I have a 2001 Suburban, 5.3, for the past couple of months it has been extremely difficult to start after sitting overnight. You have to turn it over for 4-5 seconds 2 or 3 times before it starts. After driven the vehicle starts right up. I have replaced fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator with zero improvement. Any ideas?

 

connect a fuel pressure guage and check static pressure,and check how long does it hold.you never know even new parts could be defective.or could be leakingthrough injectors.

 

OK, I have exactly the same problem with a 2001 5.3 and it isn't a fuel problem. It is no fire for about 5 seconds of cranking. You can pull a plug and lay it on block and when you see that plug start firing, engine will start. It runs fine after start. Reseated cables to PCM and checked all grounds. No codes being stored. Help appreciated.
Paul

 

I have a 1996 5.7L that does the same thing. Static fuel pressures start dropping in 4 hours. The next day, it is nearly 10 seconds of cranking to get it started. Runs fine after it gets started.

I am not finding fuel in the crankcase oil, or leaking out on to the ground. The pressure must be going back into the fuel tank.

Other than extra wear and tear on the starter, this problem does not seem to be a show stopper. Is this a common issue?

Thank you,

-JR

 

Red Dog, Guessing you have fuel pump problem. Pretty sure pump has one way valve that keeps fuel pressure between starts.
Paul

 

I replaced the fuel pump/sender unit in this vehicle in the spring of 2008. Now that you mention it, this problem never occurred prior to that time. I do not look forward to lowering that tank again; especially in the winter.

Thank you,

-JR

 

I wanted to give an update on my problem in hopes it helps someone after me. My suburban when cold would turn over 4-5 times before finally firing up. After started and warm it had no problem unless it sat for several hours again. Anyway, thought it was fuel pump so replaced it. Didn't help. Replaced fuel pressure regulator. Didn't help. Pulled a plug and realized spark plug would not get fire for first few tries, as soon as spark plug fired engine started. Replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, and crank position sensor. Didn't help. Figured all that was left basically was ECM, so replaced ECM, had it reprogrammed and it appears to have fixed my problem. Thanks for others for help on here, hope this helps someone.

 

Thank you for the update