'97 'burban stalls, doesn't start but starts later

[Falcon_LS]

Buddy's '97 2500 with the Vortec 7400. He was driving last night, when the truck just stalled and wouldn't start. Half an hour later, I came along and it fired right up. We started driving down the road, then it stalled again and would not start this time.

Got a tow truck over, took it to a friend's garage and the truck fired right up in the morning! It's been running since, and my friend's driven it all over the place.

Don't want to pick the truck up and face the same issues, just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what could be the issue?

Mileage is 65,000 miles, plugs and wires are new. Fuel filter was replaced recently. Thanks!

 

[01rangerxl]

I think that generation of GM trucks had iffy fuel pumps. That would be a definite suspect part.

 

[Kuato]

Late 90s Jeeps had an issue with the crankshaft position sensor, which caused symptoms just like you listed.

 

[bradepb]

If it happens again try and determine if its a no spark or no fuel condition. In the meantime you could possibly check fuel pressure and wiggle some ignition wire harnesses with it running to try and locate a bad connection.

I agree with above suggestions of suspecting the fuel pump,it could be overheating under some conditions.

 

[PZR2874]

+2 on the fuel pump(s)

 

[The_Eric]

Falcon LS, get under there and rap on the tank with a rubber mallet while your bud tries to start it. If it starts up, you know it's a pump. This of course is if you don't have access to the usual complement of tools.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm thinking fuel pump, same thing happened with a 95 Caprice I owned. Boy did I end up hating that car! Back on topic, next time it acts up, bang on the fuel tank with a rubber mallet or kick it like I did. Please note I wasn't trying to dent or damage the tank by kicking it. Mine fired right up after a good kicking session. Replacing the fuel pump fixed it.

 

[mechtech2]

Pump is the #1 guess for me, but it could be any electrical component that fails when warm/hot.

 

[Donald]

I am on my 4th fuel pump in my 93 Suburban. But none acted like you describe. When they died they died. You can also hear the fuel pump if you listen carefully when you first turn on the key. It will run for maybe 10 seconds then stop if engine is not running. Get a helper to sit in the seat with seat belt on (no buzzer), door closed and stick your ear near the tank and listen when he/she tells you they have turned the key to on. Mine also failed when it was hot out.

I am thinking clogged fuel filter. The filter fills, vehicle dies. Stuff in the filter settles a bit and it can be restarted. I would change the filter first and see if that fixes it. Probably needs to be changed anyway. If its inline under the vehicle good luck (mine is). Soak it daily with PB Blaster and try it in the spring.

If you change the fuel pump change the sock also. And if the fuel pump has not been touched in years, be prepared for a new fuel sender assembly also.

Some of the GM vehicles had fuel pump connector problems inside the tank. Usually a new pump includes new connectors to deal with it.

If you go for a new pump, get a GM pump. My NAPA did not last long, maybe 1 year.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for all the input, it turned out to be a grounding issue with the fuel pump. Just sorted that out, and the trucks running again!