1998 GMC Tahoe Cranks No Start

GMC
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MARKLORY
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
i have a 98 Tahoe..2 dr.. 4x4..140,000 miles..
like 2 weeks ago i notices that i would hesitate to turn my truck on..i would have to crank it like 3 times b 4 it turned on... with time i would have to crank it like 4 times then 5 times...and now it cranks but wont turn on.... since then i have changed the fuel filter, spark plugs, whole distributor, and still no luck... like a week ago i would turn it on but i would have to add starting fluid to help it start... when the truck would start with the starting fluid hlp i t would start pretty good but then i would step on the gas peddle and it seemed like the truck wanted to trun off and it would shake for a couple secs... i know the truck passes gas from the bak to the front because i checked that valve (looks similar to a inner tubel valve of a bike) and i pressed on it and gas squirted out...i know i have spark... i checked the spark from the distributor and the spart from one of the spark plugs... the motor also next to the gas pump is working too....
Right now my truck cranks but it doesnt turn on at all now...it wont teven turn on with the starting fluid help... what i do know is that one of my catalytic converters is bad... it rattles and sounds like rocks are inside of if when i stop in a stop sign or something...might this catalytic converter be the reason my truck doensnt turn on...?? i noticed that the catalytic converter was bad like a yr ago but i never paid attention... hey, even though the gas passes from the back to the front, might the fuel pump still be bad and have to re replace..??
Apr 7, 2006 at 9:11 AM
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KENB79764
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52 POSTS
you can buy a fuel pump pressure tester at most auto parts stores that attaches to the valve you got gas out of make sure you have good pressure. the cat converter can also cause the no-start have someone put their hand over the exhaust and make sure there is very strong pressure, if not, that could very well be the problem.
Apr 8, 2006 at 6:21 AM
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MARKLORY
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
i will try that pressure tester thing on the valve......
so am I supposed to get a strong pressure when i put my hand over the exhauset even when the car only cranks...???
Apr 10, 2006 at 2:59 AM

Suggested Repair

Test fuel pressure at the Schrader valve with a gauge. Also check for strong exhaust flow with a hand over the tailpipe, since a clogged catalytic converter can cause a no-start.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 GMC Tahoe cranks but will not start after progressive hard starting. The owner replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and distributor, confirmed spark, and saw fuel at the test valve; starting fluid no longer helps. A rattling catalytic converter is also noted. The expert advised measuring fuel pressure and checking for strong exhaust pressure, which a restricted converter can prevent.

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