I have a 1990 GMC 2wd with a 350, automatic. Other than a piston that fouls spark plugs and minor puffs of blue smoke on hard acceleration (seems to be a failing ring), the truck runs fine.
The gas gauge is out of calibration. At full tank (35 gallons!) it only shows that I have a little over half. I never run it below “empty” even though I know there’s still a good 10-12 gallons of gas in it.
Well, yesterday, I ran it below the “empty” mark, but I know there was still at least 8-10 gallons of gas in it. When I tried to crank it, it was VERY hard to get started. Starter would wind the engine but no fire. Eventually, it would sputter to life and then it ran just fine. Did this to me 4 times, and I put probably 30 miles on it that day (gauge below “E”). Had plenty of fuel.
After I put some gas in it, and got the gas gauge up above the “E” mark, the truck starts just fine. Starter only needs to rotate the engine maybe 3-5 times and it fires right up.
Any idea what’s going on here?
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
Sounds like fuel pump might be acting up a little. I had an 89 Ford that would spin over like an old Chrysler before starting. Have an 01 s10 that the gauge stays on full. I know that 160 miles uses 8 to 9 gallons depending what I do besides drive around. If I just get in and turn the switch it will spin for a while before it sputters to life. If I just turn switch on and off a couple of times before engaging the starter it cranks right up.
1720 KW 110 Johnson
16’ Bonito 65 Johnson
Ditto on the Fuel Pump… The fuel pump also contains the float and sending unit for the fuel gauge… When you know you are almost empty, change it. I wasnt so lucky, my fuel pump on my 98 quit without warning about 10 minutes after I filled the tank!!
Key West 19’6" CC 115hp Merc
14’ Fast Craft w/ 60hp Merc
I know that feeling all too well. My first experience with that was a good one. Was all the way inside of Kiawah with 3/4 tank when it quit. Cost $150 to get towed back to Dupont rd West Ashley. Then for the next 2 years we went through 7 pumps. Don’t drive it much now so I might pull the bed and go at it from the top.
1720 KW 110 Johnson
16’ Bonito 65 Johnson
I have changed the fuel pump, sending unit, and the float in the tanks of my older silverado more than once. The first time I did it, I knocked the float off getting it back in, so it ran just fine, but could never tell how much gas I had. So I had to redo it. It is not hard to do if you have basic mechanic skills and a decent set of tools. If the tank is not completely empty make sure that you have a floor jack or two. It also helps to have a buddy on hand.
The obvious rule is: DO NOT use power tools and if for some reason you have to tap or knock on something (like the retaining ring) use a brass (or other non sparking metal) punch.
Narcosis
“The obvious rule is: DO NOT use power tools and if for some reason you have to tap or knock on something (like the retaining ring) use a brass (or other non sparking metal) punch.”
Well, that certainly takes the fun out of it!! LOL
Key West 19’6" CC 115hp Merc
14’ Fast Craft w/ 60hp Merc
Had to change the fuel pump in my 1988 1500 I paid someone about 500$ or so the first time. A year later, when it went out, I did it myself. Instead of trying to remove 25 + year old bolts. I cut a flap out of the bed with a sawzall, ( being VERY careful of the depth of the cut), bent it back, changed the pump, bent the metal back down, screwed it back down with short pinhead framing screws with tabs, and was done in an hour. If it ever went out again, I would be set. truck had a bed liner and toolbox, so no problem there.
it is easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission
14’’ McKee/30 'rude
“Shenanigans”
Good points y’all, thanks.
I wonder why the fuel pump would act up like that only when the gas gauge was reading “low”, when in reality there’s still 8-10 gallons still in the tank.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
Don’t have the answer to that one. Watched a guy down the street use a couple of 4x4’s to jack his bed up on one side and change his out in the drive way.
1720 KW 110 Johnson
16’ Bonito 65 Johnson
The sock on the pump might be clogging up or the fuel filter might be doing the same.
Double D.
probably a sticking float to explain the level being off and a cracked fuel pickup line allowing some fuel to return to tank once the fuel level is below that crack in the line. seen it happen more than once. SENDING UNIT is my suggestion if you dont want to tackle it Ill be glad to help. AAA MOBILE MECHANIC 8432705545
quote:
Originally posted by Double D
The sock on the pump might be clogging up or the fuel filter might be doing the same.
Double D.
Fuel filter is a possibility. I’ve replaced it once in the past 6 months but all it takes is 1 bad tank of gas.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza