At wits end with 2000 Astro

[Philly758]

What made you conclude that your issue was the fuel pump? Did you check the fuel pressure or did other symptoms give it away? Also, was this happening all the time or after rain/damp weather?

Thanks.

[SpyAstro]

I finally got the pump in. That tank fought me every step of the way. The van started but as I was driving it home it started to surge and stall. Now its leaking fuel from a black box on the drivers side, about 6 inches past the front door. It only leaks after I drive it for a few min then let it idle. Any ideas? I doesn't leak if it is just sitting turned off and it doesn't leak if I just let it idle without driving it.

[1Gary]

Weird.Nawww,you didn't get the vent line and the return line mixed up did you??.Where you have the return line connected to the vent.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Sounds like 2 of the lines are backwards.

[SpyAstro]

I did switch the lines.
She up and moving with fresh gas and an oil change.
Thanks everyone for the input and advice.

[1Gary]

Cool-thanks for posting the results.

[Philly758]

What made you decide that it was the fuel pump? Also, did the starting issues have anything to do with rain?

[1Gary]

What made you decide that it was the fuel pump? Also, did the starting issues have anything to do with rain?

I am suggesting you don't get distracted with fuel pump issues and rain,when almost always moister/rain is associated to ignition components.

[SpyAstro]

I knew I was getting spark so I was pretty sure it was a fuel issue. I replaced everything but the fuel pump and spider injector. The fuel pump was easier to get to.
I drove her over 50 miles today and had her up near 90mph. No hiccups to report. Now I can put the interior back together.

[Philly758]

1Gary - I know, but it was on my list of things to check. I do know when I changed my fuel filter recently it looked like it hadn't been changed for the last 50-60k (I've owned it for 25k). So I'd assume the pump had been working extra hard.

SpyAstro - Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear you have your issues resolved.

...I think I've fixed my problem, full report coming soon in my other thread.

[SpyAstro]

This van is going to send me to an institution.
Over the past two days I drove about 325 miles. On the way home today the oil pressure dropped to 0. I went to pull to the side of the road and the pressure went up to about 30. When it idles it drops back to zero and the motor starts to tap. I give it a little gas and the presure climbs back up to thirty but the gauge keeps going up and down.
At first I thought it might be the gauge but when it drops to 0 the motor starts tapping.
It has a new oil pressure switch and a new oil and filter change. 10w30 same as I've always used. If it is the oil pump the van is going up for sale.
Anyone ever go through this?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Was test driving a 96 AWD back in 1999 and the oil pressure went to 0. Kept driving towards the dealership and it eventually coasted to a stop. The salesman said we probably ran out of gas....ummmm....ok.

If you are wanting to get into it, drop the pan and replace the oil pump. Would be a lot cheaper than buying another van.

[SpyAstro]

Ok not the oil pump. Looks like it was a loose oil pressure switch. For the first time I under tightened. Just out of curiosity did the team that designed this van ever concieve they would place a body on it?

[1Gary]

Going to give it to you straight.As you described with it going to 0 like that and tapping,a oil pressure switch is hopeful,but not likely.So your saying the oil pressure switch was leaking??.For the sake of discussion,lets say it is the oil pump.Just as Lifted said,the oil pump is more likely and isn't that hard to get to.You would be very surprised how tough these 4.3's are even through oil starvation "can" do damage to many areas in engines.We have seen a number of members replace oil pumps in engines(not that oil pumps are a weak link)and found no damage or effect on the 4.3.Drain the oil and strain it to see if you have any particles and what they look like.Might give you a better idea of where or if the engine has damages.Then get back to us with what you have found.

Edit:
Either it be the oil pump or a leaking oil pressure switch,it still went to 0 and you need to look at the oil.