Hey guys,

I drove my 1994 Chevy Silverado 2500 Extended Cab Shortbed to work yesterday (yes, work on Saturday) with a 1996 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 in tow on a 2300lb trailer. The commute was a short 2-3 miles and everything went fine. After working in the machine shop (as general help) all day, I came out to try and fire up the truck and drive home with the trailer and Tahoe.

Side note: My truck has 170k on original engine and transmission and I have to crank for 2-3 full seconds for the engine to catch and start up.

This time, however, the truck never caught. It just cranked for fifteen seconds until I turned off the ignition.

I returned this morning with a AAA Tow Truck and had my truck towed home. I got to talking with the tow truck driver and he had the idea that the problem might be the fuel pump. After towing home, he pulled out a three foot pipe and turned the keys in my truck to run but not cranking. He then wacked the fuel tank a couple of times and turned the key to start. The truck started. He said "fuel pump," I gave him some extra cash for the help and he left.

After turning the truck off, it wouldn't start again. I tried kicking the fuel tank (didn't have a pipe with me) and then cranking like the tow truck driver did. The truck made a noise unlike the regular "cranking but not starting" but still didn't start. I decided not to push my luck and to do some research first.

I just bought the truck in May with 168k on the clock so I don't know when the fuel pump was last replaced. I have "full" service records from the previous owner but nothing mentions a fuel pump in the last 100k miles. It's possible that it was replaced but a receipt was not kept, or it is possible that it in fact hasn't been done in 100k + miles.

I recently helped replaced a fuel pump on a 1998 Chevy Cheyenne 2500 Regular Cab Longbed but can't say I know the procedure very well.

Is this a repair that a weekend mechanic can do with a full set of tools? If not, how much would it cost for a shop to replace it? Anyone in the Los Angeles area willing to help me out? I'll buy you dinner and help wherever possible.

Alternatively, do you guys think that maybe something else is wrong and that the fuel pump may be just fine?

Robert

 

if you have a full set of tools its an easy job

 

I think the fuel pumps were pretty notorious for going out in the OBS trucks. In the 88,000 miles that I had my 97 Suburban, I think the pump was replaced three times. I have 103K on the Silvy and only had one problem with the pump, and that was self-inflicted...shorted it out when the fuse holder for my amp wire cracked and the wire contacted metal. I think you are on the right track. Do the filter too while you're at it, who knows when that was done last as well. Wish I could help on the install though, never done it myself and I don't remember how much it cost at the dealer.

 

Well If You Do Not Have A 5th Wheel Hook Up In Back Of The Truck All U Need Is A 18mm And A 7mm.undo The 8 Bolts That Holds The Bed Down And The 3 Blots On The Gas Cap Neck,and Check For All Grounds Wires,then Get 4 Guys To Help And Pick Bed Up And Put It On The Bumper And The Tire 1 Hour Done Start To Finish.then U Go Buy A Case Of Beer For The Ones That Helped U And Get Drunk.

 

If you didnt want to do it yourself... your looking at $800 or more for parts and labor at a dealership... just thought i'd throw that out there. And I think napa will have the pump for under $400 bucks.

 

if they hit the tank and it started....fuel pump!

either pulling the bed or dropping the tank (with a lift) not a bad job at all

Good Luck

 

Just wanted to say thanks guys. I bought a replacement fuel pump and fuel pump filter for $48.21 from my local parts supplier and did the job from lunch time until dinner time. Truck now starts like a charm.

I can't wait to call my local shop tomorrow and get a quote on what it would have cost! :-D

Thanks again,

Robert