Misfire codes P0300, P0305

Tiny
CPEREZ71
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
The truck had no real problems up until my wife stopped to put gas in the truck. She didn't fill it up all the way, and had driven about a mile. She called me at work, so it was kind of hard to diagnose it over the phone. She said it was "running rough" and had died on her. She basically limped back home, about 5 miles, and I started to look into it when I got home.

First thing I did was start it up to see what it was doing. It was really struggling to start, and when it did, I had to feather the gas pedal slightly to keep it running. When I tried to give it gas more aggressively, it would start to stall, and eventually shut off. Those were the symptoms, plus a P0300 code, random misfire. My first guess was the fuel pump, so instead of troubleshooting it, I set out to siphon gas out of the tank. I first used a hand pump which seemed to get out quite a bit, and I noticed that once it started getting closer to empty, the gas was looking worse. Had almost an opaque look, and at the time it didn't Dawn on me it was bad. I siphoned approximately 10 gallons out, and stupidly used that gas in my other truck. After driving the other truck a couple days, it got a P0307 code, and the light bulb went off in my head. Well, I removed the bad gas, put in good gas, reset the SES and that truck ended up fine. So, bad gas seemed to be the culprit.
Back to the truck listed above. Figuring it was bad gas, I changed the fuel filter, checked the spark plugs, and put in about 5 gallons of new gas, with Chevron fuel system cleaner. Went to start the truck up, and initially had a hard time starting, but after a few attempts, got it running to where it wasn't as bad as before. I let it run for a few minutes, and upped the RPM's and wouldn't you know it, check engine light came on. I continued running the engine, and the check engine light started flashing, so I shut it off. I expected to see the same P0300 code, but now, the only code was a P0305, Cylinder 5 misfire.
I siphoned gas out once more through the fuel pressure test port, and got it as empty as possible. I put in new gas with ISO-HEET, and checked the plugs again. They didn't look too bad, but I swapped #5 plug with # 6 plug, and same result. Swapped plug wires, same result. My wife, by now, was starting to get antsy, so she went and bought new AC DELCO plugs, new wires, new fuel filter and new ignition coil. Replaced all of those at her insistence, and repeated the process, but the plugs, especially the #5, looked pretty bad. All the plugs had a "rusty" look on the ground electrode, and #5 plug was black on electrode and insulator. Couldn't smell any odd things, so new spark plugs put in. After all that, still the same result, P0305 code. I've researched until my eyes are bleeding, and I've read about fuel pressure test, compression test, spark test, etc. Not sure what to do next, and I don't want to throw parts at it, but may have to if wife keeps bringing them home. I'm not a master mechanic, but I can do a lot of things with the right instructions. So just looking to get a little guidance, just not from the wrong people. Thank you.
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020 AT 7:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

Since the misfire stays on cylinder 5, the plugs are new along with the wires, I'm thinking a fuel injector is plugged, stuck open, or damaged. What I suggest it to check the injector at this point. We know it has spark, fuel pressure, and compression wasn't an issue before this all started. So, that leaves the injector.

Here is a link that explains how to check/test a fuel injector. (specifically cylinder 5 in this case).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

_______________

Here are general directions that are specific to this truck for injector removal and replacement:

_______________

1997 GMC Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.7L VIN R
Removal and Installation
Vehicle Power-train Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Injector Service and Repair Procedures Fuel Injector(S) Replacement Removal and Installation
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Use care in removing the fuel injectors to prevent damage to the electrical connector terminals, the injector filter, and the fuel nozzle.

NOTE: The fuel injector is serviced as a complete assembly only.

CAUTION: Also since the injectors are electrical components, these injectors should not be immersed in any type of liquid solvent or cleaner as damage may occur.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure.
3. Remove the Upper Manifold Assembly. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
4. Remove the Fuel Meter Body Assembly. Refer to Fuel Meter Body Assembly.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the fuel meter body assembly. Refer to
Fuel Meter Body Assembly.
2. Install the upper manifold assembly. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
3. Connect the negative battery cable.

__________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020 AT 8:00 PM

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