Few problems with my 99

[Wolverine350R]

Ok, I have a 99 Sierra 5.3 Ex-cab Z71, it has been having a few problems.

 

1) It is hard starting sometimes. It doesn't seem to matter if it is warm or cold. It will either start right up or take about 5 seconds of cranking. (Has been doing this now for a few months on and off)

 

2) This maybe a progression of #1. In the last week it has twice almost died sitting at stops in traffic, its like the plugs fail to fire for a full cycle of the engine or something. It has also died twice when sitting in park or nuetral idling--both times it started right back up no problem??? Also, I have been hearing a loud clicking noise from the engine compartment when the fuel pump primes before starting (only in the last week).

 

3)When I turn the steering wheel it makes a groaning noise , can this be the intermediate shaft--its not a popping as I hear described elsewhere.

 

Also are the fuel sender and pump 1 unit? because the sender was replaced less than 20k ago.

 

Thanks

[2004GMC1500CC]

Ok, I have a 99 Sierra 5.3 Ex-cab Z71, it has been having a few problems.

 

1) It is hard starting sometimes. It doesn't seem to matter if it is warm or cold. It will either start right up or take about 5 seconds of cranking. (Has been doing this now for a few months on and off)

 

2) This maybe a progression of #1. In the last week it has twice almost died sitting at stops in traffic, its like the plugs fail to fire for a full cycle of the engine or something. It has also died twice when sitting in park or nuetral idling--both times it started right back up no problem??? Also, I have been hearing a loud clicking noise from the engine compartment when the fuel pump primes before starting (only in the last week).

 

3)When I turn the steering wheel it makes a groaning noise , can this be the intermediate shaft--its not a popping as I hear described elsewhere.

 

Also are the fuel sender and pump 1 unit? because the sender was replaced less than 20k ago.

 

Thanks

 

#1 and #2 sound like fuel pump issues

[Wolverine350R]

#1 and #2 sound like fuel pump issues

 

 

Thanks,

I was thinking that too, but its been doing 1 for several months. Does the pump take that long to die??

 

If it does i may order one off e-bay today...

[Wolverine350R]

Anyone else

 

Ideas on the steering noise (its in the column)

[z85violator]

hard starting could be fuel pressure regulator? probably cheaper to change then fuel pump, might be able to get tested. the groan from steering wheel, maybe the airbag squib rubbing?