Seller reports, "Not getting Fuel"

[ThePIGSmith]

I am looking at a decent 1998 GMC 3500, 1 ton 4x4 extended cab dually truck.

According the seller, this truck is sporting a 6.5 Turbo engine out of a 2000 model rig.
The original 6.5T was "blown up" and it's carcass comes with the sale.

All was well until recently, then it "stopped getting fuel".
The seller does not to mess with it.
Now, I do not know if that means the IP has failed and the injectors are not getting fuel or what.
My guess and my hope is that the lift pump has failed, a common issue and the IP is not getting enough or any fuel from the tank.

HUGE IF, the lift pump is the problem, then this could be a quick, easy and inexpensive repair.
This would also mean that this truck could be a great deal and could be had for a low cost.

Comments? Thoughts? Opinions? Flames?

[Robyn]

If the truck is in nice shape and the $$$$ is right its a good deal.

No fuel can mean several things...

Tank empty
Fuel filter plugged up (commonly overlooked issue)
Lift pump died or ???
PMD HAS LEFT THIS WORLD (Common malady)

Base the purchase on the condition of the truck (physical)
THE FACT that it does not run AND has the INFAMOUS electronic injection is a BIG bargaining chip in your favor.

Make a good deal and call up a roll deck truck to drag it home..(unless y'all have a big trailer)

We can help you fix it :):)

[More Power]

Ask if the seller would be willing to split the difference in service cost on a dealer or professional diagnosis. Not a repair necessarily, just a diagnosis.

[Robyn]

I personally would use the fact that the truck is dead to your advantage in bargaining on the price.

Having a professional diagnosis is gonna cost some $$$$ that personally I believe are better spent on the rig, and from my experience with far too many dealers/shops the results are not guaranteed to be accurate or ????.

No fuel is pretty simple on these.
Lift pump (Power or pump dead)
Fuel filter as in plugged
PMD as in DOA

Play this like a good "Picker" and negotiate a screaming deal :D
"IT'S DEAD" :(

Just my 2 cents

[DmaxMaverick]

It's dead, Jim....

In my opinion, if the seller isn't interested or willing to diagnose and/or repair a non-runner, then the seller should accept the discount for a non-runner. Definitely value the truck according to the condition it appears, and consider the potential expenses that may be required to make it street-worthy. All the buyer has to go on is the seller's statement that it "ran well" before it didn't. Even if the problem is simple, once the engine is running (after the sale), the buyer may find it has some other significant, costly issues with the engine and/or powertrain. I could list the possibilities, but they would be just guesses with no more info. Unless the seller intends to repair and offer a sound vehicle prior to the sale, it's pointless to pay, or split the cost, on a pre-sale diagnosis, on a non-running vehicle. The buyer should count on the expenses of a re-power, as well as other powertrain/chassis repairs, without being able to drive it.