Dead fuel pump?

[87Skier]

My suburban died on me yesterday. It's a 96 5.7L 4x4. I was in traffic, went to accelerate, and it felt like it had no power. Limped it off the road and it shut off and wouldn't restart.

Had to leave it for the night since no one was open to rent a trailer from. Went and got it this morning, and decided that I would see if it would start because it would be a lot easier to load. I could it feel it wanted to start, and it eventually did. I just barely gave it some gas, and it died. Won't start again.

Got it home, verified spark, verified that the fuel pump is running, no check engine light. Borrowed a fuel pressure gauge and hooked it up. I am getting up to around 40, and the gauge flutters. I'm not sure the gauge is working properly. Following my chilton's advice, I blocked off the return line. No increase in pressure.

Does this sound like the fuel pump to you?

[OutlawDrifter]

what is the condition of your fuel filter?

[87Skier]

I replaced it about a year ago. It has about 12k miles on it. Before I pull the tank I'm going to replace the relay and filter. Much easier.

[OutlawDrifter]

if your fuel pump is coming on, the relay should be fine.

[87Skier]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

if your fuel pump is coming on, the relay should be fine.

Agreed, just in case this is the 1 in 10 Million chance it isn't, I would rather waste $10 than pull the fuel tank.

[87Skier]

Pulled the tank and replaced the pump, screen, and filter. It now runs and has proper fuel pressure. Kind of strange that it worked fine the day before, towed my boat to the lake with it last weekend, had no fuel surge issues, even driving up some steep grades with my foot in it, and it chooses to wait until the girlfriend drives it to work. I think my Suburban doesn't like my girlfriend.

On a side note:

I've heard that these year trucks had issues with the fuel pumps. Something to do with the wiring and some coming with a metripack 150 connector and others coming with I think a GT280 connector. They issued a TSB #04-06-04-088C in case anyone is wondering.

[OutlawDrifter]

Did you put a Delco EP381 back in, so you only have to do it once?

[87Skier]

Normally I do use AC Delco on stuff like this but no one local had it. Went with the Delphi. I usually don't hear much negative about them.

[OutlawDrifter]

That's always my second choice on replacements. You should be good.

[esbstuff]

Originally Posted by 87Skier

I replaced it about a year ago. It has about 12k miles on it. Before I pull the tank I'm going to replace the relay and filter. Much easier.

I change my fuel filters twice a year in my DD's. Once in the fall and once in the spring. Fuel pumps live longer with fresh filters...