dealer. I really appreciate your quick response.