Hard to start when cold SOLVED-Fuel pump

[PATRICKH]

I started having an issue with the truck a couple of weeks ago. It is hard to get started when it sits for more than a couple of hours. It will crank, hit, sputter then die. I'm smelling fuel too. Does this for 5-10 times, then catches and runs fine.

I read a post about replacing the dist cap and rotor. I did a tune up Thursday and didn't help. (other than the idle and runs smoother) I replaced rotor, cap, coil, wires and plugs using Accel stuff and NGK plugs.

Driving home today, I got the dreaded low fuel light even though I had 3/4 of a tank. I just had the pump, tank and filter replaced in July using a Delphi pump. I did check it with the code scanner and no codes showing. Am I looking at yet another pump?

If so, anyone wanna buy a 2001 crew ?

[HenryJ]

smelling gas and the hard start thing make me think you may have fuel leaks inside the intake manifold. Might be time for a new spider?
Get ahold of a fuel pressure gauge and do all the fuel system checks listed. Fuel System Diagnosis , Testing fuel pump

Those will identify if it is a pump, regulator of injector problem.

[PATRICKH]

Forgot to post that. It just had the intake manifold gasket replaced, but it was doing this before that. I did check the fuel pressure tonight and its reading 58lbs with the key on and 50 running.

[HenryJ]

Follow the test procedures to isolate any problems. It is the leakdown tests that will tell a tale.

When you had the intake oof did you check for washing or leaky injectors? Poppets are known to be problematic. Is yours running the updated MFI system? There was a special policy in place for California owners. I am sure that is long expired, however the spider was being sold at a greatly reduced price.

[PATRICKH]

No, according to my haynes manual, I'm running the CSEFI. I did the tests Sunday and it held pressure. Left it for an hr and it was still reading the same. I didnt get to do the manifold repair, (felt it was a bit ablove my skill set.)

Have been told that leaky injectors will allow fuel to leak into the cylinders and cause a situation similar to a flooded carb. Not sure if thats the case here, but seems to make sense.

I really don't think it's a fuel pump, looking at injectors. I'm going to try and do this one. Can't be that hard right? (famous last words!)

[HenryJ]

Sticky poppets might be an issue too. A good nitrogen flush maybe? How often do you add injector cleaner to your fuel?

[PATRICKH]

Use a Lucas Oil injector cleaner and fuel system treatment once a month. It was a little warmer this week and the truck seemd a little easier to start.

[PATRICKH]

Ok, leakdown test and voltage resistance is in spec. Check Fuel filter? Drive truck into a tree and call it a day?

[intimidator4x4]

I'm thinking a bad spider too. My 98 fullsize did the same thing and I got the updated spider from KOI, problem solved.
Dont run it into a tree, I'll come over and get from you LOL

[PATRICKH]

Yeah not crash it. It's been a rough year for the cc. AC compressor, 2nd fuel pump, replaced rear end, new fuel tank, u joints, cv joints, new front unit bearings.....list goes on and on.

I did see that rock auto has a good price on the spider, and it does not look like its that hard to do.

Aurora IN? Howdy neighbor..

[PATRICKH]

Mystery solved. Fuel pump. STILL UNDER WARRANTY!

[HenryJ]

Mystery solved. Fuel pump. STILL UNDER WARRANTY!

What brand? Did you do the connector upgrade?

[PATRICKH]

Sorry to take so long to reply. They had to use the delphi pump. It was the one they did last time. Warranty specified it. Can't remember if that was the one with upgraded connectors. If it isn't, I'll do the pump myself if it fails again.

Just glad at this point it was covered.

[HenryJ]

That should have been the good pump and included the new pigtail. Run on the top half tank as much as possible. Hope it works for a very long time, this try.

[PATRICKH]

You and me both brother, you and me both...