Frankenpump

[DTrain]

Should I look into a Walbro 255? Or would an added inline pump work?

 

[Supercharged111]

What exactly isn't working here? The engine doesn't run? The gauge doesn't work? Both?

 

[someotherguy]

The tank and sending unit are new, ‘87 though. I tried tying all the black wires together, then separately. No luck

The '87 TBI spec is 9~13 psi. Your '98 Vortec 5.7 needs minimum high 50's.. spec is like 58~62 psi. You can hang a Vortec-spec pump in that old style TBI sender if you get one from the auto parts store for a '96 pickup with 5.7; it will be the separate style pump, before they went to the plastic trash can all-in-one assembly.

Richard

 

[MIHELA]

Your factory pump had a connection to the PCM. Then the PCM drive the cluster. I think you will have trouble without a stock style fuel pump module.

 

[DTrain]

The gauge works and the engine turns. It just turns and turns and turns. It’s gotta be the psi. I’ll try a higher psi pump in the sending unit.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

You can hang a Vortec-spec pump in that old style TBI sender if you get one from the auto parts store for a '96 pickup with 5.7;

Yep, AC Delco EP381

 

[MIHELA]

At start and idle, your engine doesn't need more fuel than your pump can provide. Yes you need to upgrade it, but no, it isn't keeping it from starting unless it is dead.
Edit: crap I missed the part about this being a turbine pump on a Vortec. Yeah the poppet nozzles won't even try to open. Carry on.

 

[DTrain]

Went ahead and ordered the AC Delco EP 381. Should get it early this week. Hopefully I’ll report back with a good word in a few days.

 

[DTrain]

Snuck the new fuel pump in after work today. Tried and tried and tried, still wouldn’t start. To the point I about killed the battery and had to hook up for a jump, still nothing. Then I remembered a pretty important step…hook the electrical back up in the tank…BOOM! Started right up! Thanks for the input, the pump fit perfectly in the old style sending unit and didn’t even hesitate starting once I finished the install process…

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Then I remembered a pretty important step…hook the electrical back up in the tank…BOOM! Started right up! Thanks for the input, the pump fit perfectly in the old style sending unit and didn’t even hesitate starting once I finished the install process…

Good to hear!