Engine loses power drastically, wants to bog out?

Tiny
SPINN9
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 GMC C1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I carelessly bought my truck listed above pick-up 'as-is', which has numerous issues. The 5.7 V8 has well over 200,000. It starts up strong and right away upon turning the ignition key, which I thought would be an excellent 1st impression of the truck. It turns out I was mistaken. So, it starts right up then it idles okay, with to me sounds like the usual noise of older engine lifters clicking; upon acceleration, it loses power drastically, wants to bog out, and the auto transmission feels like it 'slips' into action while it has that acceleration issue. After an embarrassingly long 15 - 20 seconds, the truck catches its breath and drives as well as to be expected with an over 200,000-mile work truck that feels and looks like it has not been maintained accordingly. This is just the 1st question I will be presenting to you, so I must thank you in advance for your knowledge and assistance.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 1:12 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,544 POSTS
It sounds like the fuel pump is going out, which is common on these trucks. Here is a guide to help you check the fuel pressure to confirm the failure, you can get a fuel pressure gauge rented from an auto parts store for cheap or free. I would change out the fuel filter first though.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATION

Ignition ON Engine OFF .................... 62-90 kPa (9-13 psi)

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 4:52 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links