Hard starting 2001 Suburban

[rabidfarmhand]

I have a 2001 Suburban with 195k on it. It's starting to become hard to start, as in taking at least 4 attempts to start. I changed the wires and plugs, plus it had a camshaft position sensor code which i fixed with a sensor replacement. It runs smoother and with better throttle response with the new parts, but it still will take 4 attempts to start 80% of the time. It used to do this occasionally and now is progrssively getting worse. Once started, it runs great. My wife drives it everyday and she swears it surges or undulates while driving, but when I drive it I haven't noticed it. It seems like a fuel issue, but I'm not entirely convinced. I replaced the fuel pump about 3 years ago. Then about 1 year ago the fuel level sender started going nuts making the fuel needle bounce up and down, but i've been told that's a "genetic" Chevy problem, and we're kinda used to it, just using the trip meter for milage. Any suggestions to what it be, it is becoming worse and worse to start, and would rather not get stranded anywhere. Thanks.

 

[zora]

have you tried one of the injector cleaner products at auto stores? try checking the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line for signs of gasoline, if you see any replace the regulator. You could also try a compression test.

 

[Spriteman]

Get a fuel pressure tester and do three tests:

1 - put fuel pressure tester on test port on the fuel rail and turn key on engine off - you should see the pressure shoot right up to probably 50 psi

2 - start the car up right after the last test and the fuel pressure should only drop about 5 psi

3 - turn the engine off and the fuel pressure should stay around 40-50 psi and not drop completely down to 0 - if it does the fuel pump check valve is bad

Clean all of your grounds really well where they attach to the frame.


Hope this helps - let us know how it goes.

 

[rabidfarmhand]

Changed the fuel pump because fuel level sender was bad anyway, and i did notice a bit of sluggish acceleration. The fuel pump did seem to improve these things, except the starting issue. It still takes about 3 attempts to start it. Any other suggestions? Fuel injector issue maybe? And when you mentioned cleaning all the grounds, where are they, and would that have an affect on startup? Thanks for any other suggestions and help.

 

[zora]

1. Did you check the actual fuel pressure after replacing the pump?
2. Is your temperature gauge reading normally once it is warmed up?
3. Your check engine light is off?

 

[Chuzz]

If your vehicle has one, it could be the fuel pressure regulator. I'm pretty sure you should have one and a new one will run you from about fifty to sixty bucks, depending on where you get it.