1991 GMC Suburban starting issues...

**geodiggr** · 08-31-2009, 01:19 PM

Hi all,

1991, GMC, V1500, 4wd, Auto, 160k or so...

Have a little problem that I am trying to overcome.

Driven one morning on a 30 mile roundtrip. Came home and parked, no problems. 1-2 hrs. later would not start. Engine would turn over and over, but no start. Went out later in the evening and it started and ran fine.

Another day, drove around for a bit. Stopped at a function. Truck would not start at end of function. Took several attempts before it finally did. Engine ran fine.

Same day, truck cuts out twice when making turns. Started right back up, runs fine when running.

Notes: my fuel gauge does not act properly. Needle bounces all over place even when sitting still. But doesn't bounce so dramatically that I can see the changes. Just notice it. Some days truck will read 3/4 then later on will read 1/2, even when full. Does not read past F, like it used after a fill-up.

Truck seems to start fine cold and then each successive start seems to take a little longer to fire up...especially after warm.

Racking my brain on this on...since it is intermittent, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

**ct9a** · 08-31-2009, 06:32 PM

First thing that comes to mind is the fuel pump.

You might want to include what motor you have too.

**geodiggr** · 09-01-2009, 09:24 AM

Ooops...engine is 350 (5.7).

Thanks for info. If it is indeed fuel pump, is there any way to test prior to dropping tank? Every day I start it and I can hear the fuel pump whirring...

Also, what is the best way to remove 15-20 gals. of gasoline from these GMC tanks?

Thanks,
Rick

**Jimmiee** · 09-01-2009, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by geodiggr

Ooops...engine is 350 (5.7).

Thanks for info. If it is indeed fuel pump, is there any way to test prior to dropping tank? Every day I start it and I can hear the fuel pump whirring...

Also, what is the best way to remove 15-20 gals. of gasoline from these GMC tanks?

Thanks,
Rick

Sounds like the pump is going out. You can siphon the fuel out with a hose. I would drive it till it's empty than change the pump.

**andrewlail76** · 09-03-2009, 10:58 PM

My 92 will crank and sputter and spit when you first crank it...and after it warms up...it quits doing it and runs fine...

**tattooed4life** · 09-03-2009, 11:04 PM

Bad part is there is really no way to check the pump. It's usually to late once you realize it's not working. I noticed after mine died that it seemed to be getting louder right before the end.