2015 GMC Duramax Runaway

rhagfo wrote:

The only way to stop a run away is to remove the air supply, either by blocking the air supply, or displacing the oxygen with CO2 or Halon.

This is correct, but if you asked the average diesel pickup owner about this, they would probably have no idea what you are talking about.

Well that's it right? Who is brave or stupid enough to open the hood. Maybe the first few minutes it started.

The only way to stop a run away is to remove the air supply, either by blocking the air supply, or displacing the oxygen with CO2 or Halon.

or install a Positive Air Shut-Off, can not get on a oil filed lease or plant site without one (in Alberta). they will shut air off to engine if it starts to race or can be tripped within the cab by the driver in an emergency. aught to be standard equipment on all diesel vehicles.

There is a video out there of a UPS truck doing the same thing. Kind of scarry. Glad they didn't open the hood.

FishOnOne wrote:

Greentreena wrote:
Wow: that is unreal! What caused that??

Never heard of a runaway diesel? It's when a uncontrolled source of fuel (i.e. engine oil) enters the intake and the engine goes into max rpm mode.

Would love to know the results of the tear down of the engine, and the source of the oil in the intake system!!

This is for diesel newbies or gassers that don't understand how a diesel runs. Diesel has no throttle plate or ignition system, the method of "Turning off" a diesel is to STOP the supply of fuel. Not like a gas engine where lack of a spark stops the engine. Diesel ignites fuel by the heat of compression, so as long as it has a source of fuel it will run as fast as it can get fuel!

The only way to stop a run away is to remove the air supply, either by blocking the air supply, or displacing the oxygen with CO2 or Halon.


The most common source is a failed seal on the turbo. As mentioned before a CO2 extinguisher is the best insurance to stop this. Just point it at the air intake a let go with a good blast to rob the engine of air.

FishOnOne wrote:

Greentreena wrote:
Wow: that is unreal! What caused that??

Never heard of a runaway diesel? It's when a uncontrolled source of fuel (i.e. engine oil) enters the intake and the engine goes into max rpm mode.

Nearly 10 years ago there was a large explosion at a BP refinery in the area. There was a Ford SD Powerstroke diesel truck nearby, and it went into runaway mode due to combustible fuel getting sucked into the intake. Very strange scenario.

ScottG wrote:


Why do people ruin a video like that by cropping it so bad you can't see anything. Stupid!

I'm guessing it's someone cellphone video and he/she is holding it straight up and down as they record the demise of the truck. That ending had me rolling on the ground though. :)

catfishmontana wrote:
LMAO, that video is hilarious at the end.

X2

Greentreena wrote:
Wow: that is unreal! What caused that??

Never heard of a runaway diesel? It's when a uncontrolled source of fuel (i.e. engine oil) enters the intake and the engine goes into max rpm mode.

6.7 tow rig wrote:
So what was that at the end that busted or blew up or whatever that was?

My guess is the radiator/hose let go and spewed hot radiator fluid/steam.