Possible Fuel Sending Unit?

[xtrememeasures10]

My buddy has a 2000 1500 silverado and when he turns the key to start the truck it does nothing the first time. Then he turns it again and it fires right up. It runs fine after that. He thinks its the fuel sending unit. Before we go pulling the pump/fuel sending unit assy i wanted to get some second opinions.

[MT-2500]

In do nothing does the engine crank over or just not crank or crank over and not start?

The fuel sending unit will not keep it from starting or running.
What makes you think the fuel sending unit is causing problem?
Is the fuel sending not working all time or what is up on that end?

[wafrederick]

Do a fuel pressure test first and look up the specs.If it is lower than specs,bad fuel pump.Go with a Delphi pump,Carquest auto parts store or the dealer.CarQuest did switch to Delphi and kicked Airtex to the curb for their fuel pump supplier.Since CarQuest switched to Delphi,no more problems with their fuel pumps.

[xtrememeasures10]

Yeah i just wanted to check and make sure im not an idiot. Its been like 3 years since i worked in a auto shop. I didnt think it could be that unless there is something in the fuel sending unit when the pump is starting to go bad that tells the starter not to engage. I havent actually driven it before. But if i recall correctly when he turns the key the first time it doesnt do anything, no engine crank, no nothing, the only thing that changes is the chime scilences, then the second crank it starts right up. I told him i think its something else, maybe ignition related. But he is one of those know it all types of people that just look at you and say no i know this is it with no experience in anything. It infuriates me we always get into fights about cars and problems with them. He thinks he knows best and more than me even though im ase certified and have my airframe and powerplant license, and all he has ever been is a carpenter.

[Bob B]

The fuel pump can't tell the starter not to go.
I feel the problem is likely in the battery cables being corroded a bit and or not tight usually at the battery
Bob B

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by xtrememeasures10

Yeah i just wanted to check and make sure im not an idiot. Its been like 3 years since i worked in a auto shop. I didnt think it could be that unless there is something in the fuel sending unit when the pump is starting to go bad that tells the starter not to engage. I havent actually driven it before. But if i recall correctly when he turns the key the first time it doesnt do anything, no engine crank, no nothing, the only thing that changes is the chime scilences, then the second crank it starts right up. I told him i think its something else, maybe ignition related. But he is one of those know it all types of people that just look at you and say no i know this is it with no experience in anything. It infuriates me we always get into fights about cars and problems with them. He thinks he knows best and more than me even though im ase certified and have my airframe and powerplant license, and all he has ever been is a carpenter.

Well in them cases I just hand them a wrench and tell them to have at it.
But good luck on it and with him.
MT

[xtrememeasures10]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Well in them cases I just hand them a wrench and tell them to have at it.
But good luck on it and with him.
MT

Lol Yeah thats pretty much what im like. He just wants to try n drag me into it.

Originally Posted by Bob B

The fuel pump can't tell the starter not to go.
I feel the problem is likely in the battery cables being corroded a bit and or not tight usually at the battery
Bob B

Yeah loose ground or bad wires sound more likely to me too.