Weird Starting Issue?

Paint King · August 2, 2008

I have owned my truck for 2 months now and it has always started right up. Probably one of my fastest starting vehicles I have ever owned. Out of no where last week it started acting up. It won't start the first time. Then I'll try again hold for a few seconds and finally it may idle at 200 then go up and down till it levels out at 500. It runs great during the drive and all idling after startup. The only issues are during the initial start. It takes me two to 3 cranks everytime to get it started and once it does the idle is all over for the first few seconds.

I tried replacing spark plugs and wires hoping for a simple fix but no luck. I replaced the fuel filter shortly after purchasing the truck. I have no check engine light. Any ideas on what might be causing this?

Thanks,

Kyle

bossier62guy · August 2, 2008

I have owned my truck for 2 months now and it has always started right up. Probably one of my fastest starting vehicles I have ever owned. Out of no where last week it started acting up. It won't start the first time. Then I'll try again hold for a few seconds and finally it may idle at 200 then go up and down till it levels out at 500. It runs great during the drive and all idling after startup. The only issues are during the initial start. It takes me two to 3 cranks everytime to get it started and once it does the idle is all over for the first few seconds.

I tried replacing spark plugs and wires hoping for a simple fix but no luck. I replaced the fuel filter shortly after purchasing the truck. I have no check engine light. Any ideas on what might be causing this?

Thanks,

Kyle

How many miles on the truck? Has it ever had the fuel pump replaced?

Paint King · August 2, 2008

Has a little under 110k miles. I have no idea if the fuel pump has been replaced. I wouldn't think so at only a 110k. Any way to test if if the fuel pump is the problem?

bossier62guy · August 2, 2008

Has a little under 110k miles. I have no idea if the fuel pump has been replaced. I wouldn't think so at only a 110k. Any way to test if if the fuel pump is the problem?

I know GM had some issues w/ fuel pumps in the early 800 series. You can check the fuel pressure to be sure it's within specs if you have a fuel pressure gage. You might want to stop by the auto parts store and let them scan it for soft codes as well just to be sure.

Paint King · August 2, 2008

I have used the auto parts store scanners and nothing came up. I wonder if the auto parts store loan out fuel pressure gauges. I guess I'll have to look into it. I was hoping the issue would be more of a bad sensor type of deal.

bossier62guy · August 2, 2008

I have used the auto parts store scanners and nothing came up. I wonder if the auto parts store loan out fuel pressure gauges. I guess I'll have to look into it. I was hoping the issue would be more of a bad sensor type of deal.

Good deal....not sure if they'll loan test equipment or not. Most of the sensor issues would set a code I do believe unless it's not quite out of tolerance enough for that to happen just yet. Keep us posted.

Paint King · August 3, 2008

The parts store doesn't loan one out but they sell them for around 50 bucks. Don't want to really buy the tool just to find out one way or the other b/c I'm sure I'll never use it again. Folr that price I could pay a shop to tell me what it is.

For a small update. The issue has gotten a lot worse. I might just see if I can get a shop to diagnose it for me on my day off then I will repair it.

Kyle

bossier62guy · August 4, 2008

The parts store doesn't loan one out but they sell them for around 50 bucks. Don't want to really buy the tool just to find out one way or the other b/c I'm sure I'll never use it again. Folr that price I could pay a shop to tell me what it is.

For a small update. The issue has gotten a lot worse. I might just see if I can get a shop to diagnose it for me on my day off then I will repair it.

Kyle

Keep us posted....

mndadof3 · August 5, 2008

Replace the Fuel Pressure regulator (On the side of the intake) this problem is VERY common on 97+ trucks. $50 part, 15 minute install even for a novice, and that should fix your starting issue.

Paint King · August 8, 2008

I hadn't posted back I was just going to live with it and replace the fuel pump. Glad I didn't waste the cash. Had a shop look at it and he spotted the fuel regulator like the post above in the first minute of looking it over. All is well now! Thanks guys!