00 chevy 5.3L hard starting

[soupy]

I just purchased a 00 silverado 5.3L that is taking a few cranks to start. I haven't been driving it yet so I don't have a bunch of details.

 

The fuel pump fuse kept blowing on him but he insist that it is a fail safe for running to low on fuel (he was broke and only putting a few gallons in at a time). I don't believe it, but who knows?

 

The fuel gage does not work properly which is typical for these trucks. I checked the fuel regulator and there is no fuel in the vacuum line. I'm leaning toward a bad pump. When the key is turned you can hear a whine coming from the tank. He said the fuel filter has been replaced by the book, but it has been a while since last change. Is it possible the filter is clogged from running on empty all the time?

 

Any Ideas. Money is tight right now, but I plan on changing the plugs and all filters and doing a ARX treatment. It runs good once it's starts but I need to gets this problem fixed. Would a scan from AutoZone find these type of problems?

 

Thanks,

Soupy

[Bish]

I just purchased a 00 silverado 5.3L that is taking a few cranks to start. I haven't been driving it yet so I don't have a bunch of details.

 

The fuel pump fuse kept blowing on him but he insist that it is a fail safe for running to low on fuel (he was broke and only putting a few gallons in at a time). I don't believe it, but who knows?

 

The fuel gage does not work properly which is typical for these trucks. I checked the fuel regulator and there is no fuel in the vacuum line. I'm leaning toward a bad pump. When the key is turned you can hear a whine coming from the tank. He said the fuel filter has been replaced by the book, but it has been a while since last change. Is it possible the filter is clogged from running on empty all the time?

 

Any Ideas. Money is tight right now, but I plan on changing the plugs and all filters and doing a ARX treatment. It runs good once it's starts but I need to gets this problem fixed. Would a scan from AutoZone find these type of problems?

 

Thanks,

Soupy

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Clogged fuel filter can definitely cause a hard start/long crank situation. I change fuel filters every 10K as one bad tank of gas can plug your filter. I also don't run below a quarter tank as the fuel cools the pump. Also, a clogged fuel filter can cause premature pump failure. If your mileage is over 75K, you should consider changing the pump. Mile failed at 78K and I change filters often. Also, NEVER run out of fuel as it will likely damage the pump.

[Elwood 2000]

Since your guage does not work, the pump failure is soon to happen.

 

Look into a new pump/regulator, change ALL filters and fluids on the truck too.

 

Best of luck!

[99blackz]

Definatley get ready to change the fuel pump. My z71 did that for bout 6 weeks, if you will hold the key in the "ON" Position for about 3 seconds before cranking it wont take as many turns to get it started. Good luck.