Problem solving befor the tow

[GregOConnor]

With a gas engine you look for fuel then spark. since diesel spark is a matter of compression, in Diesel you look for fuel then compression.
When a diesel engine starts up then dies it is losing one of the two. Since you need compression for the initial start and that is more or less a constant, fuel may be the issue.
For the cost and problems associated with a tow I would hire a mobile tech who has enough tools to do a diagnostic road side. When some tech says "I need to get it to the shop, dont worry my brother has a tow truck" get another mobile tech.

Throw every possibility at it and some one is sure to be right. entertainment.

[ernie ekberg]

and cardinal rule # 1 = never run out of fuel

[GregOConnor]

Ernie, Never even run low on fuel. I burned up a computer on my 92 Cummings dump truck by running the tank low on fuel with ambient of 110. in Palm Springs. there was not enough fuel volume to dissipate the heat. Fuel tank vent is also an overlooked issue causing starving