94 S15 Jimmy 4 door

[brucexxx]

Hi;

I have a 94 s15 Jimmy and it is now getting harder to start when left for 1 hour or more. Used to be a quick start until a couple weeks ago. Must crank for awhile (3-5 secs) and then it starts with a bit of black smoke for a second or so and then levels out. Seems to run fine the rest of the time. I have been reading the forums and it appears that it is the fuel pressure regulator. I have checked the fuel pressure and it goes right to 60 psi when the pump starts for the first couple of seconds and then sits at 55 psi after the pump shuts off. I did notice that the pressure drops off over time (5-10 mins) and can eventually go to zero if you wait long enough. There is no sign of leaking or any fumes under the hood. The pressure at running is about 52 psi. I believe that this motor should have around 55 psi when running?? Would a faulty regulator cause low operating pressure as well?

It is a Vortec 4.3 Can that fuel pressure regulator be rebuilt (I got a kit for it but wonder if it will work for the Vortec model) Just want some opinions before I yank that plenum cover (top intake cover)

Thanks
Bruce