Fuel pump misdiagnosis

[withac]

I thought my fuel pump was going out. (2000 Tahoe, 5.3) My gas gauge has been messing up for almost a year so I figured the pump was finally catching up with it. If it sat for a while then I started it there would be a bad buzzing from the pump, it would start rough, and chug a little for just a few seconds. Actually it did this on most starts, it was just worse the longer it sat. If I turned the key and waited before starting while the pump pressured up it would start better (guess that should have been a hint). It had also started to ping just a little. Turns out it was the fuel pressure regulator, just under 50 bucks at Checker. Easy to test for too. Find the regulator and pull the little vacuum hose off the top. Nothing should drain out. If fuel drains out replace it. You have to push really hard to get the new one in though so a second pair of hands is pretty much needed to push the retaining clip back on. Starts and runs fine now although the slight pinging is still there, I’d hoped this would fix it, not sure what’s up with that.

Anyway, if I’d spent the coin on a new fuel pump and still had the rough starts I’d have been pissed as well as stumped. Thought I’d pass this along and maybe save somebody replacing a fuel pump unnecessarily.

 

[denalianyone]

I wouldn't change out a fuel pump prematurely until it goes out on its own anyway. I hope that quick fix works out for u. Usually hard starts are signs of fuel problems.

 

[withac]

I wouldn't change out a fuel pump prematurely until it goes out on its own anyway. I hope that quick fix works out for u. Usually hard starts are signs of fuel problems.

If it doesn't go out this winter I'll replace it anyway next spring because I'm getting damned tired of not having a fuel gauge.

The fuel pressure regulator fixed the current problem, starts just fine, no hesitation at all

 

[Mr45]

Mine is doing just about the same. I have already replaced the fuel pressure regulator. No luck.

 

[H8 PVMT]

Oh, great tip thanks. I replaced the fuel pump in my Yukon a while back, what a pain in the a**. It still starts rough so I may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator. Where can I find it on the Yuk?

 

[Mr45]

Oh, great tip thanks. I replaced the fuel pump in my Yukon a while back, what a pain in the a**. It still starts rough so I may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator. Where can I find it on the Yuk?

LH side of the intake manifold.

 

[H8 PVMT]

LH side of the intake manifold.

Awesome, thank you I'll find it and replace it. Heck even if it's not bad after 130k I don't mind.