Need help with prolonged cold start...

[cfmistry]

So I replaced my sparkplugs last weekend, didn't have any problems or notice any issues. Since that time, when cold, the truck cranks for about 5 seconds before starting. If I leave it in "ACC" for a few seconds the fuel primes and starts normally; it also doesn't have any issues starting when warm. It didn't do any of this before. I'm also noticing some fuel smell when driving slow. Any ideas what I may have messed up / leaned on?

Thanks,
Cyrus

 

[cfmistry]

Well I crawled under the car and saw fuel dripping all under the gas tank... no need to even look on top. I guess it's just a coincidence that this happens when I change the sparkplugs...

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Well I crawled under the car and saw fuel dripping all under the gas tank... no need to even look on top. I guess it's just a coincidence that this happens when I change the sparkplugs...

Yup. Mine did that, too. One of the lines on the pump head is probably rusted through with a little leak. Changed my pump. All good.

 

[Fless]

poetically?

 

[HiHoeSilver]

poetically?

Lol. I wish. Fixed. Pic for good measure....

 

[Tonyrodz]

Lol. I wish. Fixed. Pic for good measure....

View attachment 224007

Damn salt!

 

[cfmistry]

Thanks guys. Ordered the new pump from RockAuto for $200 (Delco) and my mechanic will put it in next week for $260. Not the cheapest repair but definitely could be worse.

 

[Fless]

Kinda crazy that the label outlasts the metal.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Thanks guys. Ordered the new pump from RockAuto for $200 (Delco) and my mechanic will put it in next week for $260. Not the cheapest repair but definitely could be worse.

Not too bad. You can do it yourself in a day if you're so inclined.

Kinda crazy that the label outlasts the metal.

Yup. I coated the new one in bedliner before I installed it.

 

[cfmistry]

Problem found. Problem fixed.

 

[dark_knight]

Problem found. Problem fixed.

View attachment 224442

Did you by any chance have a strong fuel smell aside from the long crank?

 

[89Suburban]

Did you by any chance have a strong fuel smell aside from the long crank?

I had a bad fuel smell but no leaks at all, even had it up on a lift looking for a leak with another mechanic. I finally stuck my cell phone above the tank to get pics and I saw the rusted pump lines and fuel. But wasn't leaking enough to run down the side of the tank. These tanks have a sump built in around the top of the tank in that area so it can't drain well. IMHO that is what helps these to rust out in the first place, take a look:

 

[dark_knight]

I had a bad fuel smell but no leaks at all, even had it up on a lift looking for a leak with another mechanic. I finally stuck my cell phone above the tank to get pics and I saw the rusted pump lines and fuel. But wasn't leaking enough to run down the side of the tank. These tanks have a sump built in around the top of the tank in that area so it can't drain well. IMHO that is what helps these to rust out in the first place, take a look:



View attachment 377148

Thanks! I just started noticing a bad fuel smell on my car. No leaks and can't see above the tank to see the sending unit.

 

[89Suburban]

Thanks! I just started noticing a bad fuel smell on my car. No leaks and can't see above the tank to see the sending unit.

Yeah it was really frustrating to find. You can't get your hands in there to feel. I jacked the rear of the truck up and climbed up over the axle with a shop light and took pics with the phone.

 

[dark_knight]

Here is a pic of mine. Not as bad as above but still leaking fuel.

 

[89Suburban]

Here is a pic of mine. Not as bad as above but still leaking fuel.

There ya go!!!! That's a flex fuel pump. Were you able to get the lines off? Mine were frozen and would not.

 

[dark_knight]

Ha ha. I didn't do it. Too busy with working 16 hour days. The guy that did it told me he did have problems removing the lines though.

 

[dark_knight]

How do you know its a flex fuel? It is, just wondering. Got a Delphi replacement with a new gm ring.

 

[89Suburban]

How do you know its a flex fuel? It is, just wondering. Got a Delphi replacement with a new gm ring.

The flex fuel has 2 lines and the non-flex has one. I learned this trying to find the right pump for mine last winter.

 

[dark_knight]

Ha ha. I knew my car was a flex based on the emblem on the back. Never did put e85 in it yet. It is a 2011.