starts but won't stay running, is it the fuel pump ?

**ministock8** · 07-17-2007, 08:03 PM

i got towed in by AAA last night. i was going down the hi-way and started to lose power. i got it over to the side and it would start but not stay running. tonight i changed the fuel filter and it idled for a little bit but when i stepped on the gas there was no power at all and it died. it still starts but won't run.
anyone agree with my diagnosis of a bad fuel pump?
anyone have similar symptoms? Ii just want to be sure it's the fuel pump before I get a new one. Thinking of getting fuel pump from www.gmpartsclub.com
oh yea, cant hear anything coming out of the tank

**TrailLeadr** · 07-17-2007, 08:18 PM

As I read I was thinking I would ask you if the fuel pump had been changed yet.

That would be the most likely culprit, sounds like you need a new chevy fuel pump

**84fiero123** · 07-17-2007, 09:13 PM

First

What is it you are driving? You didn’t post any info and that right there makes it hard to diagnose any problem.

If when you first turn the key on before you go to the start position you don’t here the pump running then it could be the pump.

**ministock8** · 07-17-2007, 09:32 PM

sorry, forgot to post the important info. 2002 chevy silverado 1500 p/u 4.8 v-8
no the pump has never been changed.

**unplugged** · 07-17-2007, 10:50 PM

Sounds like fuel pump. Easy to diagnose, just test the fuel pressure. Whatever you do, don't take it to the mechanic and say "replace the fuel pump." Pay for a diagnosis of "won't stay running." If the mechanic says its the fuel pump let them know that you are paying for a running truck not a parts swapping game to find the problem. If they won't accurately diagnose the problem then you might want to have it towed to a different garage.

**ministock8** · 07-18-2007, 08:50 PM

well i'll be changing it myself so i'll have to go with the symptom of no noise coming from the tank is the problem. i really cant complain as this will be the only thing i've replaced on the truck in 109,000 miles

**GaryL** · 07-19-2007, 07:35 AM

I don't know if you have done one of these before, but I have found it is much easier to unbolt the bed and move it back so it sits on top of the tires and bumper to get at the fuel pump. Dropping the tank is a pita.

**TrailLeadr** · 07-19-2007, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by GaryL

I don't know if you have done one of these before, but I have found it is much easier to unbolt the bed and move it back so it sits on top of the tires and bumper to get at the fuel pump. Dropping the tank is a pita.

I agree with Gary, it might sound like more work, but any chance you can avoid dropping the tank you should take it!!

**ministock8** · 07-19-2007, 06:10 PM

thanks for the tip. i already had the bed moved by the time i read this. when i pulled the pump out of the tank and turned on the key the pump ran for about 3 seconds. i did this over a few times and, same thing. i put the pump back in and started the truck and it idled normally for about 20 seconds and then died down till it stalled. other than complete failure will one of these pumps get weak so it'll start the engine but won't run.