Starting problem

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Topic author
Mr Singh
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:53 am

Starting problem

Post by Mr Singh »

Hello folks,

seems like I have a gremlin in my car, literally :cry:

Changed my stock fuel pump for an ebay cheapy back in February 2008. Van has been stationary for about 10 months, but is regularly run every wk. That pump seemed to stop responding, I.e. it didn't prime up when turning the key.. though sometimes it did.

So, I changed it last month for a AC Delco item with a new Fram fuel filter. Ran fine straight away and has done since I installed it just like the cheapy ebay one although not as noisy.

Today, I was working on the van and as usual started the van up.. This time it didn't prime up and instantly I got the chills thinking it can't be the pump gone again!? i've done 0 miles!!

So.. Got me thinking, could I have another problem else where I should be looking at? Possibly the relays? I swapped over the ones under the engine bay (a/c pump with the fuel pump relay) and didn't make a difference, although I'm not sure if either relay works since the AC has been removed from the car.

Could it be Ignition module?
EGR valve?
Injector?

What stops the fuel pump from priming up?

For all I know the pumps ive changed could have been fine and the other gremlin is still at large but i've simply not spotted it :-s

Any ideas would be great, its starting to give me sleepless nights #-o

Thanks,
Am
1997 2WD Chevy Astro

ihatemybike
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2224
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
Location: Elgin, IL

Re: Starting problem

Post by ihatemybike »

What's the fuel pressure look like?
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

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Starting problem

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Sounds like the pump isn't even coming on - is that correct? If it is and it still won't start, you need to check for fuel pressure. If the pump simply isn't running, look for the grey colored wire with a connector that is located right on the wire harness right above the heater and a/c box on the right side of the engine compartment. You can jump that straight to battery positive and the pump will run. Test that and let us know.
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

mikedamech
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 121
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:32 pm

Re: Starting problem

Post by mikedamech »

If it's a 6 injector CPFI it could be in the crab assembly. Very hard to test. I would check the wire harness near the fuel pump - tank.
98 Astro with a 95 LT1
94 Astro stock w/Flo master.

Topic author
Mr Singh
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:53 am

Re: Starting problem

Post by Mr Singh »

ihatemybike wrote:What's the fuel pressure look like?
not sure, i dont have a fuel pressure gauge.. i believe there is a valve somewhere under the hood to install one in without having to break the line?
LiftedAWDAstro wrote:Sounds like the pump isn't even coming on - is that correct? If it is and it still won't start, you need to check for fuel pressure. If the pump simply isn't running, look for the grey colored wire with a connector that is located right on the wire harness right above the heater and a/c box on the right side of the engine compartment. You can jump that straight to battery positive and the pump will run. Test that and let us know.
Thats right, the pump isn't coming on and priming up (2 seconds)
I'll try that and report back later today.
mikedamech wrote:If it's a 6 injector CPFI it could be in the crab assembly. Very hard to test. I would check the wire harness near the fuel pump - tank.
OK, i'll check the harness/plug at the tank.

--
Thanks guys
1997 2WD Chevy Astro

Topic author
Mr Singh
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:53 am

Re: Starting problem

Post by Mr Singh »

mikedamech wrote:If it's a 6 injector CPFI it could be in the crab assembly. Very hard to test. I would check the wire harness near the fuel pump - tank.
Well looks like you were right.

Checked the harness at the pump, then round cylinderical shaped one. Disconnected, reconnected. Turned the ignition, pump primed \:D/

So, I checked all the pins, wires going into the harness and found no fault. Did continuity check, no problems.

Sprayed a load of WD-40 on the contact pins and over the harness where the wires go in.. just in case there was any oxidation.. And i'll see how it goes for the next few days.

I'm hoping that that is all it is :)
1997 2WD Chevy Astro
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