PMD replacement - 1997 GMC 6.5L Diesel - Pleasant Surprise

Replacing the PMD on our 1997 GMC - 6.5L diesel - pleasant surprise and success

[@qinva6529]

Don't throw the old one away! Your local electronics supply house has the transistors that get cooked and need to be replaced for $2 or less. They are the same ones that burn out in guitar amps. Easy fix and it will save you $300 next time you need one. $300.00 - ouch!!!!!!!! What we used to call a cobjob!

[@zt4736]

Oh man when you started laughing, after you fired it up, I was with you laughing away. Awesome video

[@jaybrown6225]

Yeah, I kinda over did it, but I was SO relieved that it was running again - it had been such a stress! I am glad you enjoyed it and had a laugh with me!

[@streetglidespecial68]

Me too friend lol been there

[@larryaveritt6851]

I'm ordering a PMD - hoping for a laugh of relief as well!

[@earlenehewitt3675]

Thanks! this is exactly what my truck is doing! I will change this PMD out! again thanks!

[@timteevin4517]

Sometimes: it's better to be lucky than good.

[@domm9815]

Oh the laugh and love when a 6.5 is running right. I would also like to hear the disappointment when it doesn’t run right as mine did about 50% of the time lol

[@mikesrandomvideos]

PMD isolator fixes it every time when done properly with the extended wiring harness and the cooling fins and the processing fan it is over for good no more issues. That was my experience.

[@mathman1923]

you are a fabulous mechanic, man. i see you have your cup of magic elixir there. hard to do repairs without it

[@just1lifexx11]

she may be old.. but i have the same 1.. i love it, to death.. everything that i can display, of gauge, and hardwire i stall. , for viewing.. i know what is going on with verything.. she makes mee money.. i love my truck.. i would never ever sell it.. good luck with your

[@spazzman90]

Glad you figured out this before replacing a good IP. Have a friend with a small fleet of these trucks. He spent the dough on replacing a couple of (I'm sure good) IPs from the damn Chevrolet dealer! Jerks. Anyways his wife's Suburban was acting up and he was sure he was gonna be replacing another IP. I put in a new PMD with a relocation kit and it was perfect after that.

[@jaybrown6225]

Well I figure he owes you some beer and pizza - pretty sure theres a law about that somewhere. Good job!

[@buffalodiesel1809]

You are not the first one that a Chevrolet Dealer did not shaft. I have heard that same shafting from others. They all cannot wait to replace the pump. The dealer sees $$$$$$ before his eyes. I have a 6.5 and it is a money machine for the dealers... a cash cow.

[@turbodiesel4709]

+Buffalo Diesel: I honestly don't think that's entirely true. It's rarely about greed or about screwing their customers, like many folks think. I honestly believe things are often mis-diagnosed and parts are unnecessarily replaced at times because MOST dealerships (as well as most automotive shops in general) have under-educated, and under-qualified mechanics working for them. Fact is, any doofus that can turn a wrench can be hired with or without an formal education as a mechanic. It's sad, but true. It's also true that most guys with some mechanical ability or repair knowledge can dumb their way through repairs on most gas powered vehicles, and even a few diesels. Now, enter stage left comes the "modern" electrical and electronics used on diesels, and even many of the veteran mechanics don't even have the underlying knowledge necessary to know how the hell to fix them! It really is the harsh reality of mechanics today.

[@hersfelder46]

And you sir have nailed it. It took me a while, but I finally realized that if I wanted to keep my '97 Silverado 6.5 I needed to educate myself. Some really good info on the 'net as well as some B.S. Did the PMD relocate some years ago, but my latest run of trouble started after filling up at a CO-OP in a small town that isn't even on the map. After replacing the lift pump and fuel filter without fixing the stalling, some wise old guy posted that the fuel pickup has a strainer on it that could be plugged. BINGO dropped the tank and replaced the fuel pickup assembly, which did look bad, and clear sailing again. I'm a 72 year old shade tree mechanic and I agree it's a shame the lack of knowledge some "professional" mechanics have.

[@dereksample2020]

make sure to put in the PMD calibration resistor too. The company that you got the PMD from is Dorman Auto Parts, they also make a resistor for those. It's like 15 bucks, but if you don't have one it will be slightly underpowered. The resistor kit comes with a #5 and #9. Always use #9.

[@jimgregory6135]

Incorrect use the 5 all the 9 does is provide more fuel at idle and not at speed or high rpm

[@V8Lounge]

I have to order a PMD for my 99 humvee. Does anybody know if i need the #5 resistor or another one? What does this resistor exactly?

[@ss442es]

I have a 98 Silverado K2500 with a 6.5 diesel and I have gone through 3 of those. I had a new injection pump installed that included a PMD also known as an FSD (fuel sys distributer) and it lasted about 6 months. So watch out for rebuilt injection pumps that include a PMD or FSD. Plugged into my remote FSD and it ran great about two months. This last one has been good on the remote mount. Suggest buying a backup and storing under back seat because when that goes the vehicle is useless.

[@hisnameisiam808]

That engine is still used in hum-vies to this day. Still being manufactured.

[@paulsdino]

Awesome .Glad it worked out for you .I've been through 4 of these stupid pumps in my 6.5 van .And in at least 2 of those times , it was definitely the pump .

[@josephcrowshaw950]

Paul, just curious, did you test or replace the lift pump? If you are not getting enough fuel to the injection pump, it will cause havoc. The injection pump will pull fuel to some degree, but that causes damage. FWIW

[@johnbeckman8916]

The day that you were just as good as a Master Mechanic! 😃

[@kennethmaccourt7393]

no better feeling in the world!!

[@jamesriseborough6538]

Great video!! I am happy for you. I understand that laugh O to well....

[@durawins]

This 6.5 surprisingly,doesn’t sound like a box of rocks.

[@4dirt2racer0]

u dont actually need to pull the old pmd, its definitely not a stanadyne it would say right on it if it was all u have to do it pull the plug out of the old one and extend the harness over whether u splice it like i did or just put another plug in, that IS the easier way n alot of kits come with n extension anyway

[@sthdz2932]

Ohh I love having those moments!!

[@turbodiesel4709]

That new fuel pump driver module (PMD) is a Chinese made aftermarket Dorman branded unit, P/N: 904-104. They sell at Advance Auto Parts for around $240 bucks. You can tell by the emblem and part number that's printed on it as shown in your video @ 4:27. Dorman stuff is USUALLY pretty decent quality. (It's from China, after all... so poor quality control is the name of the game.) My understanding is that you also should replace a resistor along with that new PMD. They sell a resistor "kit" for about $20 bucks. The Dorman P/N is: 904-107. They are known as resistors number 5 and number 9. To my understanding, the #9 resistor gives your truck more power, and the #5 is more about economy (but gutless). That said, I'd go with the #9 and never look back.

[@abdullahalhoniny16]

i like that, thanks mr jay

[@hdrjunkie]

I bought my 95 suburban k2500 with this mod already done, the guy who did it put the new pmd in the cab under the dash. Seems to be holding up as it’s been there for about 5 years now.

[@skullyblog7183]

Those were $300 back in 2015 ? Now you can get a PMD for less then $100

[@robertc6831]

Great video !!!! Huge help!!!!!

[@magdalenomancilla7703]

I bought a dorman pmd and it lasted 4 days. Has a lifetime warranty. Got a new one, added a relocation kit, i then relocated it to the front bumper. Lasted about 3 weeks then left me stranded 1hr away from home. Any idea to why they are failling so fast?

[@jaybrown6225]

A lot of viewers have mentioned the need to install a resistor to protect the pmd.

[@magdalenomancilla7703]

@@jaybrown6225 well i should probably order one. I read that the 96 and up dont need one but maybe they do😅. This truck is pushing me to the point where i actually want to sell it. Anyways thanks for the tip

[@notwhereyouthink]

Love this.

[@robertallen6848]

What does the resistor look like

[@biringen]

sounds also the resistor is fautly.... main issue that PMD fails is the fuel thats not clean enough, and the fueldelivery is too smal for the pump,, bigger lines in and higer pressure about 20psi from the liftpump. i did also drill out bigger hole in the inlet fitting behind the brass mesh inside the main pump... never replaced pmd after that

[@dvlingo]

The pmd sucks I am on my 3rd one in my 2000, good job

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Heatsink mounted inside of the front bumper is optimal location. Mounting anywhere inside of the engine bay is not good and will eventually heat soak the PMD into death ... and ALWAYS,ALWAYS install a resistor on the PMD before you plug it back in!

[@jaybrown6225]

+96ChevyDually6.5L Thanks for the good tips - I will probably use them in 10 years :-)

[@curtispomykal8432]

how,where any why do you install a resistor. thanks!

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Curtis Pomykal The resistor mounts to the pins where the electrical connector goes on the PMD. You just slide it carefully using a pencil eraser onto the pins and it rests at the bottom. Then you plug in the Harness to the PMD. The resistor,depending on which number you install, ( the values go from 1-9) determines a slight variation in the signal sent to/from the ECM for fuel delivery to the Injection Pump. The higher the resistor number, the better fuel value is sent. ( # 9 resistor is preferred). A resistor is required for the truck to run properly. Most 6.5L engines will not run or will present symptoms of an electrical or fuel issue with out it.

[@mikesrandomvideos]

yea for sure on the resistor. but I used a processing fan on my PMD with the heat sink mounted right where his was and forever no more issues. Kept an extra in the glove compartment just in case. But never used it.

[@mikesrandomvideos]

almost every problem with the 6,5 is the pmd. Just needs a isolator kit and extended harness. Put a processing fan on it and it will never have another problem.

[@hannahstrickland6080]

The whole “ oh it’s your injection pump “is exactly what a mechanic shop said to me and it’d cost about 3k! But I don’t hear my turbo anymore but it has a good suction still. Would this be causing my turbo to not get enough boost as well?

[@charlesstevenson5141]

I know this is old but no. Sounds like you have a vacuum leak to your waste gate (emissions crap) which is a little rubber hose going to it. Usually even the smallest and hardest to find pin hole in the vacuum tube is plenty sufficient to prevent the gate from opening and closing as it should. A lot of people delete the vacuum pump, replace the serpentine belt with one from a 93' and either buy a manual waste gate controller or fabricate their own to combat the vacuum problem. If it's a GM8 turbo then you won't hear much anyhow since they are small. Personally, I think they are under sized for the application even though Borg-Warner is an A+ OEM parts manufacturer. Might try a turbo from Quadstar Tuning but be prepared for the price if you're not familiar with how expensive turbos are. Just don't buy a cheap Chinese knock off from eBay or some crap or you'll be sorry and end up with a destroyed engine. The PMD is just the brain that runs your injection pump for fuel delivery. $3k sounds about right as a new injection pump costs about $2k and another $1k in labor and a couple hours work. If you have to get a new IP, be sure to have the PMD removed from the pump before it is installed and make sure to have an extension harness and heat sink to attach it to to give it a much happier and longer life. Numerous places sell PMD relocation kits.

[@rafaelgilabert5710]

About to purchase a dump truck 1997 same engine

[@MrRob198920]

Thanks this helped me so much

[@jaybrown6225]

Glad to hear it!

[@allisonjones8360]

I have a 97 and I need help I he change everything possible can some one please give me tips....

[@angelcastillo5451]

I just replaced it on my 94 chevy c3500 6.5 disel like a fewmonths ago, now it turns over but wont start, could that be the problem again, batteries are good starter is good and alternator is good too. Someone help

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Get a Haynes/ Chilton Manual for 1987-1999/2000 GMT400

[@buickrepairs1713]

@@shadowopsairman1583 This is a dumb suggestion when factory manuals are so readily available today for the same or less money online.

[@rafaelgilabert5710]

Good job

[@allsummerlong1238]

Thats a sick lope tune😂

[@Asamccp]

I have a '96 2500 that had the same issue. Changed the PMD and all was good. What is that thing between your intake and the air filter housing?

[@jaybrown6225]

That is an emergency shut off - and it caused us a great deal of frustration because we thought it might be the source of our problems. Basically is a like a blade that blocks the flow of air - in the event of a diesel run-away it is the only way to shut the diesel engine down. It had a wire running into the cab to a handle that could be pulled to activate it. We originally thought maybe it was partially engaged or something - we removed the blade but left the housing in place.

[@jaybrown6225]

This is a different kind of shut-off - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fprUkneOg76kqKs This poor truck is runnin away - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5KyfKlqrtSfhLM And this is just plain frightening - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-1kqSdlsdjldk

[@Davidgrundberg]

no resistor in the PMD?

[@skylane807]

No resistor from a dealer, for sure. If you can pull the old resistor out, that would be best... if you can get to the old one..

[@jasonfarnsworth5880]

Feels good to fix some bullshit problem huh, I’m laughing with your brother

[@tjpalmer6667]

awesome vid

[@matignama4093]

thanks

[@ad-sc4mh]

have a similar problem except it has throttle response. I've changes literally everything and it still wont run right.

[@jaybrown6225]

You've changed everything - including the PMD ? Or is the PMD next ?

[@survivalburban1597]

You didn’t let the glow plug do the full clicking process it’s says wait to start for a reason lol

[@woodman1241]

you forgot to put a resistor in there. need one.

[@bekkamwillis2561]

How much kilometers does it have on it?

[@jaybrown6225]

Around 300K I think.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Is asynto get out I got in out easy you hav one but it’s hidden in your bumper o fender

[@nickcanale3432]

i got the same deal comig up did the three grad ow gotta do aother pmd chage the oil fried all that fuel got passed the rigs ad diluted the oil it will causemassive egie damage

[@skylane807]

What?

[@matterantimatter1]

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR PMD AT?

[@jaybrown6225]

Any parts store should have it. We got ours at a wholesale parts distributor.

[@skylane807]

Wholesale... not Autozone, Orielly's, etc. It really pays to shop around.

[@primalfury2011]

that lil thing was 300 $$$!!!

[@skylane807]

It really pays to shop around. Was that at a dealership, or what? I felt ripped off at $173, but I was in a bind and didn't have time to order one with Amazon 2 day delivery.

[@seove1]

It's much easier to take the harness off of you remove the intake pipe.

[@reweydewy]

Dorman is the brand. I have personally had bad luck on many occasions with there China junk

[@TheMulticamfan]

my truck does pretty much the same thing

[@mikesrandomvideos]

pmd needs proper cooling fans and the mickey mouse setup there was not giving it proper cooling that is why it failed. and the only reason. Once it has cooling fan and fins it will last forever.

[@jaybrown6225]

random videos Hi. The Mickey Mouse set up was someones replacement of the original set up, which also failed. As you point out, these units need to remain cool or they fail - so how smart was the manufacturer to mount it on the side of the engine? The Mickey Mouse set up that someone did here is 1000 times better than GMC's idea.

[@mikesrandomvideos]

yea poor design for sure they thought the fuel would cool it being that the fuel is right underneath where it was originally mounted. But it was not enough. gotta have lots of cooling on that thing especially with the #9 resistor which with that and the air cleaner mod that engine is bullet proof and really powerful.

[@donnyrandolph9614]

You don't need cooling fans I have a 98 gmc 1 ton and a 2000 k 2500 got my kits from Heath diesel they both in the bumper been 8 years and got a combined 300000 miles on them both hadn't looked back and stay REAL FAR AWAYFROM PENSACOLA DIESEL

[@jayden.veitch_8076]

same thing with my 6.5 someone changed it allready

[@graysonsgarage5157]

Was it in its factory location?

[@1mtstewart]

clean that engine bay up please. good fix

[@nickcanale3432]

i got nailed for over 4000 ijector pump and did't relocate 2years ad im back to a pmd problem my god people just have o pride anymore id be ashamed.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Some people don’t like stanadyne I’ve put on and it’s asked good wild what a little box will do they always say injection pump crooks

[@Hectorson3]

That brand is a Dorman

[@ArturoGarzaID]

5:25

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Grantees pmd I’d put a hundred on it

[@buickrepairs1713]

Spent $300 and got a China special? Tsk tsk!

[@nickcanale3432]

nowbomb proff it forever truck then