Expert: Robert Summers - 5/14/2008

Question
Hi Robert, Here is my tale...I have a 1998 Chevy P/U, 5.7Vortec, Auto, 110000miles. Replaced fuel pump in 2006. Saturday(5/10) I went out to start truck and it would rotate but not turn over. Battery checked good, getting spark, can feel pump relay fuse clicking when turning key on, but I do not hear pump priming. Sunday same thing. Monday I go out and truck starts right up! I drive around, no stalling or hesitating. Come home turn off, try to start, starts right up. Wait 4-5 hours, try start, starts right up. I can hear the pump priming now whenever turning key on. Today I go out, truck starts up I run some errands, stop 3 different places, inside for little bit, each time truck starts right up. I get home, and pull the pump relay fuse, put back in, truck won't start. I replaced the relay on Saturday. I pull relay again, put back in, wiggle around, turn key and I hear pump prime and starts right up. Some people have told me the wiring harness for the pump could have melted wires in it causing problem, another told me female receptacle in fuse box may be culprit, not allowing good connection. What do you think? thanks so much and sorry for long post.

Answer
Hi Rick... it sounds like a connection problem...check panel where relay is for corrosion, a good spray contact cleaner will clean up any connections with the green corrosion...also check connections at battery and the main connection to the fuse block under the hood...any corrosion at these places can cause that problem... hope this helps