1989 Chevy Astro won't stay running

TATTOZ1

MEMBER
1989 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Hi yesterday I was driving around and everything was ok then saw I was out of gas so I got 25.00 and drove 1 mile home, 2 hours later I went to start the van and won't stay running with out really pumping the gas it runs for about 3 to 4 sec. Then dies I remoned the air cleaner and see gas spaying from the injectors. This van is not that great of shape and was free but it is my only transportation I need for work and to get my mother around. The van does run pretty good and smooth until now please HELP!
thanks
rick ps I just changed the fuel filter and I get the same thing I don't have the tools to check the pressure

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

How long has it been since you replaced the fuel filter? I have seen injector spray patterns, on TBI systems, that looked good, but the fuel pressure was half of what is should have been.

The longer you crank it, the more gas it sprays in the engine, once there's enough gas, it'll probably start, but, it will run poorly and die quickly.

If the fuel filter has any miles on it, change it, if that doesn't help, then check fuel pressure.

Are there any codes?

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Friday, June 27th, 2008 AT 12:11 PM

TATTOZ1

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3 POSTS

I just changed the fuel filter and the same thing I don't have the tools to check the pressure thank for your fast responce that was great

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Friday, June 27th, 2008 AT 1:05 PM

JDL

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16,098 POSTS

Some of the nationalbrand autostores will loan tools. You might see if they have a fuel pressure gage that they might loan-out. You might have to put up a deposit, but, you get the money back when you return the gage. It needs to be for a tbi system.

Can you check for codes?

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Saturday, June 28th, 2008 AT 9:50 AM

TATTOZ1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Jdl123 you've been a great help I will check the auto store and see if they have the gauge can you tell me where I plug it in I do know somewhat how to work on cars as long as there before 1970 you know 3 wires and some gas and off you go. So very much thanks for the help and I will donate as soon as I get paid wed.
Rick

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Saturday, June 28th, 2008 AT 11:14 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

My information is free, no donation required. I'm sure the people that run this site would appreciate it.

On a post where a donation has been made, I don't answer those. Those people want somebody with 20 stars by their name, to answer their question, any less stars and they are disappointed.

A TBI system doesn't have a schrader valve, so you have to tee into the supply line. On some trucks, it's easier for me to tee-in at the fuel filter, even if I have to crawl under the truck. If it's easier at the throttle-body under the hood, do it there.

Just incase it might be an issue other than fuel, check for codes. With the 12 pin data link connector, top row, the two pins at the right hand side, use a jumper wire between those pins, turn the key on, no crank, just turn the key till the dash lites come on, the check engine lite should start flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. As an example, the code 12 would be 1 flash, a slight pause, then 2 quick flashes. There is information all over the web about accessing codes.