Hard starting

1996 K1500 4x4 w/350 struggles to start when cold you have to crank and crank over and over until it finally fires when it's running it keeps running perfectly has lot's of power can drive for miles. If you let it set for two days you have to crank it three times when you let the key of on the third or fourth try you hear the pump run then it starts right up. But if it sits for a week or two it is almost impossible to start. This vortec 350 has 15,000 act miles on it. It's like new! I think it's the fuel filter or possibly the ground wired that hooks to the frame on the drivers side what do you think?

As you mentioned, it could be the ground wire for the pump, or it could be the pump itself is faulty, or not getting battery voltage consistently. The ground wire at the fuel pump module should less than 5 ohms resistance to ground at all times. The grey wire at the pump module should show battery voltage for 2 seconds when the key is turned to the RUN position, (engine off) and continuusly when in the START position. Post your results.

i would check fuel pressure it sounds like low f/pressure
post with the pressure readings you get

Sounds like the fuel pump is allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank, so you are having to re-prime the fuel system. If that is your problem you will have to replace the pump.

Sounds like the fuel pump is allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank, so you are having to re-prime the fuel system. If that is your problem you will have to replace the pump.

That or the fuel pressure regulator was my first gut instinct.

Do you think it is posible that the fuel is leaking out of the fuel injectors? So I'm having to refill the injector lines with fuel? I have a new fuel pump that I'm going to install first. Sounds like the fuel pump is allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank, so you are having to re-prime the fuel system. If that is your problem you will have to replace the pump.

imo no,or you'd have a no/hard start because of flooding
check the system for a leak down or did you already
realy need to check all the pressures before you do anything

Do you think it is posible that the fuel is leaking out of the fuel injectors? So I'm having to refill the injector lines with fuel? I have a new fuel pump that I'm going to install first.

check with a pressure guage for leaking down , key on engine off..post the pressures and how long it takes for leak down.

leaking/dirty injectors, fuel regulator leak, or fuel pump check valve or not enough pressure on cold start. you need 60-65 psi I believe with this year engine.

the fuel filters should be replaced every 30,ooo miles. cut open to see if this is correct for you .


poor start can be a bad ECT this can trick the computer to think the engine is hot..If so the injector on time is shorter than a cold start !

I installed the new fuel pump. I cycled the pump about six times then I hit the key to start it and it fired instantly after sitting for a month!! Problem solved!! It has a new fuel filter and new plugs too!!!

I installed the new fuel pump. I cycled the pump about six times then I hit the key to start it and it fired instantly after sitting for a month!! Problem solved!! It has a new fuel filter and new plugs too!!!

I would get some techron injector cleaner and a few ounces of marvel mystery oil to the fuel ..this will clean and lubricate the fuel system/injectors...good luck ...

keep fuel above 1/4 tank to prevent the pump from damage !