Bogging down with uphill acceleration or when accelerating

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. First, it sounds like you have already done a lot and have eliminated many possible problems. The fuel pressure you indicated is correct, so that is not the problem. Since the problem seems to be under a load, the fuel pressure is correct, and the engine is properly tuned, that makes me question back pressure in the exhaust. My first questions is the catalytic converter being partially plugged.

Here is a video related to checking a catalytic converter:
https://youtu.be/kNXh1Lphzr4

Here is a list of symptoms:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

General directions:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

If you determine the converter is a problem, the following are the directions for removal and replacement specific to your vehicle. I have also attached pictures to help guide you.

Removal Procedure

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
Remove the transmission support.
Disconnect the Oxygen Sensors (02S) and Heated Oxygen Sensor (H02S) electrical connections from the wiring harness.
Caution: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in Service Precautions.

Caution: Refer to Protective Goggles and Gloves Caution in Service Precautions.

Important: If equipped with dual catalytic converter pipes, and removing only the right catalytic converter, the left catalytic converter does not require removal. If removing the left catalytic converter both catalytic converters require removal.

Remove the nuts and the seals retaining the catalytic converter pipes to the exhaust manifolds.

If equipped with single catalytic converter pipe, remove the nuts retaining the catalytic pipe to the muffler. Depending on the vehicle configuration the flange may be a 2 bolt or 3 bolt flange.
Remove the catalytic converter pipe flange gasket.
Remove the catalytic converter pipe from the vehicle.

If equipped with 2 catalytic converter pipes, loosen the clamp securing the right catalytic converter at the front of the muffler.
Remove the right catalytic converter pipe from the muffler and the vehicle.
Remove the left catalytic converter pipe retaining nuts and gasket from the muffler flange connection.
Remove the left catalytic converter pipe from the vehicle.
If replacing the catalytic converter, remove the oxygen sensors as necessary.
Installation Procedure

If removed, install the oxygen sensors as necessary.
If equipped with 2 catalytic converter pipes, install the left catalytic converter and gasket to the muffler flange.
Install the nuts for left catalytic converter to muffler. Do not tighten the flange nuts.
Install the right catalytic converter into the muffler.
Install the right catalytic converter clamp. Do not tighten the clamp.

If equipped with a single catalytic converter pipe, install the pipe with a new gasket to the muffler flange. Do not tighten the flange nuts.

Install a new seal and the catalytic converter pipe to the exhaust manifolds.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the nuts retaining the catalytic converter pipes to the exhaust manifolds.
Tighten the catalytic converter pipe to exhaust manifold nuts to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.) .
Verify that the exhaust system is properly aligned and tighten the right catalytic converter clamp to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) .
Tighten the catalytic converter to the muffler nuts to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.) .

Connect the Oxygen Sensor (02S) electrical connection.
Install the transmission support.
Notice: Refer to Exhaust System Inspection Notice in Service Precautions.

Verify the exhaust system for proper clearance and the alignment of all components.
Lower the vehicle.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Joe

LOL, do not sell any organs. I needed that laugh tonight. Anyway, if you want to check, I have simply removed o2 sensors to help eliminate back pressure. If the catalytic converter is partially plugged, it will be able to breath easier.

Interesting. I thought that may be the issue. If fuel pressure is good, it us tuned properly, and there is no check engine light coming on, That leads me to ignition timing. I realize the ignition timing is not adjustable and is controlled by the PCM, but I question if it is doing its job. If you have a live time scanner, drive the vehicle and watch ignition timing to make sure it is advancing. Keep in mind, the crankshaft and camshaft sensors play a big role in ignition timing and fuel delivery. Everything you have told me leads me to believe it is a fuel related issue, but everything checks good.

I have attached pictures of both sensors and locations. I am starting to question if the pump, even though checks good when tested, cannot keep up with the demand under a load. When you replaced it, it ran good for a short time. I am going to ask the owner of the site for his opinion. Maybe he has a different idea.

Expect a reply from him. I am going to send him this link.

Joe

After thought. Make sure nothing is obstructing the air intake system. I am confident you already did that, but just wanted to make sure.

Can I ask you say ignition rotor but this engine does not have one? Is there a different engine in this van?

Here is a picture of the engine in a 2001 Chevrolet van no distributor. I just want to make sure we are working on the right engine.

Yes, it sounds like the pump is fading under load. It should be at 55 - 60 psi. Does the van have 38,000? little premature but not surprising because GM had a problem with the pumps I installed two in my truck 2000 Z71. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Here are diagrams to help you see what it is like on your van.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken.

Can I ask if they used an AC Delco unit? Aftermarket pumps do not work. Also, have you replaced the fuel pump relay? I have also seen the connector at the pump melt and heat up they have an updated wiring harness for this.

Here are the instructions:

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure.
Drain the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Draining Procedure.
Remove the fuel tank.

Remove the fuel sender assembly.
Note the position of the fuel strainer (2) on the fuel sender.
Support the fuel sender assembly with one hand, and grasp the strainer with the other hand

Pull the strainer from the fuel sender.
Inspect the strainer. Replace a contaminated strainer and clean the fuel tank. Discard the strainer after inspection.

Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector (5).
Remove the electrical connector retaining clip (6) from the fuel level sensor.
Disconnect the electrical connector (7) from the fuel level sensor under the fuel sender cover.

Remove the retaining clip (4) from the fuel level sensor.
Squeeze the locking tangs, and remove the fuel level sensor (3).
Remove the fuel pressure sensor (1).

Install the fuel pressure sensor (1).
Install the fuel level sensor (3).
Install the retaining clip (4) to the fuel level sensor.
Connect the electrical connector (7) to the fuel level sensor.
Connect the electrical connector retaining clip (6).
Connect the fuel pump electrical connector (5).
IMPORTANT: When you replace the fuel tank fuel pump module, always install a new fuel strainer

Let me know, Ken

It is common for the pumps to go out. Glad you could get it fixed though. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers, Ken