The fuel is drawn from the tank by a mechanical lift pump on the passengers side of the engine (looks similar to the typical Chevy fuel pump on a gas V8) and then pushed through the fuel filter on the fire wall (I think its sometimes called a fuel manger as it houses the filter, water separator, drain and fuel heater), then to the fuel injection pump, injectors and finally the excess is returned to the tank.
If the truck has been sitting, and now driven, with no change in the filter, then I highly suspect the filter. Even if you put a fresh filter on three weeks ago, my guess is that the fresh fuel would have flushed all the rust, water and junk built up in the tank into the filter.
Hard starting can also be caused by air leaks in the fuel system, but it usually is less of a dramatic stop. And once running, they run (a bit stumbly) until the leak fairly large.
If I were you, I'd start with a fresh filter. Actually keep a few handy.
Search this forum for threads on how to change the filter properly though. Its easy to get these air-bound, then a pain to get the air out of the injection system. Being a noobie to diesels, it may feel imposing, but the gurus here have helped countless people with these rigs.
My method is to simply remove the square filter, replace and use a hand operated vacuum pump with container to daw fuel from the tank and fill the filter, prior to trying to start. Pull fuel until a good stream of clean, bubble free fuel is in the vac pump hoses. The port is on the pass side of the fuel filter housing, and you need to open the vent at the top. I've been able to crack it open and pull fuel, but sometimes I need to remove the plug entirely and then cover the hole with my thumb before I can pull the fuel through. I get a bit of air in the system, but it typically starts, runs with a bit a of a stumble, then smooths out.
Last edited by crashz; 01-14-2013 at 09:56.
2012 Chevy 2500HD ECSB, 6.0L gas, auto, 4x4, LT
2003 F450, 7.3L PSD, 6 spd stick, 2wd, dump truck
1983 GMC K2500 pickup - working on a Cummins 5.9L swap
1987 GMC K3500 Dump, 6.2L diesel, TH400 auto - project plow truck