OK, here's the run down. I have this 97 1500 with a 5.7 injected setup, not TBI. A while back it started giving me fits starting. I would have to crank it over for 5-10 seconds, turn the key to OFF then back to on for 5 or so seconds then start her up. She would ONLY fire this way. So I thought the pump was going out on me so I had it tested...good pressure, 58-63 PSI on the crank. I only had to do this if she sat for 5 or more hours. Well now the plot thickens..now the POS wont start at all! On thanksgiving night I went out and started her up and let her run for 20 mins. and turned her off. That next day she REFUSED to start even with the CRANK-OFF-ON-START trick. Funny thing is this, I changed the filter and she fired right up! So its the filter..BS! now its back to its old tricks. Dirty fuel?, change filter and BAM! fired up the ran it till she was 98% dry, added new clean fuel with Heet and Gumout (a full tank might i add). Ran good for 4 hours of driving even though she stumbled under heavy foot.Turn her off and guess what happened the next day? Nothing, she wont start! Now i'm getting upset. I changed the filter again but this time I get nothing.

Heres what ive been told... 1. Fuel pressure regulator--$244 they said it could be bleeding off?[:'(]
2. Fuel pump harness--$9
3. Fuel Filter...i think ive discredited that theory
4. I have a PITA truck


What do all of you think? I can't figure this thing out. Oh by the way, even after replacing the filter every time, I would still have trouble starting it after it sat for a while.

 

sounds like the pressure regulator has gotten a pinhole in and is bleeding off and giving you starting problems.

 

i'd check the pressure again...even a dripping fuel reg is gonna start eventually

 

It starts eventually but its hard and the battery gets real low doing it, probably from having to build pressure i guess. As far as i can tell, the regulator is after the Schrader Valve giving me the idea that i have enough at the regulator. Picked up one at the local place for 48 bucks, gonna try that now. Bitch of the thing is where its at! Man do I miss my old 75 Dodge with JUST a 383 and a battery under the hood. They are getting out of hand, Dodge, Chevy and Ford with all the crap they put under these hoods nowadays. Gonna try to get her running by this Friday...wish me luck. Oh and a question kind of off subject but, can i put true straight pipes on this bad boy or do i NEED to keep the Cat and do away with the mufflers? its got a mild cam in it so it'll sound sweet.[8D]

 

pump,dude..
try hooking a battery charger up and trying to start it...sometimes the extra voltage helps a waek pump get a nut

 

I had similar problems in my 89 Silverado. It was the pump...exact symptoms and everything. I replaced that and the starter and a miraculous difference!

 

whu happened??