1997 gmc truck?

Question

my question is i have a 1997 gmc z71 350 engine ,my problem is hard start sometimes it fires right away other times it just cranks and cranks,i have changed fuel filter it was prety dirty,but now it still starts hard ive been told its my fuel pump but also been told its eletrical,does this truck have a distribtor or not.

Answer 1

I have the identical vehicle and have had 3 fuel pumps in it. The first time the pump went out I had intermittent start before the pump failed entirely. Apparently the fuel pressure becomes too low to open the injector nozzles (what a reputable mechanic told me). It isn't too hard to replace if the tank isn't too full or you have the means to lift the box (supposedly easier).
Regarding the distributor: the Z71has a distributor cap located at the rear of the engine. It is something of a trick to remove as the retaining screws are hard to reach. The screws are easy to drop and will get stuck at the back of the engine (not harmful, just very annoying). You should replace the cap and rotor. I have done so twice. Apparently there are vents on the rotor base which can become plugged and prevent adequate interior drying.
Both of the above problems caused hard starting for my truck which deteriorated to no-starting. I hope this info helped. Feel free to email me to discuss this further.

Answer 2

Yup, it's got a distributor but it is quite different from what used to be on 350s. You have to determine what is wrong when the motor is not starting. Check spark outputs at the spark plug ends, needs to be strong and consistent. Check for PCM codes and or good data. Check for fuel pressure, need to have around 55 psi to start good. There's a port on the fuel rail that a shop guage can be screwed onto. These usually turned out to be a fuel pump, but I'd check to be sure as they are expensive.

Answer 3

I agree with No C...

I would check the small stuff first: Cap and rotor, and the plugs while your at it. The distributor is at the back of the engine, in the middle.
To get to it, remove the air intake by removing that plastic 'T' handle screw, then it will lift off. Place a rag in the throttle body, just in case you drop something it doesn't fall in, or let dirt get in there.
The cap is held on with 2 allen head screws (I can't remember the size). Remove the screws, being careful not to drop them just in case (a new cap usually comes with a new pair of screws). Look at the points (8) inside the cap for build up, as well as on the end of the rotor. You can scratch the gunk off to clean them, but if they are really bad I would just go purchase a new cap/rotor, they are not expensive.

Answer 4

yes it has a distributor and it may be bad look at it for carbon track or burn mark inside and then test fuel pressure the pump is in the tank f needed most of the time the mechanics will pull off the box to access the top of the tank to replace the pump

Answer 5

if it is electrical, it will always act up some, even when its running......you will feel the miss and vibration of the electical problems........if your fuel filter was dirty than your filter on the bottom of your fuel pump is probably clogged .....because it passes through there first!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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