1997 astro 4.3 vortec v6 fuel pressure problem. The fuel pump works for about 2-3 seconds when i turn on the key and it works when i crank the engine but i do not have anything close to 50 lbs of pressure and the van doesn't start. Is the fuel pump faulty or is it the pressure regulator? How do i get access to the pressure regulator to ajust it or replace it? The fuel line filter has been replaced and is o.k.

Have you made shure there is fuel in the tank, they had alot of problems wth sending units on that year. if so chances are its the fuel pump. try banging on the bottom of the fuel tank while sombody tries to start the vehicle, if it starts replace fuel pump. faulty regulators will usually cause a very rich running condition.

Hello frankdoiron: My name is Roger and I will help you. If the fuel pressure is not 60-66 psi. the engine will not run right or will no start. At 55 psi. the engine will not start. Unless you have a injector that is stuck open I would look at the fuel pump as the problem. I would also change the fuel filter the same time you replaced the fuel pump. The warranty on the pump would be void if you do not replace it at the same time.
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If you don't have at least 51 psi you need a new fuel pump. I had a Bravada that even after I replaced the fuel pump from the factory it only had about 45 PSI. I didn't know at the time that the vortec needs at least 51psi, so I replace the injector spider. That item cost 500. It still would not start and it turned out to be the new fuel pump from the dealer that was no good. I am pretty sure that the regulator is built into the fuel pump on the vortec. or built into the injector spider, but the pressure you are reading at the gage tell me you need the pump.

Hope this helps.