1992 GMC Jimmy Running Rich

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BULLDOGS27
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1992 GMC Jimmy V-6 Vortec with over 181,000 miles. Recently I began having problems with my car sputtering during acceleration and then clearing as my car gains speed. During these episodes, the engine idles roughly and at times "bucks" slightly while driving. My check engine light came on and I took it to a mechanic who said that my car was "running rich" and believes it was my fuel injection "spider" leaking. I took it to another mechanic for a second opinion and he told me that he didn't think it was the spider because I was not "misfiring". Upon his recommendation, I spoke with a mechanic at a GMC dealership who stated he believed the first mechanic may be right, but it could also be the fuel line (or a plastic line)..either way, he says the only way to tell is to take the intake off and look.

Regardless of my mode of action, it looks like this will be a pretty costly project. What i don't want to do is pay the money only to find that my "spider" isn't the problem. Any other questions that i should ask the mechanic to try to pinpoint the problem or any other alternatives? Also, if I do fix this, is there anything I should replace while I'm doing this? I would love to hear any thoughts on this issue.
Mar 17, 2007 at 11:57 AM
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KIN CHAN
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i fixed ten of these gm spider in 6 months already !!!! ....1.)place a pressure gage and check during start up for residual pressure ...2.) shine a lite and look into the intake check if it is wet...crimp whatever inlet or outlet to verify either leaking is from the pump or inj/regulator side... that's all it take to proof and justify ..NO GUESS WORK!!! ... look man...if i get boot outta here by the administration...u owe me big time
Mar 17, 2007 at 2:06 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Open up the upper plenum look what side the washed -up drivers side points to the Nut kit on the PAX its the regulator.

Vortec/Spyder unit. Must be 4.3 VIN W
Mar 18, 2007 at 4:15 PM

Suggested Repair

Confirm residual fuel pressure at startup and inspect the intake for fuel wash. Isolate whether the leak is on the pump side or the injector/regulator side. On a 4.3 Vortec spider (VIN W), open the upper plenum and check for wash pointing to the passenger-side regulator.

Conversation Summary

A 1992 GMC Jimmy with a 4.3 Vortec sputters under acceleration, idles roughly, and sets a running-rich code. Mechanics disagreed on whether the fuel-injection spider, regulator, or a fuel line was leaking. Replies recommend a residual-pressure test, a visual check for a wet intake, and isolating the leak before replacing parts; one notes passenger-side wash can indicate the regulator.

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