2002 Chevy Silverado Gas not staying in the lines

Tiny
SYNDROSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
If my truck sits for more then 45 minutes, I have to either turn the key, to let the fuel pump run for a little bit, or crank it for 7-10 seconds before the truck will start. If I turn the truck off and try and restart it, it will start right back up, which leads me to believe that the fuel is not staying in the lines. The fuel pump failed and was replaced by the dealership about a year and a half ago. The fuel filter was replaced 15,000 miles ago. I have visually inspected all the gas lines I could find, and could not find a leak of any kind, I also park in a garage, and do not have any gas odors or traces of gas on the floor when it is parked in there over night. While I am hoping that it is not the new fuel pump leaking, is there anything I can check without dropping the gas tank and replacing the fuel pump. Or is there a way to check the fuel pump for leaks, as it cost more then I can afford right now. Also, once the truck is running, it stays running and runs smooth, so I don't think the fuel pump itself is failing. My gas mileage may have decreased slightly (around 1 mpg) but can't say for sure as my commute has changed recently.
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 AT 12:02 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 700 POSTS
After an overnight sit, use a fuel pressure gage on it, key on engine off. Check for correct fuel pressure and that the pressure doesn't drop like a rock, key off. Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage, if you don't have one. Fuel pressure spec, v8--gasoline-- 60--66 psi.
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
CHEVYMAN54173
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I have the same problem with my 1999 Chevy Silverado. I posted a question on here and got no results. I'm wondering if our problem is the fuel pressure regulater switch? Seems like after the truck sits the fuel possibly may run back to the gas tank causing the fuel pressure in the lines to be low until the pump starts running when the key is turned.
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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
SYNDROSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Unfortunately I spent the $50 for a new Fuel Pressure Regulator and the problem still exists. I am dropping my tank this weekend, I have been told by a few car savy friends that it is probably the fuel pump, since there isn't any gas leaking.

Seeing as I only have standard floor jacks, I hope it isn't all to heavy or painful to drop my tank and inspect the fuel pump.
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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 700 POSTS
I wouldn't suspect the fuel pump without using a fuel pressure gage. If you drop the tank, empty it first.
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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
CHEVYMAN54173
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I'm just throwing this out there. What about a bad fuel pump relay?
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Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
CHEVYMAN54173
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Syndrose, just wondering if you fixed your fuel problem yet.
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 8:30 PM

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