I just bought a 2000 Silverado 5.3L (see profile). The truck is having some starting problems, only has 75K miles. It will crank over and act like it is not getting spark, then it will fire and stumble to where it sounds like it is going to stall out. Then it will level off and idle around 500-600 rpm. The previous owner took great care of it, and said that he had recently changed the fuel filter and spark plugs. I'm not sure if anyone else has had these problems. Might be ignition or fuel related? I don't think it would be alternator or starter. I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!
Chase

 

Check the fuel pressure. It should be right there as soon as the key is in the run position(55-62 psi) and it should hold steady after you turn the key back to the off position. The pump should run for a few seconds to build up pressure then turn off as long as you don't advance to the cranking position.

From the manual: If the pressure drops off more than 5 psi in 10 min after you turn the key off, there is a leak in either the fuel pump check valve(tank module), the fuel pump flex pipe(tank module), the valve or valve seat within the fuel pressure regulator, or a fuel injector(s). A fuel system that drops more than 2 psi in 10 minutes after being relieved to 10 psi indicates a leaking fuel pump check valve.

 

Pull the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regulator and see fuel comes out of it. Those symptoms point right to a bad diaphram in the regulator. If it is the regulator. It needs to be replaced. let me know what happens.

 

Well I pulled the vacuum line off and indeed fuel came out. Going to replace the regulator tomorrow and see if that helps. Thanks for the info!

Chase

 

Thanks for the tip about the fuel pressure regulator! I changed it out this morning along with the PCV valve and a new fuel filter. The problem seems to be fixed! Always nice to find help online, go to love message boards!

Chase

 

Awesome that you figured it out. Way to go guys!! Would that also cause low fuel pressure while driving?

 

Yeah, the regulators go bad all the time. I'm just glad I can help. As far as low fuel pressure it is possible. It wouldn't hurt to pull the vacuum line off the regulator to see if fuel comes out. When was the last time you changed your fuel filter? How many miles are on you truck? Let me know. Anthony

 

I had the same long crank / sputtering problems with my truck about 1-1/2 years ago, got a new fuel pressure regulator under warranty. Now its doing it again (about 3 times in the last 2 weeks, almost wouldn't start at all one time) I'm guessing its probably the regulator again. Although its probably been 40k miles since I replaced the fuel filter, so that may be part of the problem.

 

my brothers truck does the exact same thing... is this hard to do?? anybody have any pics of where it is located???

thanks...

 

hey i have similar problems with my truck starting.. ever since,, i converted my truck to a Vortec 350.. it never starts up right.. It stalls after starting.. sometimes, it catches itself but most of the time i have to hit the gas so it wont stall.. I replaced the EGR valve, Throttle Positioning sensor, and the IAC motor.. im not sure wht is causing the starting problem.. i heard it could be the fuel pressure regulator.. i checked the fuel pressure today and it was around 60PSI.. i dont what else could be causing this problem.. hope to hear some advice..
thanks
BRIAN