NearlyGone85

Ok, so I am really starting to bang my head against a wall over this. Can anyone help out?

I replaced my fuel filter and changed my spark plugs and wires and now I am having serious starting issues. It has a long start and usually starts on the second try. Then when I shut it down, I can hear a gurgle coming from the gas tank for about 3-5 seconds.

I can't think of anything that I would have done to cause it. I have heard of a check valve in the tank that could stick and cause a loss in pressure and the long start is from the pressure trying to build back up. Any thoughts?

I also turn the key and for that couple seconds that the pump is on, I get pressure on the fuel rail but as soon as the pump turns off and I press the schrader valve, nothing comes out, like there is no pressure still in the lines.

has anyone had similar issues?

yyzmsp

I've had the same problem for a few years and have changed a whole bunch of stuff except anything in the tanks. Still have the same problem. I have a fuel gauge and when the car is cold I turn the key on and wait for the pressure to build, only a few seconds, but as you stated when the vehicle is warm I have to turn the key on a few times to get the pressure up. The car starts fine then.
Would love to know why it does this. I will keep watching your post and good luck. Rick

dougbfresh

Leaky injector(s).

vettedude521

It's your fuel filter. I changed mine a year ago and did not use the original Delco. Some after market filters dont have the check valve. I put the Delco in and never had a problem again.

NearlyGone85

You know, I was thinking it wash probably the fuel filet since I went after market so I was going to put the old one back on when I got back home. I was having a hard time thinking it could be a new problem since it just seemed too convenient that something new happened right at this moment. I will post up once I get the old filter back on.

tblu92

Agreed--not all filters are created equal---Some aftermarket fuel filters to save $$ to not have a check valve---ALSO on some intank fuel pumps if you do not replace the pump with an A/C Delco pump same issue--really a problem on Silverado's----The GM A/C Delco pump is 3 times as expensive but will save you lors of grief---
The gurgle you are hearing may indicate however something else-
Sound like the is a problem with your EVAP system--- make sure your gas gap is a GM--Make sure that it you suck on it it will pull vacccum- and make sure if you blow into it it won't allow any pressure to escape
Check your evap solenoid and lines on the driver's side manifold--
You can do a cursurary test by starting the engine and driving it around for a few miles--them when home see if when opening the gas cap there is NO huge escape of pressure---If there is--that indicates an EVAP issue

NearlyGone85

Well, I got some closure on this issue. It was the fuel filter. I took the new one off and threw the old one back on and it fired right up with no problems. That was a nightmare. I really liked the price point of this filter better than the one I am going to have to buy.

FYI everyone: DO NOT BUY Microgard 33737, WIX 33737, FRAM GF336 for a 99 and up c5. The microgard I bought does not have the regulator inside of it and it says it replaces the other part numbers as well. Eventhough when you look it up it says that these part numbers will work, they don't.

I'm only writing thisthe last to help out someone on their searches because I had a heck of a time trying to solve this problem. Lots of time on the net.

Thanks all for you help! You guys ROCK!!!

BigGun

Lots of people have made this mistake. I think? the 99 was the only year to have the regulator in the filter.

tblu92

Can you post the part # for us ??--thks
is it AC/delco ???

dgrant3830

I replaced mine long ago with a Fram and never had an issue with it since. Maybe they changed the designed since then.

baxsom

actually the WIX I bought a year ago was identical to the oem one I took off. It even had the same numbers stamped on it. A quick search on this forum shows that a lot of people are using that one without any issues.

vettedude521

The WIX failed on my 99!!!

baxsom

Ok thats great but that doesnt make it the wrong part. If your case was the norm it would fail on every car it was put on. The wix on mine has right at 5K miles of trouble free use on my own car so explain that and that is just my own personal experience. Not to mention the countless others on this very forum that have had successful results. So maybe it would be a safer bet to say that the one particular filter you bought just may have been defective.

vettedude521

Maybe not but why on earth would anyone use an aftermarket filter on a car that is prone to fuel pressure problems? To save $10???? What I am saying is that there are ZERO incidents with DELCO and MANY incidents with aftermarket filters including WIX !! Common sense rules here.

LoneStarFRC

This "check valve" some people here are talking about, the one that maintains fuel rail pressure after turning the key on, is NOT in the fuel filter nor is it in "the tank". On C5 Corvettes, it is made into the rear "fuel feed rear hose (pipe)" (GM name) and is not serviceable as a separate item. The F-Body cars have the check valve in the tank, but that is a completely different designed fuel system and shares nothing in common with the C5s. ONLY the late '03s and all '04 C5s have the check valve in the (driver's side) tank as part of the fuel pump module assembly.

Part # 10413424 ('97 - '98)
Part # 10448899 ('99 - mid '03)
Beginning in the mid '03 model year and running through '04, all C5s began receiving a different fuel tank/pump system with RPO code "FFS".

To the OP: If you are experiencing normal fuel pressure (58 psi) when you first turn the key, but a lack of fuel pressure at the fuel rail within a second or two after turning the key on (no start), and/or you experience repeated instances of failure to immediately start when you turn the key, but will usually start on the second or third attempt, I strongly suggest you explore a failed check valve in the above mentioned rear fuel feed hose. I experienced this a number of years ago and it has nothing whatsoever to do with the fuel filter (which has an internal fuel pressure regulator, NOT a check valve).

Although technically speaking, there are several possibilities as to your loss of fuel pressure, a failed (stuck open) check valve is the most likely. One or more fuel injectors stuck open can also cause this, but in that case it is probable you would also be experiencing other drive-ability symptoms besides the hard start problem. If you are mechanically inclined you can change the hose (also called "pipe" as it is a hard pre-molded nylon "Y" shaped assembly) but it is a PITA due to the routing of the hose and if bent/flexed too much will kink and although it has three quick disconnect fittings (easy to plug/unplug) it's the routing that's the beyotch. As I said, very difficult to deal with and not kink it.

As to WIX filters (of all kinds, including fuel filters), they are some of the best on the market and have been for a very long time. ACDelco is also very good quality. I have used both, many times over the years, and not once had a problem with the quality of either. The '97 and '98 does not have a fuel pressure regulator built in, hence the cheaper price. Beginning in '99, all C5 fuel filters running through mid-'03 have the regulator built in. The presence of three hose nipples sets it apart from the early C5s which only have two.

NearlyGone85

the number on the side of the Delco one is 10299146. I just put the last part up about the WIX because on the side of my box it said that it replaces that WIX part number. do you know the part number you used? The guys at O'reailys are completely retarded and don't even know what I am talking about when I say that the regulator is internal so they definitely don't know if the WIX they carry has the regulator.

vettedude521

No, I didnt keep the box, I just went to the local chevy dealer and bought one for my 99.

NearlyGone85

I got the problem fixed, it was the fuel filter. That is great info about the check valve not being in the tank. Since a lot of what I have been reading while trying to figure out this mess has mentioned the check valve, any information about it is much appreciated since sooner or later I will have to pay attention to all parts of my car.

Like I said, if you knew the part number of the WIX, that would be awesome! I have nothing against WIX, especially if they can save me $60 off the cost of the Delco one

NearlyGone85

oh ok. I am going to head down there this week and pick one up. I guess if they sell WIX at the dealer it has to be the right one I am part of a corvette club that is sponsored by a local dealer so hopefully they will show me some love.

Thanks again all for your help!

LoneStarFRC

The 10299146 part number is the GM part number. It is the part number GM dealers use. The ACDelco (owned by GM) part number is GF-822 and the WIX part number is 33737. Depending on source, the WIX is usually a bit cheaper and I would not hesitate to use it. I have before, with no worries.

HTH

BTW, on the regulator thing, you can't not buy a filter that does not have the regulator built in. Regardless of brand, it physically won't fit.