So the last few cold days here in Michigan my truck will crank up start then immediately die if not given any gas. The battery is fine and the starter is engaging properly. After 3 tries it will finally start. It seems like you have to hold the key down longer to get it to run. I feel like this is either indicative of a leak in the fuel system or a bad fuel pump even though it was replaced 2 years ago. What do you guys think? Id hate to drop the tank in this 30 degree weather and be wrong. Its a 2002 v6 4 door.

 

My other thought is that maybe the filter is getting blocked up. Possibly the residual water in the system is freezing at the filter and blocking it. I'm an aircraft mechanic student so I'm using airplane logic lol

 

Could be pump, could be fuel pressure regulator. You really need to do all the leak down test to be sure. Should be 60 to 66 at the test port on fuel line to TBI needs to stay at at least 55 for ten minutes. Check that first if it doesn't pass then your looking at pump pressure issue. If it does hold then could be the regulator. Depending on year the regulator may or may not be replaceable with out changing the entire spider assembly but even if it is I would upgrade it to the MPI style unit and be done with it.

 

Fuel reg was leaking gas into the vacuum line which corroded and broke. Replaced the line for 30 cents and no more problem. Going to replace the reg soon however.

 

What are you working on? 2002 v6 4 door in your original post does not have a vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator.