My engine is hard to start?

Take the one out on the inline and concentrate on the fuel pump side-

Replace the fuel pump-before you do this check and test the coolant temperature sensor

Check for fuel pressure bleed down. Turn the key on and verify that you have around 55 pounds. Then turn the key off and see if the pressure bleeds off slowly or quickly. If quickly, the pump should be replaced and your secondary check valve is also not doing what it was designed to do.

I'm honestly not sure why he had you test the coolant sensor. Let us know how these new tests go.

Pleasure. Let us know if we can be of assistance in the future.

It sounds like you have low fuel pressure, or a plugged fuel filter, check these links

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

let us know what you find :-)

Hi,

It sounds like fuel pressure drop off. It can be caused by the pump or even a leaky injector. Have you checked fuel pressure to confirm what is happening?

Here is a link that explains how to check:

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

I have trouble shooting diagrams, but need to know if you own a scanner that can actuate the pump.

Let me know.

Joe

Do this. When you check the pressure, pay attention to how quickly the fuel pressure drops when you turn the key off. Then, do the same thing, but pinch the return line to the fuel tank to see if it is the same. If it is, then we have an injector issue. If it doesn't drop fast, then chances are it's the pump.

Let me know.

Joe

Either the pump is bad or there is a leak. When you first turn the key on, it primes only for a couple seconds. Then, the pump will not turn back on until engine RPM's reach a predetermined point. Are you sure there are no leaks? When it does start, is there any black smoke which could indicate a leaking injector?

Joe

Since there is no black smoke and you see no leaks, I suspect it is the pump. Here are the directions for replacement. The first part is tank removal. The second explains how to remove the sender / pump. All pics correlate with the directions.

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2003 Chevy Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-6.0L VIN U
Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup)
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Tank Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Fuel Tank Replacement Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup)
FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT (PICKUP)
Fuel Tank Replacement (Pick-Up)

pic 1

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure.

2. Drain the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Draining Procedure.
See: Fuel Tank > Procedures > Fuel Tank Draining
3. Remove the fuel tank fill pipe.
4. Remove the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister.
5. If equipped, remove the fuel tank shield bolts.
6. Remove the fuel tank shield.

Pic 2

7. Disconnect the fuel feed/return pipes from the fuel tank pipes.
8. Cap the fuel and EVAP pipes in order to prevent possible fuel/EVAP system contamination.
9. Place a suitable adjustable jack under the fuel tank.

Pic 3

10. Remove the fuel tank strap bolts.

NOTE: Refer to Damage to Fuel Tank Straps Notice in Service Precautions See: Fuel Tank > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Damage to Fuel Tank Straps Notice.

11. Remove the fuel tank straps.
12. Lower the fuel tank until the electrical connections are accessible.

Pic 4

13. Remove the fuel sending unit connector position assurance (CPA) connector.
14. Disconnect the fuel sending unit and pressure sensor electrical connectors (1).
15. Completely lower the fuel tank.
16. With the aid of an assistant, place the fuel tank in a suitable work area.

Pic 5

17. Disconnect and remove the fuel feed (3) and return (2) pipes from the sending unit and retaining clips.
18. Disconnect and remove the EVAP pipe (1) from the sending unit, roll over valve (3), and retaining clip.
19. If replacing the fuel tank, remove the sending unit.

Pic 6

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. If the fuel tank was replaced, install the sending unit.
2. Install and connect the EVAP pipe (1) to the sending unit, roll over valve (3), and retaining clip.
3. Install and connect the fuel feed (3) and return (2) pipes to the sending unit and retaining clips.

Pic 7

4. With the aid of an assistant, place the fuel tank on the jack.
5. Raise the fuel tank until the electrical connections can be made.
6. Connect the fuel sending unit and pressure sensor electrical connectors (1).
7. Install the fuel sending unit CPA connector.

Pic 8

8. Install the fuel tank straps.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions See: Powertrain Management > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Fastener Notice.

9. Install the fuel tank straps bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to.40 N.M (30 lb ft).

10. Remove the adjustable jack from under the fuel tank.

Pic 9

11. Remove the caps from the fuel and EVAP pipes.
12. Connect the fuel feed/return pipes to the fuel tank pipes.
13. Install the fuel feed/return pipes to the clip on the fuel tank.

Pic 10

14. If equipped, install the fuel tank shield.
15. Install the fuel tank shield bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to.18 N.M (13 lb ft).

16. Install the EVAP canister.
17. Install the fuel tank fill pipe.
19. Install the fuel fill cap.
20. Connect the negative battery cable.
21. Use the following procedure in order to inspect for leaks:
21.1. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF, for 2 seconds.
21.2. Turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
21.3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
21.4. Inspect for fuel leaks.

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2003 Chevy Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-6.0L VIN U
Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Tank Unit Service and Repair Procedures Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement
FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 44402 Fuel Tank Sending Unit Wrench

pic 12

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the fuel tank.
2. Disconnect fuel lines from the sending unit, if required.
3. Using J 44402, remove the sending unit lock ring.

Pic 13

4. Remove the sending unit and seal. Discard the seal.

CAUTION: Drain the fuel from the fuel sender assembly into an approved container in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. Never store the fuel in an open container.

5. Clean the sending unit sealing surfaces.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

CAUTION: In order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury that may result from a fuel leak, always replace the fuel sender gasket when reinstalling the fuel sender assembly.

IMPORTANT: The fuel strainer must be in a horizontal position when the sending unit is installed in the tank. When installing the sending unit, assure that the fuel strainer does not block full travel of the float arm.

Pic 14

1. Install a NEW sending unit seal.
2. Align the tab, and install the sending unit.

Pic 15

3. Using J 44402, install the sending unit lock ring.
4. Connect fuel lines to the sending unit, if required.
5. Install the fuel tank.
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Let me know if this helps.

Joe