I have a 2001 Suburban (5.3) that has been a solid vehicle. Last winter it began to have a hard time starting, especially when it sat for a long time. It would turn over fine, but acted like no fuel was present. After a few seconds of turning over, or if I left the key in the "on" position, it would start fine. After a few months one day the fuel pump wouldn't turn on so I figured the fuel pump was the problem. I replaced the fuel pump myself w/ a cheapy from ebay.
The hard start problem has gotten worse since then. If I leave the car turned off for even 15 or 20 minutes, I have to let the fuel pump run before cranking the engine or it won't start right up. Sometimes I need to turn it to the on position twice, or let it crank over for a few seconds before it will start. If I turn the car off, it will start right up immediately with no problems.
I swapped the fuel filter, and it helped for 1 day. I thought I might be losing pressure at the fuel filter connections, so I tried wrapping the threads in teflon tape but it seems like it is worse now.
Any idea what is wrong? I have no idea how to trouble-shoot a fuel system. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
