96' Fuel Regulator assistance

Vehicle: 96' Blazer Vortec V6 4.3 LS

About three weeks ago, my blazer began taking a little longer to start in the morning. I thought nothing of it, just maybe some poor low grade gas that my wife may of put in. New tank of gas, high grade, and still having the same problem. I checked everything electrical, battery at 14v, alternator is sending 13.9v, starter draws very little on the battery.

I was reading some threads about fuel regulators. What are the key signs of a faulty regulator, and how hard is it to replace? Secondly, can this part be purchased at Checkers, NAPA, Autozone, etc?

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Sam

Before you go for the regulator, have you ever changed the fuel filter?

They are supposed to be changed every 40,000 miles.

Update on my problem-

Checked the codes... nothing given. Started it up and shut it down several times, reved the engine, let it sit... no codes.

Check the fuel pressure... it was at 56, after it was primed and after it was started.

Pull the EGR value off, looked fine, pin easily moved, no real build up.

Fuel filter was replaced about 30K ago.

The shop didn't have enough time Friday to pull the manifold off to look at the regulator... but it seems fine when going down the road, just starting and rough idle...

Any suggestions?

30,000k?

Time for a change. They are supposed to be changed every 30,000-40,000 miles.

Change it and be sure a restricted filter isn't causing this problem.

56 psi with engine off would not be enough especially if it bleeds down further after the pump quits

Actually, the range for his fuel injection system with key on is 55-61psi.

He is in the range and is fine.

The question is, will it hold pressure?