Finally remembered - it is the VCV that you must remove to get to the shutoff valve. If you decide the pump is not bad and need to get to the shutoff valve, the VCV must be removed. I have done it a couple of times and it is not too hard if you follow the (I think) DieselGiant instructions from the link.

Let us know what happens. Interested.

PS - you need to buy a Mityvac if you have one of our diesels. Comes in handy for door locks, engine, etc.