Gas not getting to the engine. I replaced the fuel filter. I can not hear the fuel pump whine when I turn the key. I checked fuel pump relay and fuses. The problem has been developing, therefore, I had been warned. Before it went bad, it would crank after two tries. I need instructions on how to change the pump for my 1997 GMC Sierra from beginning to the end.

Then your fuel pump is not working, or your fuel filter is blocked. You will probably have to check your fuel pump circuit if you have no fuel pressure in the fuel rail, where the injectors sit. There is a fuse for the pump, usually in the under hood fuse/relay block. That is probably also where the fuel pump relay is located. You should hear or feel this relay click when the ignition key is cycled from off to on. Also, when the key is turned to on, you should hear the fuel pump in the gas tank turn on for about 2 seconds. This will put the pressure in the gas in the fuel rail, for starting the engine. If you don't hear the pump turn on for that 2 second period, it is probably a bad fuel pump. But know the fuse is good first.

CHECK FOR CODES FIRST. DID YOU REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER?

When you turn the key to on before start do you hear the fuel pump whine for a few seconds? If you hear the whine it could be fuel filter or no spark. If no whine squirt gas into throttle. Then start the car if it starts the problem is in fuel delivery (bad fuel filter, fuel pump or fuel pump fuse). If it did not start then its spark related(cam or crankshaft sensor, ignition coil)

Can you hear the whine of the fuel pump with key-on, engine-off? You should hear this whine correspond with the fuel pump relay, located in the relay centre under the hood. It should run for about 3 seconds and then turn off. Of course, this is just the first preliminary step to trouble shoot a no-start condition. Checking for fuel, spark and spark at the right time, are always the first things to be certain of, before you can go any further. Just a note: GM products will only cycle the fuel pump once for every key-on, engine-off cycle. You will need to crank the engine and then turn off the key to reset the pump relay.

I would say more than likely your problem is a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. To narrow this down, listen for the fuel pump 'priming' (making a whining noise from the gas tank) turn the key to the On position and you should hear this whining for about 3 seconds, if you can hear this the fuel pump works fine, if not it is probably time for a new one. As for the fuel filter being that it is a 1987, I would replace it even if it is not clogged, the easiest way to test if it is clogged though is to blow at through it with your mouth and if you feel any resistance then it needs replacing.

Listen for the pump to come on when you turn the key to on. If it doesn't come on, find the relay in the engine compartment and see if the relay clicks when you turn the key on. If the relay doesn't click, replace the relay or try switching it with another one that is the same kind. If the relay is OK, and you can't hear the pump come on, your pump is probably bad.
If you can hear the pump, it might still be bad. You need to get a pressure test to make sure it is making pressure. An easy way to see if you are getting some fuel pressure is to find the fuel filter and loosen the nut on the engine side of the filter. In this way, you are checking both the pump and the filter. With the key on, loosen the connection carefully until gas starts to squirt out. Quickly tighten in back. If you loosen it all that way and get no gas, try loosening the connection on the other side of the filter. If neither side has gas, your pump is bad. If onlt the back side has gas, replace the filter. Any questions, please reply.

first alway check the simple things first like fuses and relays then start playin with changin out parts. under the hood you sould find a fuse panel if the lid does not tell you what is what you need to look into the service manuel find the fuel pump relay and switch it with the same type relay can works some the doesn't effect the engine like a fan relay for expamle. then try to start engine when turning key to the run pos you sould hear a fant hum or whine from the pump. if thats a no go take the main fuel line off before the fuel filter and see if a good stream of fuel comes out when you turn key to run pos.if so replace fuel filter.

check fuel pump relay, you should hear a click when you turn the key to on, you should hear a whirling sound in gas tank when key is turned on

sounds like a fuel pump problem. take off gas cap and have someone sit in the truck and turn iginition key to on. (do not turn key as if you were starting but to "on only") you should hear the fuel pump engage. if you dont hear the fuel pump then check the fuel pump relay. it is located behind the glove compartment. hope this helps...

Unfortunatly on GM vehicles when the fuel pumps run dry they usually damage themselves. The problem you are describing sounds like a bad fuel pump. When you turn the key to the run position you should hear the pump come on for 5 seconds and then shut off. It should be a medium pitch whine but sound smooth. Unfortunatly on GM vehicles the tanks must be removed to change pumps and depending on the climate you are in could show other problems. Here in Michigan on vehicles of that age they will usually need new tanks and sending units due to rust. I get around $500 to replace a fuel pump. Of course the price goes up with the more that is needed replaced. Hope this helps