2001 Chevy S-10 Hard to start after sitting

GACTECH

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

When the truck sits for more than 6 hours it is hard to start. I.E turns over fine, maybe 1 or 2 cylinders hit and it shutters and sputters. I have tried various routines to start it. Turning the ignition on and off 3 times than to crank on the 4th seems to work 90% of the time on the first start. Fuel pressure 62. When started it drops to 55. I have replaced the dist cap, plugs and wires as well as the fuel filter. Bleed down over night starts at 62 and ends up between 50 and 45 over 3 different test. I am at my wits end here. Thank you for your time. On a side note. When I accelerate with 3/4 throttle it does fine. If I put the pedal to the floor it accelerates but very poorly i.E. It revs VERY slowly and does not down shift until almost redline. I guess it could be compared to hauling a large trailer.

6 Replies

JASONRAY

MECHANIC
213 POSTS

There is possibly a fuel VOLUME problem. I've seen it several times on Chevy's. I think you're on the right track by cycling the key 3 or 4 times before trying to start it. If that seems to help, then replace the fuel pump. Even if the pressure is within specs. The volume may be way too low. This will also cause the poor "hard acceleration". The fuel pump just can't keep up with the amount of fuel the engine is demanding. I think you're on to something and I really believe a new fuel pump will cure it.

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Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 9:05 PM

GACTECH

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3 POSTS

Thank you. I will tackle that this weekend and post an update.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 8:37 AM

JASONRAY

MECHANIC
213 POSTS

Ok, please do update me and let me know if that made a difference.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 6:49 PM

4X4S10DRIVER

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3 POSTS

I have the same problem except that mine runs fine once itls started. Let me know if you figure it out and I'll do the same. Thanks from 4x4s10driver

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Monday, February 9th, 2009 AT 7:52 PM

FEESH13937

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I just went threw this. Truck did the same thing for about a year and then the fuel pump went out at the gas station and had to have it towed. You need to change the fuel pump and the fuel filter. Not to hard. The best way is to take the bed off. It is held on by 8 bolts. Make sure you open the filler neck door and take the 3 hex bolts that hold the filler neck in place. Then disconnect the tail light connecting plugs in the rear right in front of the rear bumper. There will be a small black ground wire connected to the frame should be on the passenger side if I remember correctly, either way passenger or driver side remove it from the frame. Before you slide the bed back be sure to pull the spare tire sleeve out of the rear bumper. It is housed in a small rubber gromet that comes out beside the licsense plate. Then just get 2 or 3 buddies to help you slide it back about a foot and you should be able to see the top of the fuel tank. Once you get the metal ring that holds the fuel pump in place off the pump and the sending unit will come out as one. They are all one unit. A flat head screw driver and a hammer work well on getting the ring to slide out. Once you have removed the old pump and sending unit, put the new in. This thing is spring loaded so you will have to have someone push real hard down on the new pump while you slide the retainer ring back into its grooves. There should be some pretty good instructions with the new pump on how to do this. GOOD LUCK.