start-up problems

[Heeb]

My 2000 Sierra 1500 just began having trouble starting. Cold starts are fine and so are restarts (just turning it off and on again), but the starter has to work to start the engine after the truck is warm and I've gone into a store and come out. When it finally does start, it smells rich. Everything is fine once started. Is there a pressure control valve somewhere that may be defective? I'm not getting any codes.

[TweakedGM]

how long does it take to start it when it is warm

[Heeb]

It cranks for three to five seconds, turns over, acts like it's going to stall again initially, but then runs fine.

[TweakedGM]

is it stock no headers.

[Jeremy-WI]

I'd check the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line for signs of gas, if there is any sign of gas in the vacuum line, replace the regulator

[Heeb]

It is a stock setup, and I'll check out the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line for signs of gas. If the problem was as simple as a bad gas cap, would the symptoms be similar? I've had no check engine codes.

[TweakedGM]

what's the timing at

[Heeb]

I've never checked the timing. Cold starts and restarts continue to be fine, though. I've only noticed a problem when I've driven somewhere, turned the engine off and come back, sometimes as much as an hour or more later and had trouble getting it to turn over. Once it's running, though, no problems. I did notice that drops of fuel are present in the vacuum line that comes out of the fuel pressure regulator. This pressure regulator costs about $90 at AutoZone. I haven't priced it at the dealer. Would the quality of the pressure regulator need to be a consideration? $90 seems like a lot for such a chincy little plastic part. Will I need to follow any specific procedures to replace it? Should I do, or can I ethically ask any other resource to do any other tests before buying and installing a new fuel pressure regulator?

[TweakedGM]

I just read this ya never know:

This is very common. You either have a problem with the install of the remote start, parts used for the bypass, or the vehicle's Passkey II system is failing. Unfortunately, any of the above is very likely. I would start with the aftermarket items first then go on from there. It usually runs about $500 to have GM install a new Passkey decoder. read

[TweakedGM]

read this to it is on 2001 sliverado

Too many possiblities is it doing it only on cold start? Or warm start? Or at anytime.

The Cold start problem seems to be being diagnosed as possibly being a loss of fuel pressure. If it is warm you cuold check fuel pressure regulator. It should be on the fuel rail on driver side of engine ( not very large ) has a vacum line running to it pull vacum line if it has fuel in it its bad.
SAME THREAD DIFFERENT GUY
I agree with the fuel pressure loss. My thought is that the fuel pump may be bleeding down and allowing the line to lose pressure. The only was to be sure is to connect a fuel pressure guage to the line and see how it reacts.

[Heeb]

I don't have a remote starter, so I'm ruling that strand out. I guess I'll need to check line pressure to determine if I need a new fuel pressure regulator or a new fuel pump. Although, "Jeremy" suggested...if there is any sign of gas in the vacuum line, replace the regulator. That's probably the easiest place to start. It sounds like I've got to remove the gas tank to get at the fuel pump.

[TweakedGM]

it doesn't say anything in there that you need to change the fuel pump

[Heeb]

Okay...but the statement:

I agree with the fuel pressure loss. My thought is that the fuel pump may be bleeding down and allowing the line to lose pressure.

...led me to believe that a fuel pump that was bleeding down may need to be replaced. I'll try replacing the fuel pressure regulator and let ya' know how it goes.

[Heeb]

Changing the fuel pressure regulator did the trick! $60 at the dealership was the best price I found. That was almost $25 cheaper than AutoZone. The parts manager said that GM recently lowered their price on this regulator. Go figure. Thanks for all your advice!