97 5.7L Pickup Won't Start

I have a 97 silverado w/ 5.7L and it does not have a TBI. Over the past few months the truck has been increasingly harder to start. I was having to let the fuel pump rebuild pressure before it would start. However, once the motor was warm it would start just fine. It now will not start without spraying some Berryman's or starting fluid into the air intake. I have replaced the fuel pump a year ago (pressure is still good), replaced the fuel filter, replaced the air filter, checked the air intake and vacuum hoses for leaks. I don't really have much time to work on it so I took it in thinking that it was probably a fuel regulator, but they are claiming that there is a fuel leak somewhere visable and that there is an upgrade kit that is needing to be installed. I can't find anything about any injector or intake upgrade kit. They're saying it'll be $750 to repair. Any suggestions before biting the bullet. I did take off the fuel lines and it's possible that I didn't tighten them down enough, but not likely. Need help. Thanks.

There is a kit to change from the SCPI tyoe injectors to the MFI type.
It replaces all 8 injectors, fuel body and fuel pressure regulator. Sounds like the shop does not want to fix whats wrong but just throw a big part at it and charge you for their lack of troubleshooting skill. :2cents:

Does this upgrade kit really give any enhancements, such as fuel efficiency, torque, or is it basically just replacing the entire fuel injection system?

I was havin some problems and someone posted this a little while ago.. Maybe it'l be helpful

A deposit build-up on the CSFI poppet valve ball and/or seat may cause the poppet ball to stick open or closed. In either case, the specific cylinder will be mis-fueled, resulting in a cylinder mis-fire condition.

Correction

A new injector unsticking and cleaning process has proven to be effective in restoring poppet valves to an "as new" condition. CSFI injector replacement should NOT be considered as a correction for this customer concern.

Check the vehicle history to determine if the vehicle is returning for a second fuel system repair for this condition. If the fuel system has been repaired for this condition previously, then inform the customer that an alternate fix is available. A new MFI fuel system has been developed that will back service the CSFI fuel system. The MFI fuel system eliminates the CSFI poppet valve ball and seat. The CSFI fuel system will need to be replaced as a unit. Refer to Central SFI to MFI Conversion instructions in this bulletin.

Notice : Individual CSFI injectors can not be replaced with MFI injectors. The entire CSFI fuel meter body will need to be replaced. The bracket used to retain the injectors in the fuel meter body is different between the CSFI and MFI unit. The unit may not seal if you mix injectors. Severe engine damage could result.

Cleaning the CSFI injectors is the preferred repair. The CSFI unit should not be replaced until cleaning has been attempted. If the vehicle should return for the same repair, then the CSFI unit can be replaced with an MFI unit. If the vehicle is out of warranty, the customer should be given the option of which fix to pursue.

Important : "GM of Canada" dealers require District Service Manager approval prior to replacing the CSFI unit with a MFI unit under warranty.

The first step of this process is to use the J 41413 Evap Pressure/Purge Station, in conjunction with the J 44466-10 pressure regulator/hose assembly, to provide the required high pressure (150 psi) source to perform the unsticking procedure. The J 39021 fuel injector tester and accessories provide the means to "energize" the injector. Some later model-year vehicles may utilize the Tech 2(R) to "energize" the injectors.

The second step of this process is to run the engine on a solution of 10% Top Engine Cleaner and 90% gasoline. This will effectively clean any deposits from the ball and seats of the poppets. It is very important that the engine fuel system is separated from the vehicle fuel system. Top Engine Cleaner may have detrimental effects on the fuel pump.

So,
I took the advice to do the upgrade to the MFI and I am extremely happy. It turned out that the poppets were all extremely clogged and I decided that I should just replace the whole system instead of doing the high pressure cleaning and the possibly having to also replace the fuel regulator. THE NEW MFI SYSTEMS IS GREAT. I believe that I now have much more torque than ever and I can actually hear the difference in the fuel regulation and better saturation instead of primarily consisting of air. Thanks for your advice.

so.... how much did the new system cost ya?