2004 chevy 1500 express cranks wont start

[cppearce3]

I hear the pump running but acts like no fuel. Was driving along and van quit running but electrical is ok...checked out all fuses and relays. Recently someone siphoned out fuel and ruined sender but van has been running ok for a couple of months... had to replace filler hose and filler spout over $250.00. Sender unit reads from 3/4 to full ok.. but below 3/4 gauge swings from empty to full. Just filled tank and went 38 miles when it quit running.

[cppearce3]

Just another question.... does anyone know how to check fuel pressure on these vehicles? I am an electrician but not really a mechanic/auto technician. The budget is tight with the building industry down, so any suggestions would help.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by cppearce3

Just another question.... does anyone know how to check fuel pressure on these vehicles? I am an electrician but not really a mechanic/auto technician. The budget is tight with the building industry down, so any suggestions would help.

The fuel test scrader valve is on the fuel line into intake.

You can test it there or at the fuel in line at fuel filter.

What engine and engine code?


The only true test on a fuel pump is to check the direct fuel pressure from fuel pump.
A quick test is to block off the return line and see if fuel pressure comes up to 75-85 lbs.
But do not run the pump at full pressure very long.
Also when testing fuel pump and pressure you need to tape a gauge to outside windshield or outside mirror and drive it on the road for 20 -30 minutes
until the pump gets has run a while to check for a pump fading out after hot.

Hard to start cold or hot and fuel pressure testing guide lines.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
If pump has full pressure with return line blocked and low pressure without it blocked most usually the fuel pressure regulator is leaking or not holding pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak in system.
Post back fuel pressure readings.

[cppearce3]

Thank you for the reply.... Much as i tried to avoid it, I had to drop the tank and change the pump.... I then replaced the filter and my 2000 Chevy Express cargo is now running well.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by cppearce3

Thank you for the reply.... Much as i tried to avoid it, I had to drop the tank and change the pump.... I then replaced the filter and my 2000 Chevy Express cargo is now running well.

You are welcome and thanks for posting back how it went.