1997 silverado slowly lost power

[mcgyver65]

My 97 chevy truck was slowly losing power on the highway over a two month period, now it is hard to start and will hardly move in the driveway. I can slowly rev it up very slowly but if you quickly rev it up it just dies like no fuel. Replaced fuel pump and filter, didn't change. I had it scanned and said the distributor was faulty, changed it but still no go. Drivers side exhaust was found to be quite a bit cooler than right side, cut off the pipes before the cats and still no go. ????? Any ideas other than throwing more money at this otherwise great truck??

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mcgyver65

My 97 chevy truck was slowly losing power on the highway over a two month period, now it is hard to start and will hardly move in the driveway. I can slowly rev it up very slowly but if you quickly rev it up it just dies like no fuel. Replaced fuel pump and filter, didn't change. I had it scanned and said the distributor was faulty, changed it but still no go. Drivers side exhaust was found to be quite a bit cooler than right side, cut off the pipes before the cats and still no go. ????? Any ideas other than throwing more money at this otherwise great truck??

you need to report more info on this problem....

what dtc's....you have not mentioned the fuel pressure...
I understand that the exhaust is removed correct ?

[toddman67]

Did you perform a fuel pressure test after the pump replacement? Possible regulator problem? Check with gauge for proper diagnotics.

[mcgyver65]

I did a fuel pressure test after installing filter and pump, was consistent at 50 psi, no codes came up on scan except it did show -4 on the distributor advance, never moved?? Not the problem though. Exhaust was cut off before the cats to eliminate the possibility of a plugged cat. I did give a quick shot of fuel mist from an atomizer into the air intake and motor revved quick and smooth, looks like a possible fuel reg problem, injectors and or computer failure.

[ukrkoz]

Originally Posted by mcgyver65

I did a fuel pressure test after installing filter and pump, was consistent at 50 psi, no codes came up on scan except it did show -4 on the distributor advance, never moved?? Not the problem though. Exhaust was cut off before the cats to eliminate the possibility of a plugged cat. I did give a quick shot of fuel mist from an atomizer into the air intake and motor revved quick and smooth, looks like a possible fuel reg problem, injectors and or computer failure.

or bad fuel filter.
or bad fuel pump.

[toddman67]

If I'm not mistaken, These fuel pressure readings need to be 60psi or better. With your fuel pressure tester connected pinch the vacuum line off or remove it to see if the pump will provide the necessary pressure. If it does then drive it to see if the regulator is your problem.
You mentioned that you replaced the pump. Did you replace the strainer as well?
Someone else posted once that they had an issue with "air-tex" pumps. Food for thought.

[mcgyver65]

I used a AC Delco pump and strainer was replaced. Redid a fuel pressure test today and noticed a drop in the pressure after turning off the ignition so it seemed to point at the fuel reg. I removed the upper manifold assembly and would have to say it is most definetly the fuel regulator. The back half of the lower intake was quite clean like it had been scoured from fuel leakage. Injector lines were cleaner as well. I will install a new one tommorow and let you know how it turns out.

[mcgyver65]

Well installed fuel reg and not a bloody change in anything, fuel pressure test remains the same at test port?? I guess next step is to try my computer in another truck and see how it works. Only two items left to check fuel meter body and computer so must be close but what a pain in the rearend.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mcgyver65

Well installed fuel reg and not a bloody change in anything, fuel pressure test remains the same at test port?? I guess next step is to try my computer in another truck and see how it works. Only two items left to check fuel meter body and computer so must be close but what a pain in the rearend.

is this fuel pump new or used...? is the fuel pump getting the full 12volts plus at the connector to pump...? are the fuel pump ground wires cleaned and secure???