Starting issue

[EvilCaprice]

So yesterday, the wife tells me the truck (99 Tahoe) took a few seconds to start when she got in it. But after its been driven it starts back up with no problems. I checked it out when I got home and found the same thing. I did a little searching on possible causes. I'm praying its not the fuel pump. Ive tried cycling to on position to let the pump prime for a few seconds each time and then starting. That made no difference. Basically, if it sits for even a short period of time (20 minutes) it takes 4-5 seconds to start up. I've been meaning to do a tune up since i just got it a few weeks ago. Altough I doubt thats the problem.

I think I'll start small, like replacing the fuel filter. I read the FPR is in the intake somewhere. Is there a way to check it without pulling the manifold? On my other Chevy you can just pull the vac line a check for fuel...

An help would be great at this point. Thanks

 

[Jaycenk]

Well to check the FPR you can do two things. 1 use a fuel pressure gauge. This will also check the fuel pump. You hook it up and turn the key to run, do not start. Watch the fuel pressure gauge as you do this. Record what it reads while the pump was running. Now turn the key off. The pump may cycle again. Wait for it to stop and record that reading from the fuel pressure gauge. Now wait about 1 min and see what the reading is on the gauge and again write it down. Wait another 5 to 10 min and check the reading again and write it down. If the regulator is bad the pressure will drop over a period of time. It should hold the pressure with in a range of 3 to 5 psi over 5 min. The fuel pressure while the pump is running with out engine running should be around 50psi. Maybe more or maybe a little less.
The second way that is not as accurate as the first. Remove the ducting from the TB and open the butterfly and look down in the intake. It should be relatively dry in there. Now have someone cycle the key to the run position but DO NOT START IT. This will pressurize the fuel lines and some times when the regulators go bad they leak. If you see or smell alot of fuel you will know something is up in there.

 

[EvilCaprice]

Thanks Jaycen, I'll give this a try this evening. I'm currently looking for a decent fuel pressure guage. I dont think the local auto part chains rent them.