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fiasco

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Francois
Like I said, it was already changed about a month ago...

But I'll change it again if the fuel pressure is not were it should once I test it.

I know they don't last, but they should still last more than a month and less than 500 miles. But maybe it was defective new.

Maybe there is so much crud in the tank it's clogging the filter almost immediately.

Definitely possible. The more I think about it, it started getting worse since I ran it with the least fuel... I'm thinking about dropping the tank.

But before I do that I will check the fuel pressure. If only I could stop working every single hours the store is open so I can go and buy the gauge

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Francois

dont drop the tank, dont check the pressure. replace the fuel filter.

=)

Dude, why would you NOT check the fuel pressure? He has stated 4 or 5 times he has replaced the filter...

If the filter cruds up in less than a month, replace the pump. The sock's bad and the pump is surely junk.

If the pump is marginal enough that a slightly dirty filter (which lasts 120k+ easily under normal conditions) causest he truck to run like poo... it needs a pump.

basically, holy god yes check the pressure under load! it's not like it's a van where you have to drive it with the doghouse off and get a 60mph blast of wind in the face/crotch.

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Pete
it's not like it's a van where you have to drive it with the doghouse off and get a 60mph blast of wind in the face/crotch.

Pete you say that like its a bad thing.
Que paso?

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John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Well I got some free time tonight and decided to have a look at the fuel filter...

Guess what... Dave and Allan were right, it's most probably the fuel filter... That stupid part changer didn't change it like I asked him to do. Unless a brand new fuel filter can become rusty in about a month! Oh and magically get some rust proofing grease on it too!

But I couldn't change it myself. I went to get the special tool to disconnect the old one and either I don't know how to use it or I got sold the wrong thing. It doesn't even go under the hose connection.

Is there a way to remove it without the special tool?

Oh and by just playing with it trying to remove it, the truck runs a ton better! I can free rev it with the throttle to the floor and it won't miss! But with some load it's still missing badly if I floor it.

Sorry for believing my "mechanic" and not you guys! I should have known better!

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Francois

I don't know if anybody is still reading, but at least I'll have a "log" of what I've tried so far

Finally succeeded in changing the fuel filter yesterday night.

The "special tool" I bought was not working so I decided to make my own "hi" tech version of it



Worked like a charm! Don't know why I didn't do that in the first place instead of wasting 15$ on a piece of plastic....

But the truck still runs like shit when I don't feather the throttle...

The fuel that came out of the filter was all clean and clear. Look really like brand new fuel, no deposits or anything. Does that mean the tank is not full of sludge? I don't know but I would guess that's not what is causing the issue.

Next step is to go buy a fuel pressure gauge and see what's going on... It's getting cold, snow for tomorrow... I don't want to drop the fuel tank but it looks more and more like I will have to.

Could it be a bad fuel pressure regulator? it's cheaper and easier than changing the fuel pump so maybe I'll give it a try if the fuel pressure is no good.

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Francois



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/22/2011 12:17PM by Francois.

Time to test fuel pressure under load.

If the pressure regulator is bad, it will usually not hold pressure when you shut it off. If it does not hold pressure, pinch off the RETURN hose, if it still drops it is leaking through the pump check valve, or an injector (not likely)

You should really stop replaceing things and do the ONE test that will tell you the most information about the problem you are having. Man are you stubborn or what!

I know I should check it and I will, but I don't think replacing a 120k miles fuel filter was a bad thing! I have no idea if it was ever replaced.

Same for the O2 sensors and spark plugs. I admit that maybe the O2s were probably a waste of money.

but that's all I've changed so far.

It's probably not the fpr then since the only time it lost pressure was when I removed the fuel filter. Any other time it starts right up without hesitation.

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Francois

Fuel pressure regulators just don't fail that often.
I changed 4 fuel pumps last week. I have changed 1 regulator in the last 2 years.

I've probably changed 4 or 5 regulators this year. All were in varying stages of running rich, none showing Francois symptoms. Sounds like it is going lean under accel. Generally regulators are always bad and show symptoms at all speeds.

O2s can fail and some say to change them every 60k. I wait until they muss up. Sean?

O2s are a trim device. They make small changes in fuel not large. The heaters can short out and mess things up but I don't see that much.

Temp,MAF and MAP and pumps are usually the biggies for noticable drivability issues. I'll bet Sean sees the same thing..people spending and changing without an actual diagnosis. I've had so many people get a code read at the local parts store and then the slaughter starts. Hundreds of dollars on good parts and then they finally drag in with a sad story and no money. If the guy at the parts store knew his ass from a hole in the ground he wouldn't have to work for $10 hr....

You're a month into this at least...a trip to any good shop or a Chevy dealer would have likely had it nailed in an hours shop time. A $30 fuel pressure tester , make that a $20 tester http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-injection-pump-tester-92699.html would be a great item for your tool box.

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heymagic
I've probably changed 4 or 5 regulators this year. All were in varying stages of running rich, none showing Francois symptoms.

Same here. The diaphragm ruptures and hoses fuel into the engine via the vacuum line.

Completely opposite symptoms.