1999 Chevy Suburban Won't start

ETUT

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban 1500 with a 5.7L and about 140,000 miles on it. I drove it home last week and the next day it would crank over but not start. I have about 1/4-1/3 of a tank of gas and all the other fluid levels are ok.

The fuel pump cycles and appears operational (it was replaced about 9 months ago) and there seems to be sufficient pressure at the check valve. I tried to prime the engine with both gas and a starting fluid, but it still would not start.

I have ample spark to the plugs which should eliminate a crankcase sensor issue. I have checked all the fuses and relays that I could think of but at this point I am completely stumped.

Can you think of anything that I might be able to check next?

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

I tried to prime the engine with both gas and a starting fluid, but it still would not start.

Doing this if it has spark it should fire up till it burns off-I suggest you check for spark if okay check the valve and ignition timing and for a massive vacuum leak

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 3:45 PM

ETUT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I checked several plug wires to make sure I had spark, they were all firing.

I tried again to prime the engine with starting fluid, for a couple of seconds it felt like it wanted to start but just wouldn't.

Is it common to have a massive vacuum leak develope over night? I parked it and less than 7 hours later it wouldn't start for my wife. It ran fine for me the night before, no hesitations, wasn't missing or anything.

I used a code reader and there were no codes showing up although the check gauges and engine light are on when the ignition is on (not sure if this is common as I don't drive this vehicle very often).

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 3:45 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If the ignition system is functioning while you're using start fluid it should fire up and dies when it burns off-I suggest you double check the ignition system.

A massive vacuum leak and a jumped timing chain will not occur overnite

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 3:45 PM