Expert: CAJUNSC/RAMBLER390 - 7/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: I just a fuel pump go bad. I replaced the fuel pump and filter, now I have a hard time getting the truck to start. I thought maybe I had bought a bad pump so I took it out and returned it for another one, Both of which I bought from O'reilly Auto parts, It is still doing the same thing with the new pump. After it starts, it will run fine. Any help is appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi
Check the fuel pressure regulator for ANY sign of fuel. If you remove the vacuum line from regulator and there is ANY gas, it is faulty.
(Just in case.. pressure regulator is located on the DRIVERS side fuel rail about half way, and has a small hard vacuum line going to it one end and the intake other end.)
If it is OK I have some questions.....
What is hard to start, like cranks over for 30 seconds before starting?
or starts and "chuggles". Or start and stall, start and stall start and finally stay started?
Of have to open throttle to get it to start?
Please follow post back
Hope this helps
Pawl

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Checked the fuel pressure regulator, it is fine, no sign of fuel.
When you try to start the truck, the first time you turn the key over all the truck will do is crank over, it will not start. If you turn the key off, then back on again and try to start the truck it will start fine. It seems that the fuel pump is not giving enough pressure to open the injectors. Is this possibly the problem?

Answer
Hi
Yes that could be the problem.
Instead of cranking engine, turn key on, engine off. Then after about 10 seconds, turn key off. let stand for 10 sec. then try to crank it. In other words, cycle the pump on off on off on and if it starts your pump is faulty.
See if Oreilly can swap a Delco pump for the brand your getting.
If it does not start, follow post back again. I'll assist more.
Hope it helps
Pawl