454 (7.4L) Chevy Suburban Starting PROBLEM SOLVED!!!

[@benkanobe7500]

THE EASY FIX!!! Nearly and sometimes the exact same fix, the easy way! (First off, Sean is telling everyone the right way to do it, this is an alternative way the works a great deal of the time for those of us that cannot take our motors apart or cannot pay someone else to). The problem: Old fuel injectors leak fuel when the engine is off, hot or cold. Much more so when the engine is hot. So, cold start: Perfect! It is like you have a choke. Hot start: Not so good and even can flood the engine sometimes. The solution: Sean's method. However, there is an alternative method that is easy and works more times than not. It it fails, you are only out a couple tanks of expensive gas and few dollars in other materials. The alternative solution: 1.) Go to your local auto parts store and purchase four of the big bottles of "high mileage fuel injector cleaner". 2.) Run your tank down to about 1-5 gallons left in the tank. Pour in all four bottles (yes I know what the instructions say. I have been doing this for over 25 years and it works!) 3.) Go purchase a full tank of Chevron or Shell, or..... good quality Premium fuel (most Premium fuels have the additives to help prevent this problem to start with). 4.) Find a safe place where you can slow down to a crawl and then punch it going uphill and leave your foot in it (on the floor) to as fast as you dare. 5.) Repeat as often as you can for that tank. In most cases, by the END of that tank your problem will be solved or nearly solved but for sure improved (plus your intake fuel part, intake valves, pistons get a good cleaning which helps milage). If it doesn't work: Run your tank down to 1/8 - 1/4 tank of Premium Fuel (name brand, not CostCo, ....) and add four MORE bottles of High Mileage Fuel Injector cleaner (maybe switch brands) and repeat "Step 4" above. This will almost always work. My truck (same exact truck as Seans, had the exact same problem as Seans at around 145K). I had to resort to the 1/8 - 1/4 tank method as my truck was improved, but not perfect. I did the "If it doesn't work" to my truck and NOW with 217,900.00 miles my truck starts perfect hot or cold. I do put in a bottle or two of high mileage fuel injector cleaner about once a year (note it says "up to 21 gallons" for one bottle, that is why we do four bottles) and my truck runs perfect and gets about 13 miles per gallon if I drive it nice. My motor has never been worked on. I sincerely hope this helps some of Sean's people. His way is best, but if you can't' this works. I have done this on many different types of cars and trucks over the years and it only failed me once on an Audi Turbo Quattro. One of the injectors (it turns out) had electrically failed, so I am not sure if that one counts. I did replace all 5 injectors and that is how I discovered the one had electrically failed.

[@SR-cp1eo]

Thanks for the comment! But I will say that a tank or two will be more than the price of new Injectors haha. 46 gallons adds up fast :P I tried the cleaner as you mentioned but didn't try punching it at all. I ran it harder than normal but that's about it. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Maybe it'll work for someone!

[@benkanobe7500]

@@SR-cp1eo My point was not the cost as much as the effort to replace injectors and the skills that you have that others do not. If you are going to drive your truck it is going to need gas (so why not let the gas do the cleaning??), so the cost of the gas is not part of the total cost, just the loss of gas mileage due to the "Lead Footing" and the increased cost of Premium which I explain why you use Premium. I am 65 years old and have been working on everything from RR to Hondas. I started on my Dad's Model A Ford when I was 9 years old (with tons of guidance from my Dad). I would not offer this potential fix if I did not know it works. PS 1,200 + hours SEL Instrument, and owner of N6802J

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@benkanobe7500 no I understand you completely. I should have tried your tactic, but I'm glad I did the injectors. Mainly because I learned a lot! I'm trying to learn as much as I possibly can for myself. Also I live in california and gas is over $4 for premium. I usually swipe the card twice because it reaches the dollar limit :(

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@benkanobe7500 and very nice! I'm still a newbie. I'm a few hours from 100 with a ppl. Paying some bills off before I start my instrument.

[@benkanobe7500]

@@SR-cp1eo Yes here in SoCal we do pay a bunch for gas. When I go to my ranch (by car) I purchase gas in Flagstaff, it is about 1.00 per gallon cheaper than San Diego. Must be because they have to truck it from the West coast all the way up the mountain to Flagstaff....... ;-) Yes, without a doubt, new injectors is the best way as I repeatedly stated in my post, this is just an alternative an worth a try for some. Getting your instrument will make you a better pilot overall even when not on instruments. The hardest thing about flying after you get your instrument is staying current. Much harder for a private pilot flying for pleasure than you think. Also, prior to your instrument, you may consider what I did which was get typed in a Decathlon or Super-D. Learning spins (especially) and rolling and looping make you a better pilot. If and when the plane gets upset, it will be nothing for you to recover. As you know from flying CA, we have some nasty winds off the backsides of the mountains and the Aero training could come in handy. Good luck with your flying and keep the dirty side down!

[@michaelhenderson7739]

So did you remove the fuel rail to put in new injectors? I've got a 96 K2500 Suburban with the big block. I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, most sensors, and it still has a momentary hard start issue so I'm thinking the injectors need to be replaced. Good video, thanks!

[@SR-cp1eo]

I didnt remove the fuel rail. Just unbolted and it gave me enough room. Its nearly a years now and it still works like a charm! I replaced everything you did as well. Nothing worked until I did the Injectors.

[@deltafarming118]

I have a 99 k2500 with the 454, I’m going to replace the pump, regulator, filter and and just got in the exact injectors you recommended. What else do you recommend to replace while I’m in there?

[@SR-cp1eo]

I replaced the pump, filter and regulator and didn't notice a difference. Once I did the Injectors, it completely solved it. So I would say, if you're going to do the injectors, I recommend the fuel pressure regulator because you'll have access to it when you remove plenum. You'll need gaskets too. Filter is easy. It's under the frame rail at around the drivers side passenger door. Pump sucks so run it near empty before you consider replacing it. 46 gallons can get quite heavy lol. I'm no professional. But that's my recommendation.

[@deltafarming118]

Sean R also I bought a new rial from ACDelco and wondering does the old injectors come out with the the old rial together?

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@deltafarming118 mine did not come with a rail. It's cool that yours does because you don't have to worry about breaking the nipple that holds the injector on the rail. I broke 2 and got lucky, but next time I'm in there, I'll have to replace the rail. Ultimately, its up to you.

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@deltafarming118 but no, the I hector's do not come out with the rail. They're separate. Just be extremely careful getting the clip off if you plan to use the same rail. If you get away with it, you can return the rail you bought. Save a few bucks atleast.

[@MatLon28]

How is it so far since you fixed it. Good start warm engine reach time? I still have the same issue with the hard start when it's warm. Haven't replaced the fuel injection yet though

[@SR-cp1eo]

Hi David. Yes it's been what, 6 months since this video was posted? But yes ever since I did the injectors, the starting when warm problem has gone away. I guess it's a common issue on the 99 454's. From what I understand, Chevy cheaper out to save some bucks and that's something they changed. Keeping in mind, before I did the injectors, I replaced the fuel filter, pump, and regulator. Nothing made a difference until I changed the injectors. So it was either everything working, or injectors we're the problem.

[@dennisclark2925]

David Nguyen I,'ve got the same problem.replaced ff.my fuel gauge is stuck.on full..I think the fuel pressure sensor valve control is worn out.codes a fuel pump issue.runs good.starts instantly when cold.

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@dennisclark2925, I replaced the fuel pump, filter, regulator, temp sensor, and Finally injectors. The Injectors fixed it 100% for me. Its been about 6 months for me and still to this day, starting problem is resolved. It starts just as easy warm as it does cold now. I hope this helps you in some way. Check out the link in the description to summit racing. The link will send you to the exact injectors I used.

[@MatLon28]

Yep I changed everything but the fuel pump and fuel injection. I still have that problem.

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@MatLon28 Well good luck! It worked for me. I didn't buy some fancy high end injectors, just the remanufactured. I'm still 100% satisfied with it.

[@BreakingFreeRV]

Hello, thanks for the video. I have a Fleetwood Tioga on a 2000 chevy express chassis with the 7.4. My RV starts fine first thing in the morning, but after driving a while and I go into a store and come back out it takes about 6-8 seconds to start up, then it runs fine. Is this the same issue you were having? I put a new throttle position sensor in, cleaned the throttle body and throttle body sensor. I think I will replace the ECT sensor next before spending the money on injectors.

[@SR-cp1eo]

Sounds 100% identical to the issues I had. I'm going on a year now and it's still running and starting string, regardless of temp. This sounds like itll be a good fix for you!

[@monfrig6959]

Damn Sean thank you for that fast response I'm thinking I'm buying a motorhome and I don't want to diesel I want a gas motor cuz that's what I know how to repair so I'm trying to figure out what problems I would have with the 454 motor thank you for your Insight

[@SR-cp1eo]

I try to respond to everybodys comment quickly. Usually pretty good when i get notifications. But I didn't on this comment haha. Yeah 454's are good, but diesels would be more reliable and economical. but it comes at a price. So it depends on what you plan to do. full time RV and travel everywhere? spend the money and get a diesel. They're typically cummins, about 400hp and 1200 torque. the 454's have about 270hp and 410 torque. diesles also mean better quality items in the motorhome. they don't have to concentrate on lightness of the cabinets or fridge. So you get good quality appliances and beds and everything. Something to think about for sure. I looked into it a few years back. haha

[@dc8flightdeck]

I have the same warm start problem, it starts fine cold. I’ll have try injector replacement.

[@SR-cp1eo]

It worked for me! Going on 7 or 8 months now. Still 0 issues. Starts right every time no matter the engine temp

[@markstowers6220]

Fuel regulate. Floods the motor

[@kingzionmusic]

What a beauty im having long crank issue also fuel pressure issues sometimes start up right away sometimes cha cha cha cha long start. 98 2Dr Tahoe I’m prob gonna charge the spider injection system and fuel pressure regulator just cuz eventually. 5.7 liter. After I get don’t with this engine I’m going with a 383 stroker.

[@SR-cp1eo]

My fix was injectors. a 383 would be awesome! I wanted to 12V swap it but didn't have that kind of money lying around lol

[@kingzionmusic]

@@SR-cp1eo yeah I know how it goes it’s a process I’ve been saving up for one for months now I say maybe about another 8-13 months God will in go will have enough for the engine then k must save for tranny I most def don’t have that type of bread layin around.

[@farmingparadise]

Can you take a picture of the vacuum lines for the part directly in front of the EGR on the driver side? I took my apart and it sat for a while and now I can't seem to find where the last one goes.

[@SR-cp1eo]

oh no!!! Unfortunately, I no longer own this beast... It went to a good friend of mine when we relocated to Hawaii. Sorry I couldn't help! I have other poorly executed videos that might give you an idea?

[@farmingparadise]

@@SR-cp1eo still on the hunt for some videos that have it.

[@SR-cp1eo]

Hey guys! 8-month update, STILL RUNNING STRONG!!!! No starting problems at all! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@patrickrobinson1488]

Can you tell me what is the part located to the left of the EGR valve, it has a wire harness and fuel test line connected to it?

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@patrickrobinson1488 Sorry for the late response, but from what I could see, it's what powers the injectors. I forgot to plug it in when I did the job, and it didn't fire. plugged it in and worked like a charm.

[@lawnchaser]

I replaced the injectors in my 97 k2500 454 with remanufactured injectors and I still have the same warm start issue

[@SR-cp1eo]

That sucks to hear! The injectors was the last part of the fuel system that I didn't replace. I started with the filter, then Fuel Pressure Regulator, then Fuel pump, all to no change. For me, injectors did the trick. Best of luck to you!

[@wrotedog]

Did you take off your intake or hood to access and change your distributor cap?

[@SR-cp1eo]

You could do either. If I'm honest, the hood is probably easier to take off than the intake. That EGR hose kicked my butt.... IF you're going to replace the injectors anyway, you'll have to take the intake off.

[@diannabloomgren1830]

I'd love a short video showing the correct 454 7.4 L Chevy air box connection up to the throttle body! Plzz

[@SR-cp1eo]

Thank you for the reply! Unfortunately, I sold the suburban to an old friend of mine up in Montana. So I can't help you anymore... I'M SORRY!!!!

[@malcolmsims1076]

@@SR-cp1eo I got one for you Sean

[@erichanson5929]

What rear end do you have. I want to put a locker in my truck but don’t know where to start looking

[@SR-cp1eo]

Well I had the 14 bolt but not every rig has a 14 bolt. They're pretty stout. I had a 3/4 ton Suburban. Even at that, some still had 12 bolt rear ends.

[@keithcalitri840]

Hey I was just wondering if you also replaced the fuel pressure regulator?

[@SR-cp1eo]

Yes. It didnt seem to make any difference. I replaced the pump, filter, regulator, and once I did the injectors, it was the cure. Also, if you do the injectors, the regulator becomes very accessible. It may be good to replace it while its opened up

[@silentsupreme4874]

That engine is bigger than all of my five cars ..................combined

[@SR-cp1eo]

haha! yea it's pretty big. This was back when "bigger is better". Not necessarily the case anymore, but it's an iconic engine for sure.

[@monfrig6959]

Sean what's happening is is that the starter is not cranking over is that correct

[@monfrig6959]

Or is it turning over and it won't fire over could be a bad electronic ignition module

[@SR-cp1eo]

Starter is great. The issue was clogged injectors. It would just sit there and crank and crank and sputter and backfire until it comes to life. Only when warm. It's a common 454 problem. Replaced the injectors and to this day, that issue has been resolved. There isn't much info out there about the cure for it, but I found it so I'm trying to spread the word.

[@SR-cp1eo]

Or are you referring to me inserting the key to start it. I'm used to diesels and it's a habit. I turn the key to on, sit there till the fuel pump shuts off, then crank it to life. If that's what you were referring to, that was intentional

[@danielmwattsjr3671]

I have a 1990 vortec 454 what is that breather piece next to the intake manifold called

[@SR-cp1eo]

Are you talking about where it says Votrec? or are you talking about the EGR?

[@danielmwattsjr3671]

Yea the cold intake. I need one

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@danielmwattsjr3671 gotthca. Yea It's not a cold air intake, it's the stock intake from the factory thats actually not bad at all. They way they engineered it is quite good and has even been underwater a few times with no issues haha

[@danielmwattsjr3671]

@@SR-cp1eo yea I was told by . 5 different dealerships that its discontinued

[@SR-cp1eo]

@@danielmwattsjr3671 Yea a lot is. I had issues finding a belt tensioner, but eventually found one on ebay new with a different design that worked out. Might try your luck there.

[@Wicked_He_Bad]

where is the map sensor not the maf sensor?

[@SR-cp1eo]

It should be right after the air fllter. I'd look but I no longer own the vehicle sadly. A buddy of mine owns it now.

[@damxgopak457]

It's under the upper intake towards the front.

[@kgrant2317]

Mine runs rough when it gets warm I'm stumped

[@brianyoung938]

Fuel pressure relay

[@SR-cp1eo]

It was the injectors. :) fuel system was fine, new pump, regulator, filter, I don't remember changing a relay. But the moment I changed the injectors, it fired up every time so quickly you don't even hear it turn over.

[@blooloo8707]

Crescent Wrench-????--For those who don't know about cars ---Thx

[@SR-cp1eo]

Hey whatever works! I'm learning every step of the way. I refuse to take it to a shop because I want to learn with what I have. I can only hope people to start doing things themselves like I am. It saves a ton of money and builds experience with your rig. Re-gearing kicked my rear hard and will probably never do it again with a vehicle with IFS. The rear was difficult, but doable. The point is, learn from your mistakes and you'll never do it again. Thanks for the comment though!

[@Maria-hb3kc]

Wat is dat intake called on dat 454?

[@SR-cp1eo]

Intake plenum?

[@thebubba1]

thats the factory setup on 96-99 454s

[@SR-cp1eo]

Yep, factory. Nothing special.

[@monfrig6959]

You turn the key for a tenth of a second it the motor didn't even turn over

[@SR-cp1eo]

Haha. I posted this video a year ago and It still does that.

[@arturoriveraxd192]

Are you sure this engine is a 7.4. I was thinking is 5.7 vortec

[@SR-cp1eo]

I appreciate your comment, but I am positive lol

[@tombstone1841]

My 3500 GMC has the identical motor right down to the stupid ass airbox on the left(standing in front), it's definitely a 7.4 vortec. My suburban with the 5.7 has the airbox on the opposite side. The other and most identifiable difference is the 7.4 manifold is aluminum, where the 5.7 is plastic.

[@davidbirkes7308]

@@SR-cp1eo the plenum gives it away a lot of people don't even realize there is a 454 mad by vortec

[@user-dv1zj2ou8p]

I am currently having this issue, so i want to do the injectors, when i went to rock auto the OEM injectors were about $80-90 bucks each so to do the whole truck plus tax just in injectors it was like $900. I went to Ebay and found some other brands a little cheaper but even those were still like $650-$750... I saw your video and your link and the injectors there were only $33.00 What I'm I missing, i know they are re manufactured, but you know the old saying... "When it looks too good to be true, it usually is.....". This deal (www.summitracing.com/parts/URM-6016) at this link sounds amazing, whats the catch? Thanks for video!!!

[@SR-cp1eo]

Mine were remanufactured. Check out summit racing. I think my link broke but check them out and let me know

[@SR-cp1eo]

And your link is broken as well.