hard starting & fluctuating idle

[timmy23]

I have an '01 Silverado 4.8L, it is having problems firing. It turns over strong but sometimes takes a long time to fire. It then sometimes has trouble keeping a smooth idle. My mechanic can't seem to find anything wrong except that the fuel pressure was low at start but then came up to normal after it strated. Any ideas of what it might be?

[cerbomark]

intake gasket leak?

[timmy23]

What is the easiest way to find the intake gasket leak?

[cerbomark]

with it runnning, spray some starting fluid around the base of the intake manifold. If the idle changes at all for a split second, it s drawing in the fluid and that is your leak. Be sure to spray around the entire base.

[ChevyTech007]

I would also pull the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator to check for fuel. If there is any in the line replace the regulator.