Engine will not start and Kicks back when you try

Tiny
MIKETAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
Engine started missing occasionally a few months ago while driving. Even had a few times where it did not want to start and when it did it ran rough like it had bad gas. I had been sitting for a few weeks so I added sea foam and it got better. Last couple weeks starter made a noise like it tried to re-engage while running. Now starter disengages and spends after three seconds of starting. I changed the starter and it still wont start. I now realize the engine is kicking back like the timing is off and that is why the starter was disengaging and making the noise. Where should I start trouble shooting?
Sunday, June 26th, 2016 AT 1:29 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
MIKETAY
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  • 16 POSTS
I have a code reader. It said no codes.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuel pressure first auto parts rent gauge 60-66 psi then check compression.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
MIKETAY
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Internet not working correctly so I will try again. Spark on plugs, fuel 56lbs. Compression #1 180 #3 195 #5 200 #7 190 #2 200 #4 170 #6 170 #8 165.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Compression is okay, but I gave you fuel specs and yours are to low. Should be 60 minimum.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
MIKETAY
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Could the 4 lbs difference cause a no start? I believe the fuel pump is about a year old.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
As long as you have spark.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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I decided to retest the fuel pressure when I got home today. Last time I connected the pressure gauge, turned on the switch and moved to read the gauge. This time I positioned the gauge so I could see it while I cranked the engine. I have 61 psi while cranking. What is next?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
I read your original post. You mentioned the engine kicks back when trying to start. Have you checked ignition timing? Also, will the engine start for a couple seconds using starting fluid?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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I set the crank to TDC and the rotor was on #1, well within 1/8 inch of #1 after. I went to AutoZone today and talked to a guy about it. He asked about testing control module. I took it off tonight and let him test it and it tested ok. I talked to another guy who is a mechanic at a shop. He asked if it fouled any plugs. I noticed when I pulled the plugs out they were all black and sooty. He told me he thinks the fuel regulator is bad and is dumping fuel and sticking shut randomly. He said it could also could be a cracked injector. He has a 1998 5.7 vortex like mine. And he had replaced his after a similar experience. I decided to take a break from it so I put it back together and It started right up. I didn't drive it because it is late. Just backed out of the garage and parked. What are your thoughts on the regulator or injectors or for that matter any thoughts on it. By the way, starting fluid had no effect. The starter either kicking back or reengaging while it was moving trying to start. I was by myself and could not see exactly what was happening.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,495 POSTS
When you say re-gauging do you mean the starter while the engine is running? Did you change the plug outs for new ones?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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Yes, the starter would grind the flywheel after about 30 seconds of starting without releasing the key. Plugs were black and sooty but not built up or clogged. Trucked started and ran fine this morning. Do you have and thoughts on the fuel regulator theory?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
MIKETAY
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I was not sure if it is kicking back or trying to start then re-engaging. I was alone and could not tell what was happening other than grinding on the flywheel.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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If the battery is weak it will not release from the starter, here is an easy test to see if the battery is any good or not.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-battery

let me know
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
MIKETAY
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Thanks for that. The main issue I am troubleshooting is the no start and the occasional misfire, hard start issues that I am having. The truck did start and seems ok now, but this has been a random problem so I think the trouble still exists. I have discovered a test for the fuel regulator by timing the fuel pressure to see how long it takes to go to 0 psi. I read it should take at least 10 minutes. Any thoughts on that? Thanks
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It should not loose more than 10 psi in 5 minutes if it is then replace the regulator assuming your pump is good.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
MIKETAY
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I tested the fuel regulator and it seems to be fine. I dropped about 5 lbs in about 10 minutes. Here's the thing guys, I have noticed after I put everything back together and the truck started, the truck starts very quickly( 2 to 5 seconds) as opposed to cranking over 20 to 25 seconds before starting before all this trouble started. Could this be caused by a plug that had a bad connection? Maybe the control module plug?Or sensor plug?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
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Probably was a poor connection or it may do it again. Drive it and find out
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 AT 5:27 PM

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