Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks Liz!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've been checking my mileage and it has been consistently 9mpg.
I suspected my fuel pressure regulator diaphragm was leaking too, it randomly would stall while driving, sometimes starting back sometimes requiring several hours, so I ordered new injectors from 5O Motorsports and a new AC Delco fpr.
Spent half a day changing them out, I didn't break any of the tabs on the rail thankfully.
Got her back together and sounded awesome. Ran to town for gas and a test ride then noticed a lope at idle when I pulled into the station.
On the way home it died the same way as before.
Suppose I am going to have to buy a decent code reader.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Good pick on the injectors.

Are you sure its not a bad/dying fuel pump?

For a code reader, I use the TorquePro app on my phone with a bluetooth elm reader that plugs into the OBDII port.

My 454 'burb with 4.10s gets around 11.2mpg, back and forth to work. I did make 13.12mpg the other day running up the interstate to Iowa with a generator in the back at 72mph.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'll check into the TorquePro app, thanks!

I did install a new Delco fuel pump while the bed was off, but I'll check the pressure just in case. Sure it wouldn't be the first time a new pump is bad.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

That sucks. Do you have any codes being set though?
The only time I ever got 9mpg with my 97 454 (4.10’s) was puking a trailer with the surge brakes sticking on.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've not had a chance to check yet. I just started the first of 6 nights. I'll check them when I'm off next and post what shows and hopefully a fix.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

x2 on the 5-oh injectors, great choice. I've witnessed two sets of them fix rough running/starting 454s. I have a set waiting to go in mine. Also a 0411 w/Blackbear tune. Just need the time.

You may have solved any fuel issues you had and now something else is showing, the distributors on these things will notoriously wear out and cause the timing to jump around. There is a procedure for setting them, I'd have to look it up if you're not already familiar.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I could tell a difference in the short time I drove it, seemed more responsive plus the rpms were lower as compared to what they were running at the same speed before changing out the injectors.
Just have to chase down the gremlin now.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'm sure you meant pulling, but man that sounded awful, haha.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'll have an update soon. Both of my in law's passed away within a month and a half of each other plus my wife and I caught the Wuhan flu.
It's definitely fuel pump related I just haven't had a chance to pull it.
I should have changed the in tank harness when I installed the new pump or maybe a bad pump. It was a Delco however.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Sorry to hear about your losses, and hope you and the wife are doing well and fully recovered from the virus also.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks! We're both fine now. She was a pretty sick girl for about 10 days while I only ran a fever parts of three.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Condolences for your loss, glad you guys are on the mend!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Puking pulling it's all the same isn't it?
At least when the phone spell incorrector steps in to say what I'm really trying to say.
It was pretty awful either way.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Glad you both are doing well now.

Not trying to pry but was that the cause of passing for your in-laws? :(

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks! It wasn't covid, my mother in law had colon cancer. My father in law went in for what was supposed to be routine gallbladder surgery, but I guess when you're in your 80's no surgery is routine.
He was a vietnam vet and a great guy. Until the last few years he was always ready to pack up and go whenever I asked him. We made a lot of swap meets and such.
My mother in law was wonderful too. I don't believe she cared for me that much 41 years ago, but I grew on her.😅

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

That’s awesome and hilarious!
I know life is too short but at least you got to spend a good many years together.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've had her up and running for a while now. I changed the whole fuel pump and sending unit assembly out and no more problems.
Having some fun in the ❄.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Sweet! Glad you got it sorted out.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

:agree:

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Your rig is looking great!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks all. I still need my bedliner and I want to ditch the single exhaust. Also, the 8.1l will go in at some point after the 454 gives up. As of now it runs like a top with 60psi oil pressure warmed up.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

No updates in a while I see. My Air system had a leak, I'm pretty sure at least the line from the compressor was bad. Someone had fixed it with 4 hose clamps in the past. Regardless I changed everything out, but the evaporator. Wished I'd thought about that when the dash was out.🙄
Ran a vacuum on it today, charged her up and we have cold ac!
454 is running great still so the 8.1 will have to wait, especially with the way gas has gone.😅