Safari Starting trouble
Safari Starting trouble
I have a 94 Safari that I'm having trouble starting once its been left for a while. It wants to start, turns over but doesnt fully fire up. Sometimes it does but for a few seconds then dies, if I hold the key on for too long it then takes forever to get going. Right now it takes me about 10 minutes to get it started, I have to keep turning it over in very short bursts leaving about 15 seconds between each turn and it slowely fires up longer each time.
Any suggestions as this is a real pain to have to do this everytime I leave it for a while....ie a few hours. ](*,)
thanks
Any suggestions as this is a real pain to have to do this everytime I leave it for a while....ie a few hours. ](*,)
thanks
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Well, first thing I'd do is check fuel pressure. What does a quick shot of starter fluid do for it?
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
Re: Safari Starting trouble
ihatemybike wrote:Well, first thing I'd do is check fuel pressure. What does a quick shot of starter fluid do for it?
You need to tell us which engine you have so we can tell you the fuel pressure you need to have.
Delco fuel pumps only and do the same for a fuel filter.On 1994 you can change just the fuel pump if you need to.
What Aaron suggested X2 from me.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
-
- I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
- Posts: 4379
- Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
- Location: New Haven, NY
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Next thing to check is plugs, wires and especially cap and rotor.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
-
- I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
- Posts: 2667
- Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
- Location: Orlando, FL
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Coils are a pretty common problem, also. 

1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
Re: Safari Starting trouble
its the 4.3L V6 W code engine. its been ok today so its very weird, think my exhaust is blowing now too which sucks!
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Copied from Autozone's web site:
58-64 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
Position the ignition switch and the A/C system in the off position. Install a fuel pressure gauge to the vehicles fuel rail supply line. Place the ignition switch in the on position, confirm that no leaks are present, and start the engine. Visually verify the fuel pressure reading on the gauge.
58-64 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
Position the ignition switch and the A/C system in the off position. Install a fuel pressure gauge to the vehicles fuel rail supply line. Place the ignition switch in the on position, confirm that no leaks are present, and start the engine. Visually verify the fuel pressure reading on the gauge.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1290
- Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:14 pm
- Location: Exeter ON
- Contact:
Re: Safari Starting trouble
How long has it been since plugs, wires, cap and rotor have been done?
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Re: Safari Starting trouble
I will have ot see if I can get a fuel pressure guage as I personally dont own one.
Ive not long had this van, so unsure as to when the plugs ect were last changed. oil changes and maintenance has been done regularly but now its playing up, I know nothing about these vans trying to find my way around it.
Ive not long had this van, so unsure as to when the plugs ect were last changed. oil changes and maintenance has been done regularly but now its playing up, I know nothing about these vans trying to find my way around it.
Re: Safari Starting trouble
On the spark plugs,wires,cap,rotor,you need to use Delco brand name as well.They are the brand name that works the best and last the longest.
How many miles are on this van??.Is it showing any codes or check engine light??.
How many miles are on this van??.Is it showing any codes or check engine light??.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
Re: Safari Starting trouble
is Delco a personal preference for you or is that what everyone recommends? I was thinking of upgrading to performance parts, most of those listed for my van are by Accel......are they any good?
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1230
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:50 am
- Location: Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Check Ignition Control Module, too, when you check for sparks. Do you have a fuel smell?
Mike, Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!



92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!



Re: Safari Starting trouble
Englando wrote:is Delco a personal preference for you or is that what everyone recommends? I was thinking of upgrading to performance parts, most of those listed for my van are by Accel......are they any good?
Far as I know,it is what everyone says to use.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......
Rochester,NY
-
- I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
- Posts: 2667
- Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
- Location: Orlando, FL
Re: Safari Starting trouble
Not everyone. I use, and have for 30 years, Standard Motor Products ignition parts. The "X" series products are top line and will work every bit as well as other top line parts. 

1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle