Hello
I was looking at a 96 Chevy 3500 (7.4l) CC dually and the owner stated to make sure you pause when turning the ignition key on before starting to let the fuel pump prime the system. He said if you don't the engine is harder to start. I know that this is normal for the pump to pressurize the system but never knew it was a necessity for proper start up. I saw it start right up that way but while running the electric fuel pump was making louder hum than I am used to hearing on a vehicle. He stated it has been that way since he owned it but I was thinking that the pump must be going bad. Am I correct or could it be something else.

Joe

 

A lot of Chevy pickups have a pretty bad fuel pump whine, and the fuel pumps are pretty notorious for going out. My truck (a 1998 K2500 7.4L) used to have a pretty distinctive whine before the fuel pump went out. I had the pump replaced, and it's been pretty quiet ever since then. Out of habit, I'll turn the key to have the fuel pump pressurize the system before I turn it on, but it usually only takes a few seconds (if that).

So it's possible the fuel pump is going bad, but I wouldn't suggest just getting it replaced before it goes out. It's also possible that I just don't notice my fuel pump whine anymore, if its there.