2000 GMC Sonoma Will Not Start Without Starting Fluid

[aserapiglia]

I have a 2000 GMC Sonoma 4.3L V6. The engine will not start without starting fluid. I hooked up a fuel pressure regulator and it only reads 40lbs. of pressure. The manual says it should be 53-60lbs. When i get it started with starting fluid, while driving, ot bogs down if i floor it or press the gas pedal down too quickly. Is my problem the fuel pump? Thank you for your help.

[danielsatur]

Doe's the Fuel pump turn on?
Check fuel pump fuse/relay
Check fuel filter

[aserapiglia]

Yes, the fuel pump turns on. i've replaced the starter, battery, fuel filter, and the fuel pump relay is good also. thank you for replying.

[danielsatur]

There might be a clogged screen in the fuel tank.
I wonder, if you disconnect the fuel filter, and put some Air pressure through the fuel line to blow the screen out.

[aserapiglia]

I'll try that. That makes sense because I only have 40lbs. of pressure. Thanks and I'll let you know....

[brcidd]

Sounds like the fuel pump...I keep a high pressure external "fuel pump in can" that I can plumb into FP pressure test port on vehicle- to test for start when pressure is right. If vehicle starts, then I drive it to work area and install new fuel pump- Fuel filter clogged is always a possibility, but in the 20 or 30 fuel pumps I have changed in the last 10 years or so, the fuel filter was never the root cause of no start....just my 2 cents...

That FP will cost about what you got into parts so far- too bad you changed things before testing..

[danielsatur]

Caution- If using air pressure to blow out the fuel line, make sure you take the gas cap off.

I wonder if it's worth while to make an access panel in the bed of truck for the electric fuel pump.

[aserapiglia]

Thank you for all the help. I needed a new battery anyway so that was o.k. The fuel pump that is in the truck now is about 2-2 1/2 yrs. old. I just want to know if that is the problem for sure and not the injectors. And I also thought about making an access panel but I'm trying to figure out how to make it air tight? I would have to find a junk yard that would allow me to cut a piece of the truck bed off that is a bit bigger, then maybe use screws and silicone? And then use a fireproof blanket between the bed and tank to make the cut? Can anyone say for sure if it is, in fact, the fuel pump? Like I said, with my fuel pressure regulator attached I'm reading only 40lbs. of pressure and the manual says it needs at least 60lbs. to start....

[danielsatur]

You can always put some nice oak planks in the bed!
Try doing another fuel pressure test, if you got a new battery.

[aserapiglia]

I did the fuel pressure check.....it is at 40lbs and has to have at least 58lbs to start...

[brcidd]

Why cut a hole? There are only 8 15mm bolts holding that bed down- I use my engine puller hoist and a thick rope and lift the bed up two feet, and sit on the tire and change the fuel pump- much easier than dropping tank, and you need not worry about tank fuel level- and not cutting a hole.

No hoist? 4 people can lift the bed off...got any friends?

If you tip the front of bed up higher than the rear, you don't need to unplug electrical connectors either......