I hope all the wealth of knowledge on here can help me. I am at wits end!
2000 Monte Carlo 3.4.

1. Had defective fuel level sender on the module so I purchased a failry cheap aftermarket module. Put it in, everything okay.
2. After about 2 months, I began having problems with hard starts and rough idle and sometimes stalling. Changed spark plugs and wires(needed them). Problem still there
3. Got friends fuel pressure gauge to see if aftermarket pump was the problem. (If I have the correct location to install it I hooked it up to the test port on the back rail on the left side). Pressure read 20 psi.
4. Decided it was the pump because of the high failure rate of aftermarket pumps, I bought a Bosch pump for a good price.
5. Installed the new pump and pressure reads 20-22 psi. okay now not happy
6. Process of elimination, I bought a pressure regulator. Installed it. Started up okay but wasn't getting any pressure reading on the gauge...0 zero. But took the car for a ride and seemed to run well.
7. Decided to finish the job with a new fuel filter, installed it and everything seemed to be okay. Started the car 10 times without a problem
8. Friend stopped by and asked how things are. I said I think the problem is fixed. started it up for him then the car stalled. Took several tries and then finally started. not happy again
9. Took the car to get some dinner. Came back out and didn't want to start. Took many tries and actually thought it wasn't going to start then finally it did!
10. Made it home, ate then went back out to start it. hard starting and has a lean code now.

My other observations with the fuel is that I get a LOT of fuel returning from the return line. I popped it off the return line from the pump and there what seems to be a good amount returning to the tank. Is this normal?
Any help is so appreciated.

 

Problem fixed. Thanks for all the help

 

what did u do to fix the problem because i do be also having hard starts

 

I have replaced my fuel pressure regulator twice in the last five years. Not sure exactly why....other than it is cheaply made, stamped metal and has a high failure rate. The metal housing would literally start cracking and leaking gas. Luckily, I smelled the gas both times before it became an issue.

Normally, when cold my car starts right up. But when warm, it takes it a couple of seconds some of the time.

Just one of those issues I've come to live with. Don't know if this is a problem on the 3800's. I have a 3400 and it seems common. Oh, I don't believe there is an aftermarket, better quality regulator either. If so, I don't know about it. Would be nice if Aero Precision would make one....

 

Have you changed the fuel filter lately? a partially clogged fuel filter may also cause excessive pressure and cause a failure.... After heating up a clogged filter will also cause the hard starts.... as it possibly needs to build excessive pressure to get to motor/injectors etc.
Which tends to make me believe once its warmed up its not getting enuff fuel to make for easier starts.

 

Didn't think about the fuel filter causing a problem. I got under the car and see it's attached by some specialized clip. Not wanting to just yank it off and break something, is there a special tool or method required? Thanks!

 

The filter on the '00-'05 Monte is held in a "retaining" ring. The ring is held to the body with one bolt. First disconnect the lines. The front side is a fitting (and hopefully that breaks free), the back side has a "easy connected" fitting (it's all plastic). It's one of two designs. One is a clip on the filter with two tabs you squeeze and then pull/wiggle the plastic line off. The other design, the plastic line has a horse shoe like clip, press it down and pull/wiggle the line away.
After the lines are off, there is a chance you will have to remove the filter with the retaining loop.

The most challenging part is the metal fitting usually.