96 Vortec 305--Rough Idle and Smells Rich

[cris well]

Now the only way I can get a reading on the FP gauge is to screw it on the schrader valve with it running. After I got the gauge to read again I clamped the return line off.

I got about 65 pounds or more with the truck running for about 15-30 seconds and when I shut it off the pressure still dropped but much slower. It took a few minutes (2 or 3 maybe a little longer) to drop back to zero. I could clamp the hose off tighter and try it again but I'm scared I'll damage the rubber hose if I clamp too tight.

I was also reading through a thread on another site and the guy was having a similar problem with his. Later, after changing the spider assembly, he said his gas gauge started bouncing around so he changed his fuel pump and it fixed his problem.

My gas gauge is jumping around too. Is that a sign the check valve is bad?