2000 Fuel System Question
 

My 2000 has been having problems with extended cranks before starting. Once started, the engine runs absolutely fine. Also the engine will fire right up if I restart it within a short period of time. If it sits overnight however, the engine requires a long crank or multiple tries to start it again.

A tune up was done relatively recently, within 40k miles, and fuel pump has been replaced within the same time frame

Questions are:

First: I know that the 95-ish engines had problems with the FPR..but is this the same with the 2000's engines?

Second: I know that I need to do a fuel pressure leak down test, but I couldn't find the posts with the pressure numbers. Does anyone have the proper fuel pressure numbers for a 2000 engine?

Third: any other ideas?

Thanks for the help!

Also check the Crank and cam shaft sensors out, I have the exact model year, dr, and drive train, and have experienced the same problem. Also (i know it sounds dumb) but check that the starter has been shimmed properly and not crushed (like mine was). If you smell fuel then check the fuel system otherwise leave it alone (as it becomes involved, and expensive if some thing goes wrong).

Here's what you're looking for, Jason.
96+ Fuel System Diagnosis

WolfPack: If the first and second questions dont pan out for you, this could fall under number 3. I had the same cranking problems very recently. In the end my starter had given up the good fight. It's not the most fun, but it's easy to pop it out and have it checked for free. if the fuel stuff doesn't lead you anywhere, then that might be a new direction to check. Also, better safe than sorry... (buying a new starter and flex plate like I did)

Thanks rriddle..that's exactly what I needed! Sorry I couldn't get to that one on my own :/


I hadn't considered the starter...I'll check into that...at 140k miles and a couple months of these long cranks...I wouldn't be surprised if the starter is on its way out even if it isnt the core problem haha.

I did have a crankshaft position sensor go out on my other car but that wouldnt start period...always the same sound etc. I'll keep those sensors in mind if the fuel checks dont lead me anywhere.


Thanks for the help!

Alright rather critical update to note...

This morning I couldnt get it to start. It wasnt chugging and trying to start like usual...just no start at all..just cranking. This prompted me to get to Autozone and get a fuel pressure guage. Numbers below. I noticed as I was hooking up the pressure guage that there was no sound from the fuel pump (problem number 1). I tried banging on the tank (I got one more trip out of the dying stock pump) but it didnt click on.

Despite the lack of fuel pump noise..
Max pressure: 56 psi (problem 2)

Full Pressure Leak Down:
1 Min: 55 psi
2 min: 52 psi
3 Min: 50 psi
4 Min: 50 psi
5 min: 49 psi
6 min: 49 psi
7 min: 48 psi
8 min: 47 psi
9 min: 47 psi
10 min: 47 psi

It was pretty wild seeing the guage sweep 5 psi down in 3 min...

The 10 PSI leak down test stayed constant at 10 psi. It actually started creeping up in pressure...hit 11 psi after 7 min and just under 12 psi at the 10 min mark. Does INCREASING pressure at low PSI indicate anything?


Based on the diagnostic chart...Unless there is a serious ground issue back there, I need to replace my fuel pump. I feel like I just did this 40k miles ago...dammit.

Could also be the FPR. Mine does the EXACT same thing if I let it sit outside in the cold. When it is in the garage it starts fine and runs all day long. I checked the pressure on mine and with the key in the on position to get the fuel pump kicked in I have ~62 psi, then it drops ridiculously fast, all the way to 0 in a matter of seconds. I started the truck and got good pressure. Let it run a few minutes, shut it off, and checked the pressure. This time it held at over 60 psi for quite some time. I am guessing my FPR is faulty and I am going to change it out this weekend.

I will watch this thread and update mine that I started a while ago if I fix my problem.

Yea mine dropped quickly, but only to the 47psi range...way low to start obviously but I don't think it's the FPR like I was hoping/previously thought.

The next step that I would take is to run the pressure test again at the fuel filter. You will need to adapt from the line fitting to the JIC fitting like what the fuel rail uses which can sometimes be fun, but it is do-able and will tell you if there is a leak in the plenum.

The pressure that is being put out isn't spectacular, but should be enough to start the engine. And losing 5psi in 3 minutes isn't all that crazy. That is actually a fairly slow leak. What's crazy is when it drops to zero in a few seconds after the pump shuts off!

So it still might be internal then? I'll do a pressure test this afternoon between tank and filter.

Still hoping its not the fuel pump..