While driving engine started losing power and then it shut off

CWINE84

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET 1500
5.7L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
260,000 MILES

While I was driving, I was losing acceleration and the truck shut off as if I didn’t have any gas in the truck, but I did. So, I check to see if the fuel pump was cutting on and it was gas also was still coming up to the front of the motor. I changed the fuel pump relay and got it to crank again but I was only able to ride 15 to 20 minutes down the road before it shut off again. What do you think could be the problem? Another faulty relay or I just need a new fuel pump?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

This could be a couple of different things. The first thing I would do is check the fuel pump pressure to confirm it's within the manufacturer's specs. Here is a link that shows in general how to test pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Additionally, I provided diagnostics for the fuel system below. The diagnostics also includes the manufacturer's fuel specifications.

Before going to all the trouble of testing fuel pressure, try this. If it won't start, see if it will if you use starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls after a couple of seconds, then we will know if it is a fuel-related issue. If it doesn't start with starting fluid, I need you to check to see if there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link that shows how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find, if you have questions, or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 AT 5:53 PM

CWINE84

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I was able to get it to crank again and also run once I changed the fuel pump relay. I allowed it to run in park for over 30 minutes and it shut off again. I checked the fuel pressure and saw that gas was still shooting to the front.

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Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 AT 6:59 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

It would still be a good idea to check fuel pressure. Although it still is working, it could be too low to run the engine. Also, try the starting fluid test or check for spark to the plugs. This will help us limit the number of possible causes.

Let me know.

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Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 AT 8:00 PM