I have a 2000 s 10 with a 4.3 vortec v6, 2wd, I've had an ongoing problem with frequent random sluggish acceleration, step on the gas, it bogs down, let up it will go, then step on the gas again an everything is fine. I live in illinois and it was 95, heat index of 110 on tuesday, truck ran fine I stopped, and now it wont start again. Im moderatly capable at auto repair so I recognized that there is no fuel getting to the carb, or at least a complete lack of gas smell. The first thing I replaced was the cap and rotor (before I pulled the air intake to check for fuel) no luck. I just pulled the fuel filter and checked to see if the pump is working, it is, I did not check pressure or anything, but gas came out when I keyed it. There have been random electrical problems with this vehicle and Im going to start checking fuses now, any input on the next steps I should take to find the problem will be greatly appreciated.

 

What are the temperature and oil gauges reading? Normal, low, high, hot, cold?

 

The very first thing that you need to check is the fuel pressure. If your in the 55-60 psi range and the pressure doesn't drop off quickly when you turn off the key then you have more then likely eliminated most fuel issues like the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator.

If your pressure is low then it is time to start checking things like the fuel pump relay and making sure that you are getting 12v to the pump itself.
There have been several threads lately on diagnosing fuel issues. Make sure you run all the recommended tests and small fixes before replacing a $300 fuel pump. Eliminate a fuel issue first. Then move on to other possible causes.

 

Gauge reading before it died are unknown to me cause I wasnt driving, but it there was no unusual behavior or sputtering when it shut off.

 

Pressure is at 49-50 with no drop off , Im going to sheck the voltage to the pump now

 

Voltage is ok on the pump, so Im getting fuel up to the rail at 50 pse, with a 3-5 psi drop of when the key is out, and not loosing any pressure fo as long as its hooked up. I got the auto zone code checker and plugged it in, there is a check engine light on but the moniter reads no codes. To clarify the engine type a little better it is the vortec with the CSEFI "spider" typer fuel injector, so I cant use a "noid" light test. Right now Im trying to eliminate any other possible causes of lack of fuel getting to the cylinder before I pull the planum/throttle body off the top, it looks like a pretty big task and I'd hate to do it for some stupid sensor being out.

 

Well last update for a bit, thanks for responses btw, Im going to pull the tank ad replace the pumo, I spoke with a mechanic friend who stated for the cesfi model it needs 60 psi to start it up, seems reasonable and mabey it will take care of the non working fuel gauge at the same time. Ill update later.