1999 Chevy Truck Backfired Now Engine Runs Bad

Reader Question Hi I have a 1999 Chevy s10 truck 2 wheel drive 4cyl when I went to start it it kinda back fired and I saw a puff of smock come out of hood and it started to run like####.

I heard a very loud bang bang bang no power every thing under hood looks fine no oil leak motor had always ran fine always very smooth well maintained it has 98000 miles on it it starts but just runs bad and very load. Any info will sure help
Thanks Charlie

Hi there Charlie,

First thing I would look at would be fuel pressure…or the lack of proper fuel pressure from the fuel pump in the tank to the engine. This can be checked with a manual screw on fuel pressure gauge you can rent from your local auto parts store.

You can sometimes bang on the bottom of the fuel tank with your fist or rubber hammer AS someone cranks the engine over. This can help jump start a weak fuel pump.

These vehicles are notorious for bad fuel pumps…and with 98K miles, I would not be surprised if you needed a new one.

Keep me posted will ya?

Blessings,

Austin Davis