hard to start

[daarrve]

Good day. I am hoping someone can help me with my truck. I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado, 6 litre, 8 cylinder 2500 series. I am having difficulty starting my truck when the engine is cold, this morning and yesterday morning, I cranked it for about 10 seconds before it caught, then is sputtered for a few seconds more and was blowing black smoke, at least I think it was black. Then when I got to work today I left it and came back about 10 minutes later and it started great. Yesterday afternoon after work it had been sitting for aboout 7 hours it did the same thing. I also hooked my truck up to a scanner this morning, the closest vehicle I could get was a 2004 Silverado, it threw the code P0141. I am planning on checking the fuel pressure in the next few days whenever I get a chance. Thank you for your VALUABLE help.

Respectfully, Dave Clark

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by daarrve

Good day. I am hoping someone can help me with my truck. I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado, 6 litre, 8 cylinder 2500 series. I am having difficulty starting my truck when the engine is cold, this morning and yesterday morning, I cranked it for about 10 seconds before it caught, then is sputtered for a few seconds more and was blowing black smoke, at least I think it was black. Then when I got to work today I left it and came back about 10 minutes later and it started great. Yesterday afternoon after work it had been sitting for aboout 7 hours it did the same thing. I also hooked my truck up to a scanner this morning, the closest vehicle I could get was a 2004 Silverado, it threw the code P0141. I am planning on checking the fuel pressure in the next few days whenever I get a chance. Thank you for your VALUABLE help.

Respectfully, Dave Clark

HOW MANY MILES ON IT AND WHEN WAS LAST GOOD TUNE UP?
Check engine cold and engine cranking fuel pressure.
And watch for fast leak down after shut off.
If pressure is not up to specs injectors will not squirt fuel on a cold start.

Post back your fuel pressure readings.

[daarrve]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

HOW MANY MILES ON IT AND WHEN WAS LAST GOOD TUNE UP?
Check engine cold and engine cranking fuel pressure.
And watch for fast leak down after shut off.
If pressure is not up to specs injectors will not squirt fuel on a cold start.

Post back your fuel pressure readings.

It has 202k miles (326k kilometres) on it. I replaced the plugs about 2 months ago along with changing the tranny filter and fluid. I am going to flush the transfer case this weekend too. The fuel filter was reaplced about the same time as the plugs.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by daarrve

It has 202k miles (326k kilometres) on it. I replaced the plugs about 2 months ago along with changing the tranny filter and fluid. I am going to flush the transfer case this weekend too. The fuel filter was reaplced about the same time as the plugs.

We need the fuel pressure readings.
What transfer case does it have?
On the transfer case flush make sure you use the correct fluid.

[daarrve]

I finally hooked my truck to check the fuel pressure and it is 48 psi, I shut the engine off and almost immediately it dropped 2 psi. I checked it after about 15 minutes and it was at 50psi

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by daarrve

I finally hooked my truck to check the fuel pressure and it is 48 psi, I shut the engine off and almost immediately it dropped 2 psi. I checked it after about 15 minutes and it was at 50psi

Your fuel pressure is to low.
You need 55/62 lbs.

For a cold start engine cranking you need close to 60 lbs for for the injectors to squirt cold.

Could be a weak pump or plug ed filter or low fuel in tank or fuel pressure regulator bad.

To test pump and fuel pressure regulator block off return line and see if fuel pressure comes up.
With return line blocked off you should see 75-90 lbs or more if pump is good.

Post back reading with return line blocked off.
Also with external fuel pressure regulator always pull vacuum line off and look for gas in it.
If so regulator is bad but may or not be the low fuel problem.

The pump has to produce higher pressure and volume than the specs for the pressure regulator to control proper fuel pressure.

[daarrve]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Your fuel pressure is to low.
You need 55/62 lbs.

For a cold start engine cranking you need close to 60 lbs for for the injectors to squirt cold.

Could be a weak pump or plug ed filter or low fuel in tank or fuel pressure regulator bad.

To test pump and fuel pressure regulator block off return line and see if fuel pressure comes up.
With return line blocked off you should see 75-90 lbs or more if pump is good.

Post back reading with return line blocked off.
Also with external fuel pressure regulator always pull vacuum line off and look for gas in it.
If so regulator is bad but may or not be the low fuel problem.

The pump has to produce higher pressure and volume than the specs for the pressure regulator to control proper fuel pressure.

Can you please tell me the easiest way to plug the return line? Thanks.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by daarrve

Can you please tell me the easiest way to plug the return line? Thanks.

There is not a easy button on it.
If it has a rubber hose in it any place you can pinch the rubber hose but not any plastic line.
Other wise you will have to make up a plug depending on where you tap into return line.
Or hook up a gauge at the fuel filter in line and check direct pump pressure.

[daarrve]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

There is not a easy button on it.
If it has a rubber hose in it any place you can pinch the rubber hose but not any plastic line.
Other wise you will have to make up a plug depending on where you tap into return line.
Or hook up a gauge at the fuel filter in line and check direct pump pressure.

On the chance that I have to replace the fuel pump can you please tell me how long of a job it is, also what is the best way. I have heard 2 ways, lower the fuel tank and also to remove the truck bed. Thanks.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by daarrve

On the chance that I have to replace the fuel pump can you please tell me how long of a job it is, also what is the best way. I have heard 2 ways, lower the fuel tank and also to remove the truck bed. Thanks.

sliding the truck bed back until the fuel pump access is revealed is a good way to avoid working under the tank ..easier to access the fuel pump and clean and lube the ring to remove the pump ..also inspect and correct any corroded lines/etc...

in the rust belt, tank removal may mean, tank strap replacing ..