2004 Suburban Rough Start

Malacca · September 24, 2015

I am new here. Haven't posted anything but will post my one trick for GM turn signal flashers.

2004 Suburban 1/2 ton. Bought with 92K on it. Now 177K. Flex fuel if that matters.

Been a great vehicle. I spent time in MN and great vehicle for the snow. AWD rocks.

MN got too cold so headed to Southern California. Dragged a 6X10 trailer full to the brim (Suburban, too) - no issues. A real champ.

Came back to MN for the summer and Suburban - no trailer - seemed weak in mountains. Crappy vehicles passing me up.

Then about a month ago suddenly it would take a few more seconds to start when cold. I figured I needed a tune up. So I bought plugs and wires and had my mechanic (works out of his garage) put them in. Turns out it had the original plugs and wires. I guess the first owner didn't do a tune up. 177K on them. Wahooooooo

Anyway, truck had more power after tune up.

But this morning had the same hard start (only when cold).

Read the forums. It seems many people have the same issue - but the solution is not clear. Some people changed everything but still have the issue.

Bad regulator? Bad fuel filter (which means fuel pump on my vehicle)? Water in tank (I did lose my gas cap recently)?

I did the 'turn the ignition on and off a few times' trick and that helped.

Of course we all know the drill - if it is a fuel filter then have to rip apart the gas tank and replace the fuel pump - BIG $$$$.

It really isn't an issue. I could live with a few hard cold starts. But it probably will get worse.

any ideas?

Kind Regards,

Malacca

Duelin · September 25, 2015

I think if you get underneath and look you might find a fuel filter. I looked on Rock Auto and there is a listing for a fuel filter. They have two different styles listed so you will have to find out which one you have. One is a male and threaded female. The other is 2 threaded female. With that said have you check the fuel pressure to see what you are dealing with?

txab · September 24, 2015

Sounds like from your description it's time for a new fuel pump.

Malacca · September 25, 2015

YWFNM: Didn't want to hear that answer! My preference would be a bad regulator.

Update: Today it started right up this morning. Later in the day, it hesitated but better than before tune up. Turn key on / off a few times works wonders.

Question: it is an older vehicle and I will only use it until July 2016. Can I just limp along with a bad fuel pump? Or will it die a hard death one day.

Thanks,

Malacca