Strange problem. What could this be?
 

My brother's 96/97 dodge diesel broke down on him. When he started it, he would have to rev it which he would never do before and it always started. He had to floor it to make it start and it would die as soon as he let off. If he kept it reving, it would die when he tried to put it in gear. Last time it wouldn't start, it somehow got air in the lines. He got the air out and after that it ran like a champ. He loosened the top of the lines on the injection pump and it had fuel when he tried to start it. So he definitely has fuel to the injection pump. The truck has 380k. No mods whatsoever. Factory air filter, exhaust, fuel plate, everything. I am wondering if the fuel filter is stopped up. Not sure if it helps, but the master cylinder, power steering pressure hose was just replaced. I think the fuel filter is clogged because my dad's duramax once had a similar problem due to a clogged fuel filter. We ended up bringing the truck home on a strap and popping the clutch was unsuccessful. Please help!!!!

start at the IP and work way backwards. install fresh fuel filter, just because that's never something bad to do. Down by the priming pump/lift pump, there's also a fuel-heater and a settling bowl. The bowl has a bolt-head at the bottom of it, to make it easier to remove. There's a fine nylon screen inside that might be clogged, or the bowl might be so full of garbage that flow is restricted. To get that off, you'll need a socket (seems like 12 or 13mm---I could be wrong) and a long extension handle to loosen it. Then hand-turn it off... you'll have Diesel dripping all the way to your armpit, so wear a shirt you don't like. The screen is white. Mine was opaque. Took it inside, a bit of hot water and Dawn soap fixed it right up. Unless there are already problems in the lines back to the tank, those will probably restore proper function.

You have no idea how much help that is. Will try checking that and let you guys know. If you or anyone else have any ideas or possibilities, please speak up!!!!!!!!!

im doing he same thing now. I found that my primer pump wasn't working when I did the air bleed procedure prolly leaking air into the fuel system too but definitely frightened me:hellox:. my fuel filter was BLACK. waiting for a new transfer pump now ive just had the truck a month and all my problems have been simple and inexpensive. but I don't pull sleds.:yeah: