Engine turns over but does so with hesitation and vehicle does not start

1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE
15,000 MILES • 0.5L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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HENRYMALET
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  • 3 POSTS
I have the vehicle listed above with a 5.7 l engine and air conditioning.
I started the vehicle and drove it down to a local Turkey Hill, drove it home no problems, parked it. Came out the next morning and while turning over the engine, there was a hesitation in the starter and then it would crank a little faster than a deficit then crank a little slower and then faster, (all in the same key turn).
I changed the battery And put a 950 CCA, high cranking battery in and although it cranked a little faster it's still would hesitate or have space in between as if it was hesitating/inconsistent.
Vehicle does not/has not started and i'm at a loss.
People I know have suggested a possible fuel issue but I don't see what that has to do with the inconsistent cranking of the starter. I've had vehicles in the past that have had fuel pumps and filters fail and although they wouldn't start, they would consistently turn over and not have a hesitation.
I'm very concerned about taking it like this to a garage and hoping for the best, I should mention as well I just had a remanufactured Jasper engine, stage 2, and the engine is pushing 300 horsepower. There is only 15,000 miles on the remanufactured engine And have had no issues since the install of the new engine.
Ty Henry
Jan 10, 2021 at 9:35 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Two things. Can you get a recording of what it does when it hesitates as you describe? Second, we do need to eliminate a fuel pressure issue by checking the pressure. Here is a guide that will give the process how to do this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Does the engine ever fail to start or does it just crank longer and then start?

Once we know the pressure and get a video of this, we should have a better idea as to what the issues could be. Thanks
May 4, 2021 at 5:41 AM
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HENRYMALET
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No, it doesn't start. It cranks normal then stumbles and bucks I continue to crank the engine.
May 4, 2021 at 5:41 AM
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HENRYMALET
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I tried again today and actually heard a small "pop" or backfire.
May 4, 2021 at 5:41 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. I am pretty sure this is a fuel issue so let's start with this guide on how to check the pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

We will need to move onto a compression check but let's start with a fuel issue.
May 4, 2021 at 5:41 AM
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