I have a 2007 Chevy suburban with a 5.3l flex fuel motor in it. It recently started acting up this weekend. It takes a while to start, cranks for ever. But when it finally turns over everything is fine. No codes. I did a little research on the inter webs and I saw that this is a common problem and everything leans toward the fuel pump. I am out of warranty with 98k on it. In the past of working with gm vehicles with the same problems I thought it would be a fuel pressure regulator. But looking around under the hood I didn't take notice to one.
Questions being

Does this motor have a regulator in the tank with the pump or am I missing it.

Does this year have a return fuel line? I only see one line coming to the rail?

Is there a different pump for the flex fuel motor?

I'm questioning the regulator because if I open the valve at the rail I get nothing out with the truck off.

 

There is a check valve in the fuel pump that keeps the fuel line pressurized. If the check valve goes bad you can replace the pump, or if you don't want to drop the tank, you can install a check valve in the fuel line as close to the tank as you can get. I installed a check valve on the frame rail just above the rear axle, works perfectly now.

 

I think as preventative maintenance I should replace the whole pump assembly. I was going to use gm parts warehouse because I think they are near me.

 

Check Amazon.com, they also carry a selection of fuel pumps...

 

I got an airtex from advance for $250. I put it in today and all is good!!!

 

Excellent did you do the work or have it done? How long did it take you?
Any tips to share that others may learn from..