I tried once again to listen to the fuel pump when turning the key. Using the funnel idea, I inserted a tube into the gas filler neck. That way I could listen to it and still be able to reach the key. Thought I heard some gas sloshing around a bit, but nothing when I turned the key.

Rapped on the bottom and side of the fuel tank a few times with a hammer. (I read that in a posting somewhere, how it can temporarily "fix" the pump, although looking for it just now, I can't find it) Tried starting, and it started briefly, then died. I tried starting a few more times, and it acted like it was going to start, but didn't, then it went back to the cranking without any sign of starting.

So, is it the fuel pump? Can I rule out the electrical stuff leading to the fuel pump?

 

I would say it is the pump. It is very important that you check the fuel pump relay the way I told you to before you purchase a pump however. It is considerably easier to replace and alot cheaper than a new fuel pump, but if the relay is good it is the pump. If you replace the pump be sure to get a new strainer/filter also. Be sure to check the relay, I have seen less experienced techs make this mistake too many times, so I'm just trying to help you here.

 

I'm getting spark at the plugs.

I don't hear the fuel pump doing anything at all. (Finally got the wife out to turn the key while I tried different things.)

I pushed on the schraeder valve on the fuel line, and didn't get anything at all from it.

I swapped around relays, and there wasn't any difference. So, I guess I'm shopping for a fuel pump now.

There was a time, I enjoyed working on my car. That was back when I was still in high school and college, living at home, the best shelter I could get was a carport and I couldn't afford anything. Now, I've got a nice sized two car garage, I can afford lots more, but now I really don't enjoy working on vehicles anymore. I just hate paying someone else good money for doing work I'm capable of doing (usually) and the inconvenience of dropping vehicles off and retrieving them, then taking them back because things still aren't right.

 

First, I want to thank everyone that replied to my posting, and to the other posters with a similar problem that led me to my problem. I replaced the fuel pump today, and its running again.

I'd like to offer my experience with replacing the fuel pump module. Follow the warnings about performing it in a well ventilated area. I did mine in the driveway, even though I have a garage. I spilled gas, lots of gas. Even outside, I had to walk away for a bit and let the gas evaporate.

I tried lowering the tank, and not dropping it all the way. Supported the rear axle with jack stands, used a floor jack and two hydraulic jacks,and some boards and lowered the tank on those. I used a strap wrench to loosen the module's retaining locknut, which seemed to work okay. I was able to get it just low enough to be able to get the old module out after wrestling with it. The old module contained more gas than I thought it would, and gas flowed everywhere. With the tight confines, a spillage was inevitable. I have a V-6 1500, on stock rims and tires, so the truck sits about a low as any. Those with trucks that sit higher, may have an easier job of getting up under the truck to work.

Then, my first screw up. I placed the new gasket in the opening, then tried getting the new module in. The gasket fell into the tank! One might consider inserting the module, then working the gasket over top of it, and into position, to avoid that problem.

I ended up dropping the tank (with about 1/4 tank of gas in it) to get the gasket back. Retrieved the gasket, and put the module in, tightened down the retaining locknut. I'm glad I dropped the tank. It seemed much easier than trying to work in the limited area provided by just partially dropping the tank.

With a little back and forth between the jacks at each end of the tank, and a little muscle to get the tank back onto the jacks, I was able to jack the tank back into position, and reinstall the retaining straps. More time consuming than hard.

Started up, and it ran for a couple minutes, then stopped, and gas poured out from somewhere near the fuel pump, then stopped. I thought the fuel line didn't seem to snap into position like it should have. Sure enough, the fuel line was off the pump. Then I really looked. Part of the coupling was still attached to the old fuel pump. Retrieved that part of the coupling, slid it onto the new pump, reattached the fuel line, and got the "snap" I was missing before. Okay, I might be an idiot for not getting that right the first time, but if I were good, I'd be telling you how to solve your vehicle problems, instead of asking for help.

It worked. Started it up, took it for a short ride. Everything seems to be working okay. Then, just as I was taking care of the last of my tools, it started raining. How'd that happen?

My suggestions: Well Ventilated Area! Drop the tank all the way, slide it out from under the truck on a piece of cardboard. Much easier replacing the module when you can get to it, rather than in the tight confines under the truck. Much less chance of damaging the new one too. Make sure the fittings are complete, not like I did.

Again, thanks for the advice everyone. Hopefully, I won't be visiting this board too often looking for help, but...

 

Glad to hear it worked out for you!