Fuel Pump Question
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 53
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From: Bellevue WA
Fuel Pump Question
My '97 C5 is starting to exhibit the same symptoms that my old C4 did just prior to the fuel pump failure. When I first got the C5, it would start almost immediately (a couple of seconds). Now, I have to crank it 2 or 3 times and is sort of sputters to life. Once running, all is well. Does this sound like an imminent failure? I don't want to get stuck out somewhere. (That's what happened with my C4)..How do you know you've got a bad fuel pump? ..answer....when it fails. Is this an expensive fix? The fuel pump also has a persistent high buzzing sound. Thoughts? thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 12
From: Leon Iowa
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
The buzzing sound is normal. You might check your fuel pressure. That will tell you if the pump is weak. Or if the filter is plugged. It also may help to run some injector cleaner in it. I use Lucas injector cleaner. It works good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 920
Likes: 2
From: Rogers, AR, USA
The above information is correct. A little more detail on the subject, a knowledgable professional would attach a pressure guage to the fuel rail and tape the guage to the windshield so yo can see it. Turn the key "on" and it should come up to around 50#, then start the car and take it out for a drive, it should run about 50# and under full throttle should not drop much more than 5#. On a 97 with a vacuum pressure regulator, the more vacuum applied to the regulator, the lower the fuel pressure is. If I remember properly, you can suck on the hose real hard and get it to drop down to about 42 or 43# of pressure. If it drops below 40# during a test run I would try a new filter first, much easier on the wallet than a $400 pump, or whatever they cost today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 53
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From: Bellevue WA
I was right----
Well, my instincts were correct. Took my newly purchased car to the dealer this a.m. Described the hard start question. The checked and found that when the ignition key was turned on to start,,the fuel pressure would drop. Once the engine was running..A-OK. Checked all related codes and concuded: failing fuel pump. The best news of all..coverd by dealer in my 60 day 'gold warranty'. A Chevrolet dealer who is doing the right thing. P.S. pre-delivery, they updated all outstanding service bulletins, totally checked out and fixed any electical glitches, replace the anti-lock brack logic module....I'm a happy camper .....
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 53
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From: Bellevue WA
p.s. Good feedback from the forum
Thought I'd better add my thanks to those of you who offered advice/comments. They all helped confirm the problem. Thanks again to the forum and the responsiveness of the members.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 86
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From: Gilbert AZ US
Originally Posted by YLWFVR
Well, my instincts were correct. Took my newly purchased car to the dealer this a.m. Described the hard start question. The checked and found that when the ignition key was turned on to start,,the fuel pressure would drop. Once the engine was running..A-OK. Checked all related codes and concuded: failing fuel pump. The best news of all..coverd by dealer in my 60 day 'gold warranty'. A Chevrolet dealer who is doing the right thing. P.S. pre-delivery, they updated all outstanding service bulletins, totally checked out and fixed any electical glitches, replace the anti-lock brack logic module....I'm a happy camper .....
That's interesting....I have the same exact symptoms and the forum has suggested a fauly check valve as the culprit. My service advisor has indicated a faulty fuel regulator (still in the shop and due back tommorrow).