Suburban Backfing & Stalling...PLEASE HELP!!!

[leofig]

Hi everyone; this is my first time posting here, so be gentle please.

My 2002 Suburban (Z71 4x4 62k miles) is misfiring and stalling. It has been happening more often and I don't know if I should let the dealer look into it or not; since in the past they were not able to diagnost similiar (related???) problem and came to find out, it was not even documented (not shown in their computers ). It had stalled twice before (when new +/- one year apart) and they both were when I was backing up from my driveway. Same deal, let it rest and it started.

Anyway, it feels like if the gas had water in it (sort of) or gas had debris or fuel pump was not keeping up. Afetr let rest for one or two minutes, it starts like if nothing had ever happen. The truck runs very smooth (like when new), RPM's are where they suppose to be and no sign of adnormal fuel consumption. Yesterday, I replaced fuel filter, but it didn't seem to had help, for it backfired and stalled again right after it.

This is my first time owning a Chevy truck and I don't know whether this is the begining of a series of problems or it is just something minor; because if it is, I'll consider getting rid of it before is too late.

Please help and thanks in advance and have a great day.

[leofig]

Took truck the local dealer; just got a call saying that the fuel line pressure is low, and that the pump and fuel filter must be replaced to resolve the misfiring and stalling problem. I replaced filter last night...that leaves the pump; service cost: $995 + tax.

I wish I could trust the dealer; but I have a feeling that it might be something else.

I'll keep you posted.

[bromike3]

I had the same problem with an 88 Suburban a few years ago. Turned out to be the distributor. After hundreds of dollars of fixing things that weren't broke we finally found that the "star" on the distributor shaft had broken loose and was moving on the shaft, which was changing the timing erradically. Backfiring, stalling, dogginess, and red-hot exhaust manifolds. Might be worth checking.

Originally Posted by leofig

Took truck the local dealer; just got a call saying that the fuel line pressure is low, and that the pump and fuel filter must be replaced to resolve the misfiring and stalling problem. I replaced filter last night...that leaves the pump; service cost: $995 + tax.

I wish I could trust the dealer; but I have a feeling that it might be something else.

I'll keep you posted.

[97chevyman]

These are a little different, these automaticly set the timing. Now if this was lean enough to cause backfiring like that, you would know it while driving it. put it on a timing light and see what happens. could be low fuel pressure, but 995 is a rip off, do it your self. i dropped my tank in the 97 and it was not too bad. Replace the pump and go from there.

[leofig]

Hi gang, I'd like to first thank you for your support.

After almost checking with a couple of good mechanics who work for NAPA auto parts and happen to meet, they both strongly recommended to put an additive (stp) and fill the tank with premium gas which I did. So forth (and keeping my fingers crossed), there hasn't been any problems. The truck is running better than before (my be psychological), but it feels great.

I'll keep you posted otherwise and thanks again.

LeoF.