Crank no start?

1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

243,141 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

WHITTLES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I bought this truck almost 2 years ago and have had zero issues. October my fuel pump went out, so I replaced it with one off Amazon. Truck started right up and had me back on the road for the next week or so. (We were in the process of moving so I drove the 15 miles between houses a few times a day) Moving day came and we got ready to make a load, started the truck no problems, but it stalled before we could fasten seatbelts. Weird. I started it back up, but it stalled again almost immediately. This time I couldn’t start it again. After the move I had limited time to check everything but over the course of 3 months I’ve replaced spark/wires, distributor cap/rotor, ignition coil, ignition control module. Changed fuel filter when I did the pump. Fuel rail reading 60, battery fully charged (engine won't jump with cables) starting fluid has no effect. I don’t have all the special tools for compression or to check timing and I like to think my mechanical knowledge is slightly above average.

Apr 1, 2023 at 7:41 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If starting fluid makes no change, chances are there is no spark at the plugs. Have you checked? If not, check that for me.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If there is no spark, suspect the crankshaft position sensor has failed.

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

Apr 1, 2023 at 11:11 AM

WHITTLES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Yes, there is spark, and all new wires. I forgot to mention there is no RPM. I swapped the air core motor for fuel gauge prior to the fuel pump replacement, and around that time I noticed the rpm guage quit working. I have a spare cluster, so I swapped them yesterday and the rpm wasn’t working on that one either.

Is there a way to test the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors? Could this also be a symptom of the aftermarket security system I disabled last summer?

Apr 6, 2023 at 8:25 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If you have spark, you should have at least a change when using starting fluid. As far as the CKP, RPM signal, if you don't have that, you shouldn't have spark. LOL Sorry, that even confused me.

Could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? Also, reconfirm there is spark to the plugs. If there is, try the starting fluid again. It should at least try to start.

Let me know.

Joe

Apr 6, 2023 at 3:40 PM

WHITTLES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I will try again with starting fluid in the morning when it warms up some outside.

Video (Click to enlarge)

Apr 7, 2023 at 2:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I look forward to hearing what you find.

Take care,

Joe

Apr 7, 2023 at 2:58 PM

WHITTLES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

No go with the starting fluid.

Video (Click to enlarge)

Apr 8, 2023 at 12:56 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If you are spraying the starting fluid into the throttle body and there is no change, I suspect there is no spark at the plugs. If possible, double-check that. I suspect this issue is related to the crankshaft position sensor since there is no RPM signal.

Let me know.

Take care and Happy Easter,

Joe

Apr 8, 2023 at 12:04 PM

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