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2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3


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MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Feb 13, 2013, 9:11 PM

Post #1 of 10 (1651 views)
2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

There's a guy I work with who's having trouble with his truck. It will start but immediately dies. I told him to test for spark, compression, and fuel pressure. So far he has tested for spark and it's good. I'm waiting to hear back from him after he tests for compression and fuel. Once I hear from him I'm sure I'll have a few questions to ask.

Anyways, I was kind of browsing around the net. Seems like there's some wiring harness on the fuel pump that can be an issue on these trucks. I also seemed to come across a bunch of people saying that it's easier to remove the bed to get to the pump rather than pulling the tank. What are your guy's thoughts on this? I realize he has some more troubleshooting to do before he can say whether or not it is or isn't the pump but I was just curious.


Sidom
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Feb 13, 2013, 9:20 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1646 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

The security light isn't flashing is it?


nickwarner
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Feb 13, 2013, 9:38 PM

Post #3 of 10 (1627 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

Its not easier to pull the whole box that has 8 bolts than the fuel tank straps that have 2. The main argument is the likelihood of the straps breaking, but I've have to get snapped bolts off the bed of trucks newer than that. Remember you're in the rustbelt. I'd rather change the straps myself.

They did have an issue with the connector not capable of handling the amperage and the delphi pumps come with the updated connector but its $300+ for the system so the issue needs to be confirmed to be as such to justify the cost. I'd start with Sidom's post. If there is an issue with the passkey or passlock feature no parts will help in the fuel system.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
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Feb 14, 2013, 12:01 AM

Post #4 of 10 (1615 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

I'm not sure about the security light. I don't believe so but I'll find out for sure.

I was kind of wondering why people would pull the bed instead of the tank. Seems like it would be a bigger ordeal. I once had to change the fuel pump out on the Venture due to the sending unit being bad and it wasn't a bad job at all. I know it's a completely different vehicle but I can't see it being anymore difficult.

I've never had to check for a bad fuel pump or even test fuel pressure. If you check when the truck isn't running it will only read when the key is turned to the accessory position and only for a couple seconds, right? He did say it will start for a second and then die. Should the pressure also be checked for that second it's running? Once it dies is the pump suppose to instantly shut down or will it keep pumping where you could tell if there's a drop in pressure for running to stalling? What's the lowest acceptable pressure?

Thanks guys.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 14, 2013, 4:35 AM

Post #5 of 10 (1610 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

Of course you should be testing the fuel pressure before even considering doing anything with the fuel pump or it's wiring. I'm with Sidom. Sounds like a security system problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



MarineGrunt
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Feb 14, 2013, 6:57 AM

Post #6 of 10 (1605 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

He said he's gonna replace the fuel filter and if that doesn't help then test fuel pressure. I tried telling him that the nuts are probably so rusty he's gonna end up having to replace lines after that so he should test fuel pressure before he does anything. I'm sure you've heard the saying "a few beers short of a 6 pack, or a few cards short of a full deck". Well, those sayings were made because of him. I just feel sorry for him because the have two young kids and about to lose their house. They're in a financial bind so I thought I'd try and help. I told him it might not even be fuel related and should find out first before doing anything. I'm not gonna go over and get physical involved in the repair until he starts testing correctly.

I'll ask about him about the security light this morning.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
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Feb 14, 2013, 11:21 AM

Post #7 of 10 (1598 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

No security light or any other light on. He said he's getting ready to change the fuel filter. I have a feeling he's going to run into some problems doing that. After advice from you guys I didn't end up changing mine because it looked like I'd have to replace lines after that. He said he's going to go borrow a fuel pressure gauge only if the filter doesn't take care of it. I don't know why he just won't get one now and test it. I do know he almost always runs his truck with less than 1/4 tank of gas. He just throws in $10-$20 when he needs gas. I'm still thinking fuel pump. I told him not to do anything until after he tests the fuel pressure and figures out what is wrong.

Can fuel pumps work for a bit, and than not, if they are on their way out?


re-tired
Veteran / Moderator
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Feb 14, 2013, 3:46 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1589 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

Anything electrical can have a mind of its own. As to the bed trick, if the bed bolts are in good shape , you remove the driver side bolts ,then loosen the pass side several turns . Put a bottle jack in driver side wheel , use a short piece of 2x4 as needed. . watch for wiring to tail lights. Jack up about 12-18 inches . The pump and wiring /lines are right there . (dont break the ground )I've done dozens with no problem. I also have done dozens the regular way, depends on the truck,


LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 14, 2013, 4:01 PM

Post #9 of 10 (1586 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

4 Bolts to loosen on passenger side, 4 bolts to remove on drivers side. Unplug the wiring connector on the left rear and remove the 3 screws at the filler neck. I usually use a pole jack at the fender well. Just be sure to put blocks in there before you stick your head between the bet and the frame.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



re-tired
Veteran / Moderator
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Feb 14, 2013, 4:16 PM

Post #10 of 10 (1580 views)
Re: 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton 4.3 Sign In

Thanks HT plum fergot the filler neck. I figured most DIY types would have a bottle jack over the perfered pole type. And its always a good idea to use safety blocks <BUT> That depends on how much you value your head.


LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH






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