I have an 1998 GMC Jimmy 4.3L V6. I went into my local Super-Lube here in Florida to have an oil change done. They convinced me to get a "Fuel system cleaner" done. I drove it around town, turning the vehicle off several times to go into shop at various places with no issues. I made it home, and when I tried to go to work the next day, it didn't crank. Engine attempted to start, but didn't turn over. I contacted Super-Lube to let them know of the problem. Before I go into that explanation I should mention that when the engine cleaning was being done, there was lots of smoke coming from the engine. When I left the shop, there was an engine light on, which subsequently went off while I was traveling around town. It should also be noted that I had less than 1/4 of a tank of gas when I went into the shop. After I left, I filled the tank to FULL.
The guy at Super-Lube suggested a new fuel filter, and then spray starting fluid in the carburetor. We put a new battery in, as well as a new fuel filter. When disconnecting the filter, lots of fuel came out of the line, and the filter WAS dirty. We used the starting fluid to get the Jimmy running. It idled perfectly fine, engine light disappeared. No RPM fluctuation, voltage, or oil pressure fluctuation. I thought "Great it's fixed." I drove it to the store and really tried to gun it hard to help everything circulate properly, as well as hopefully burn off any excessive gunk left over from their cleansing. I came home, my parents drove it out and it stalled on them in the middle of the road. They were able to push it into a gas station where my dad was able to get it cranked, and bring it home. Since then, the vehicle hasn't been able to crank. I called Super-Lube to complain and had a tow truck driver come to take it to their shop. One hour prior to the driver coming, I attempted to start the vehicle. It just makes a noise of trying to crank, but seemingly no fuel supply to the engine. When the driver came, it started up just fine. The shop claims it is running fine and that the fuel pump is putting out 55 PSI to the engine.
I've read several articles stating sometimes fuel injection cleaner (which is what they did), can harm your fuel injectors. I asked on the phone if it could be the fuel regulator, in which he replied it couldn't be. I've read where there could be cracks in either the lines leading to the fuel injectors to/from the fuel regulator, which can cause not starting. I've also read that it could be the pump. If the pump is putting out the correct pressure when tested, and the starting of the Jimmy is intermittent, why would it be the pump? For the record, I have had NO issues at all with my Jimmy prior to entering their shop. My concern is that this cleaner has somehow damaged my fuel injectors, regulator, or pump.
The guy at Super-Lube suggested a new fuel filter, and then spray starting fluid in the carburetor. We put a new battery in, as well as a new fuel filter. When disconnecting the filter, lots of fuel came out of the line, and the filter WAS dirty. We used the starting fluid to get the Jimmy running. It idled perfectly fine, engine light disappeared. No RPM fluctuation, voltage, or oil pressure fluctuation. I thought "Great it's fixed." I drove it to the store and really tried to gun it hard to help everything circulate properly, as well as hopefully burn off any excessive gunk left over from their cleansing. I came home, my parents drove it out and it stalled on them in the middle of the road. They were able to push it into a gas station where my dad was able to get it cranked, and bring it home. Since then, the vehicle hasn't been able to crank. I called Super-Lube to complain and had a tow truck driver come to take it to their shop. One hour prior to the driver coming, I attempted to start the vehicle. It just makes a noise of trying to crank, but seemingly no fuel supply to the engine. When the driver came, it started up just fine. The shop claims it is running fine and that the fuel pump is putting out 55 PSI to the engine.
I've read several articles stating sometimes fuel injection cleaner (which is what they did), can harm your fuel injectors. I asked on the phone if it could be the fuel regulator, in which he replied it couldn't be. I've read where there could be cracks in either the lines leading to the fuel injectors to/from the fuel regulator, which can cause not starting. I've also read that it could be the pump. If the pump is putting out the correct pressure when tested, and the starting of the Jimmy is intermittent, why would it be the pump? For the record, I have had NO issues at all with my Jimmy prior to entering their shop. My concern is that this cleaner has somehow damaged my fuel injectors, regulator, or pump.
Feb 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM