99 5.7 Hard Start

[JDThorstad]

Hey guys, I just found and joined this site and it looks great! Lots of informative people! I have a 1999 Chevy K1500 (classic body style) with 115k miles on the 5.7L engine. Lately, usually after the engine has sat for a few hours, it takes some extra cranking to start up. It runs like a champ, but it takes some crankin to get it going sometimes. Spark plugs and wires are new. New fuel pump and filter at 100K (though that was two years ago). It did throw a code recently for the evaporative emission system, though I concluded that the valve stuck temporarily as I cleared the code and have had no further engine light. I'd hate to think that the fuel pump I had installed is already failing me but I have to wonder. Its almost like the engine loses its prime after an hour or two. If I stop for gas or run into a store, it starts normally. The only other oddity is that for a while now, the needle on the fuel guage vibrates, which I've ignored. Any ideas guys? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

[Mike G]

First off, welcome aboard.

 

Secondly, though I am no expert or pretend to have familiarity with the vortec line, it soulds like you may be having issues with the fuel pressure regulator. Seems I recall these are on the end of the fuel rails and tend to break the seals down after a while. Again, you may want to wait to hear from someone with a little more knowledge...

--Mike

[JDThorstad]

Mike, I appreciate your response, the fuel pressure regulator does seem to make sense. I listened to my fuel pump through the gas tank and it sounds strong, doesnt skip or stutter at all, so that puts my mind at ease a little, do you think this problem could have anything to do with the injectors?