Runs for 20 seconds then stalls

Tiny
DIOTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 0.5L
  • 35,000 MILES
I have a 92 Chevy g20 van when you started it will run for about 15 or 20 seconds and you can see the fuel stop spraying in the throttle body I have replaced the fuel pump the fuel filter rebuilt the throttle body and replace the fuel pump relay it still does it when it dies you have to turn the key off then back on and I'll start back up and run for about 20 seconds when it dies if you try to crank it it will not start you have to turn the key off then right back on and I'll crank up and run for about 20 seconds I have replaced everything I can think of I replace the fuel filter twice rebuilt the throttle body completely what else can it be am I missing something
Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 AT 1:22 PM

44 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just for testing, don't recycle the key when it stalls. Have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If spark everywhere, check for an injector pulse, voltage and ground.

Right now I'm wondering if the computer is losing the rpm signal? If it loses rpm signal, no injector pulse.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
DIOTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I do have spark everywhere I just replace the coil and the ignition module recently you can watch the engine run and the fuel spray and then its just like it stops it cuts off Weather idle or whether you're reving the engine up it does exactly same thing
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I'd still want to see if there is an injector pulse, voltage and ground, when the problem is ongoing.

Can you check for applicable mil codes? Your obd1, you should be able to check codes, yourself. To check for codes, you use a jumper wire between the A & B terminals at the datalink connector. Turn the key just till the dash lites come on, no further, the mil on the dash starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. Your looking for two digit codes.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just to add, the datalink connector should be along lower edge of dash, between steering column and driver door, 12 pin cavity.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
KAVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Did you ever figure this out need help have exact same problem an I HAVE replaced fuel pump an filter rely an still same problem. So lost
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,009 POSTS
These have an oil pressure sender that shuts the engine off if there is no or low oil pressure. Here is the location so you can replace and check the connections. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
KAVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I have replaced with brand new parts the distributor oil pressure switch new plugs and wires new fuel pump relay switch new fuel pump still runs for 20 seconds then shuts down it's a clean shut off even if you're giving a gas it's a clean shut off the fuel pump prime runs for 20 seconds and once the prime goes away I lose fuel that's with the old pump and the new pump so the only other thing I can think of would be the fuel drive module not the relay the module located near the computer if I'm wrong someone please tell me
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,009 POSTS
Did you replace the fuel pump with an AC Delco unit? Also when it shuts down will it run on starting fluid?
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
KAVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Everything I have replaced has been with brand new parts from O'Riley witch is
. Fuel pump
. Fuel relay
. Fuel module
. Fuel filter
. Distributor
. Plugs & wiers
. Map sensor
Van runs 20 sec then clean shuts off
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Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,009 POSTS
When the engine shuts down can you hear the fuel pump running in the tank? Also did you try the starting fluid trick?

Lets run the codes as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, June 23rd, 2019 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JDIGE69
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Have same issue as diotboy. Something is shutting down TBI injectors on my 88 pickup. Engine will start, idle, and accelerate without a hiccup for 15 seconds, then injectors cut out clean. With key left in on position engine will fire on ether when spun but no injector impulse. When key is turned off for a second engine will start and run exactly 15 seconds again, over and over. I am running a hot wired electric fuel pump from a clean fuel source so that’s not it. Something is timing out in 15 seconds and killing injectors. What? Also new complete distributor and oil switch. Help!
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,009 POSTS
Hello, this sounds like a bad PCM I would swap it out with a used /rebuilt unit to see what happens. Also lets run the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
JDIGE69
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, so tried to look at codes but no check engine light at all. The only thing that lights up is the seat belt light and buzzer, then nothing even with A and B jumped. Checked fuse all look good.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 3:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep sounds like the PCM is not working, try a used or rebuilt unit.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
JDIGE69
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well, replace pcm with a new one from Napa now it runs 20 seconds and quits. The check engine light blinks now but only when you spin the engine over not when the key is in the in position. I have seen several other people with the same issue but have not seen anyone fix it. I’m gonna figure this out whatever it takes just so I can post the solution! Any other ideas?
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
JDIGE69
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Also, had to reuse 2 chips from the old computer, the prom and something else. Could it be that those components are the problem? The Napa guy didn’t think so.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
JDIGE69
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It’s running! Found blown ECM fuse after replacing ECM. I’m pretty sure the fuse was okay before so maybe it happened when I was installing the new ECM, but it’s running!
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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,009 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
JEFFERY1568
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 133,600 MILES
When it starts it shuts off and I have to do that severl time befor it will stay running and sometime it pops thorw the carb
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,824 POSTS
Check fuel pump pressure. It sounds like you have a lazy pump that isn't producing enough pressure when cold.
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)

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