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1999 CHEVROLET S-10
169,000 MILES • 4.3L • V6 • 4WD • MANUAL
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WILLIAM SCHROEDER2
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  • 19 POSTS
I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, spider injection, MAP sensor, crankshaft position sensor, Idle air control sensor. All the fuses are good. She will start and run if you spray starting fluid in it. 60lbs of fuel pressure. Holds its pressure for days. I can hear the pump running. I'm stumped. Help
Mar 26, 2021 at 9:07 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
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If it will run on starter fluid then it is not getting fuel to the cylinders. The fact that it is holding proper fuel pressure then we have to assume the injectors are not firing. Here is a guide that will help test them. We need to see if the VCM is grounding them so that they open.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

I suspect they are not which means I would be looking at the VCM as the issue.

I attached the info below on how this works and the wiring diagram. Let me know what you find but if you hook up a test light you should see it pulsing when then injectors are firing. Let me know if you have questions on this.
Mar 27, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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WILLIAM SCHROEDER2
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Okay, I checked for the pulse of the injectors. I'm getting a pulse on every one. Is it possible for the fuel pump to be not running properly. I hear the pump making noise when I shut the key off. Could it be that the pump is kind of running in reverse. When I release the pressure on the gauge or watch the gas coming out when cranking, the gas looks like foam coming out. Again, help!
Mar 30, 2021 at 2:59 AM
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WILLIAM SCHROEDER2
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It's not easy, but I did checked the spider injectors at the harness going into the injector block. I did replace them too.
Mar 30, 2021 at 7:53 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
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If you have 60 lbs of pressure then the pump is working. If the injectors are firing then this should not be a fuel issue.

So when you use starter fluid it starts and runs with no issue until the fluid runs out? If that is the case, have you changed out the fuel to make sure it is not stale? Has this been sitting a while? If so, we need to drain the tank and put fresh fuel in it.
Mar 31, 2021 at 11:12 AM
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WILLIAM SCHROEDER2
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  • 19 POSTS
I've replaced the fuel. I can't figure where to go from here. I've replaced everything.
Apr 1, 2021 at 12:35 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. I need you to think back to when this issue started and then think through all the parts that you have replaced. Has any of the parts made any difference?

More then likely we have a part that you replaced is faulty so I am hoping the issue changed slightly after something because you are correct that most all the major parts have been replaced.

Then we need to circle back to what the fuel looks like coming out. I discounted the foam look because when the gauge is removed it is not uncommon for the air to mix with the remaining pressurized fuel and bubble or foam.

However, it may be a good idea to remove the line and run it to a bucket and then turn the key on so that the pump pressurizes the system and you can see if it runs clear and consistent.
Apr 2, 2021 at 9:45 AM
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