Chevrolet Repair: truck wont start, oil pressure gauge, fuel tank

Question
I have an 88 1 ton with a 454, and the oil pressure gauge "jumps" around. The service engine light comes on when it does this, and now it simply will not start. It is trying to turn over but I think its just not getting fuel. Where should I start, with the fuel filter or pump, or what? Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer
Hi Johnny, The oil pressure gauge problem is most likely the sending unit, I have replace a lot of these in the past. The no start problem, Try spraying carb cleaner into the throttle body and see if it runs for a little bit. If so then your problem is in the fuel system. The next thing I would do is hit the bottom of the fuel tank with a hammer while somebody cranks the engine, sometimes this will get a bad fuel pump running for a short while. Be sure to hit it hard in the middle and keep cranking to entire time. If it runs you know the pump is bad, if not then you need to test for power at the pump. Odds are it is the pump that is bad.

    Let me know how you make out         Mark