Tahoe & Suburban The power, space, and brutal towing ability make the Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, arguably the best full size SUV's on the market today.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900

97 5.7 fuel pump diagnosis

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2010 | 2:03 PM
  #1  
Sparky Sparks's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default 97 5.7 fuel pump diagnosis

  • with 145,000 miles I'm getting 13 mpg/city
  • the fuel gauge is buried past full & does not move
  • the truck acts like it is starved for fuel under acceleration
  • she runs smooth otherwise
  • an old man says I need a fuel pump
  • I can buy the pump, strainer & filter for $100 new
  • I want to pay 3 hours labor including draining the full tank
  • this makes sense to me, but I ask...
  • does this make sense to anyone reading this?
  • the dealer quoted me over $600
  • an independent shop quoted $450
  • I believe parts @ $100 plus labor @ $225 is the best way to go

Last edited by Sparky Sparks; Apr 23, 2010 at 2:26 PM. Reason: fuel pressure 61 PSI engine off, 55 PSI running
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2010 | 2:22 PM
  #2  
maxxman04's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 3
From: kentucky
Default

have the actual fuel pressure checked. 60 psi, with no less than 55 at idle. if you get these numbers, fuel pump is ok. anything else, replace it. however, based on personal experience from myself and many other members, buy the actual delco fuel pump. spend the extra few dollars now, or you will be back into the tank again shortly, spending more than the delco pump would have been. trust me.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2010 | 6:36 PM
  #3  
MDTAHOE's Avatar
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 5
From: Bowie, MD
Default

It could be the pump which is very common on those trucks. Or you may have 2 different problems. A restricted fuel filter is just as common as the pump if not more. I probably do 2 fuel filters for every 1 pump when a customer has the same complaint in a GM truck. A lot of GM trucks have inop fuel gauges which is always the sending unit which could be replace separately from the pump. If you have a fuel pressure gauge you could check the pressure as stated above but if you do not you may want to try a $15.00 filter. As far as 13 MPG that could be pretty close too correct , my 2007 only gets 12.9 MPG. I know my old 2000 5.7 2wd Tahoe Limited got a LITTLE better than my new one but I am not sure how much.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2010 | 9:32 PM
  #4  
LARIDERS's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Default

Those two are on the money. ^^^^
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2010 | 2:28 PM
  #5  
Sparky Sparks's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default

tested fuel pressure is 61 with the engine off & 55 running, should I buy the Delphi pump? Could it be the injectors, or is it the pump for sure? She runs well until you try to pass or climb a steep hill.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2010 | 9:30 PM
  #6  
MDTAHOE's Avatar
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 5
From: Bowie, MD
Default

Replace fuel filter first. A restricted filter does not always reduce pressure, it can reduce the volume enough to cause your problem.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2010 | 1:14 PM
  #7  
Sparky Sparks's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default

Ok I replaced the filter & it runs the same as before...I'm going to buy a Delphi pump & have it installed Monday night...
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2010 | 1:16 PM
  #8  
Sparky Sparks's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default

The filter was good, he could blow through it, but we replaced it anyway, no improvement. It still only cruises smoothly & will not accelerate without stuttering
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2010 | 7:39 PM
  #9  
JimJ's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: SC
Default

In the good old days a miss under load could be caused by the ignition system, (bad spark plug, bad plug wire, carbon tracked distributor cap,) But I assume yoou have checked all that.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 11:29 AM
  #10  
Sparky Sparks's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default

My gas gauge is stuck past full. It creeps towards the F in full when I shut the Burb off, but does not fall left of the F. Today, we'll install a fuel pump & strainer, but not the sending unit. I cannot afford the sending unit and can estimate my fuel level. I hope the pump will make the Burb run like new again. If anyone tells me I'm stupid not to do the sending unit now, I'll borrow the extra money from someone. I'm being told that the pump itself is $75 & the strainer is $10. The sending unit complete with pump is $235. I already spent $95 installing a new filter & checking the fuel pressure last Friday. Again, the pressure was 61 off & 55 running. I have not checked the plugs or anything else, but my mechanic will before installing the pump. At first I thought it was only needing a fuel injector cleaner to run better. Then I added a BG trans conditioner to ensure she shifts smoothly. She runs well until you climb a hill or try to pass a vehicle. That is when she sputters like she needs better fuel pressure.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 5:50 AM.