Expert: Mark Bensley Date: 5/15/2008 Subject: intermittent start on truck
Question Hi Mark, 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 hesitation. 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. Tuesday I go out, truck starts up I run some errands, stop 3 different places, inside for little bit, come out and each time truck starts right up. I get home, and pull the pump relay fuse(which I replaced on Saturday, someone told me I may have bad female receptacle), put back in, truck won't start. I pull relay again, put back in, wiggle around, wait few minutes, 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, cause now all I worry about is whether or not truck is going to start day-to-day. thanks so much and sorry for long post.
Answer Rick dont worry about the long post the more info the better try and wire a alternate fuse inplace of the normal wire it direct to battery to test this if it does the trick put a switch in the truck for the fuel pump if not drop the gas tank and check wire harness use some dielectric grease also this seals out moisture and helps with making a good conection Thanks Mark
