1997 Silverado starting problems

[ThorAxe]

I wanted to know if there is a chance of having a fuel pump problem occur as the result of having run the gas tank completely dry as a bone. The past week I was going to drop the fuel tank and replace the fuel pump, but instead I stuck a hose into the tank to see if there was any gas. My gas gauge reads a 1/4 tank and there was no gas in the tank. So I had filled it with 5 gallons of gas and it still wouldn't turn over, I couldn't hear the pump operating at all so I stuck the hose back into the tank and whacked it around then tried to start it again, it worked. I thought that solved the problem, but it happened again and I stuck the hose in again and whacked it around and it started. Now it wouldn't turn over at all, even with those hose whacking. Troubled?????? Bad fuel pump or fuel filter??

[corning_d3]

Change your fuel pump, strainer and filter. This is a classic sign of fuel pump failure. It could also be loose wiring inside the tank. If you have a way of winching the bed off(or 3-4 friends), it's quicker than dropping the tank..

[ThorAxe]

I have been told that when the tank runs completely empty it takes out the fuel pump as well, not positive on this yet. The truck ran fine until this happened! But that sounds like good advice to take the bed off instead of dropping the tank. Thanx man!!!

[corning_d3]

If the pump is weak, running it out of fuel may not lock-up the pump, but it's not good on it since the pump uses fuel to cool irself. This is why you never bench test a fuel pump. Don't forget the ground strap at the filler neck, and near the brake wiring in the rear. Unhook the connector, and remove the 4(or 8, depending on year) bolts attaching the box and your set. Clean the top of the tank GOOD before removing the tank(including the grooves around the pump assy), and use snap ring pliers to remove the ring securing the fuel pump ass'y. If the pump wiring or connectors look burnt/melted, use the replacement you'll get with the pump ass'y. Grease the o-ring to ease installation.