Engine not starting?

Tiny
SCOTTYB213
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 4.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
I went to work it quit running on me but started back up. A couple of days later it did it again. I was leaving my friend house and it shut off so I put a fuel pump and fuel filter. It has fuel pressure, and spark. If I spray starting fluid in it then it will run. That is the only way it will start.
Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 7:34 PM

70 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Sounds like the fuel pump is pumping, but not strong enough. If you borrow a gauge from AutoZone, you can check the actual fuel pressure. Your van requires somewhere around 60 psi at a minimum to start the engine. Much less than that and it will struggle to start. This is a very common issue with the S-series trucks and the Astro van.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
SCOTTYB213
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It has fuel pressure.I got spark, it starts with starting fluid.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
I get that, but you probably are not getting enough pressure. If it is less than about 60 psi, then the van will not start. But it could still be enough to idle the engine after starting it with starting fluid. So again I suggest checking your fuel pressure and getting an exact reading of what it is.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:15 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Here is our how-to guide on checking fuel pressure: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Check it with the key on, and engine off. You can borrow a fuel pressure tester from AutoZone for free, you just have to put a deposit on it.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:18 AM
Tiny
SCOTTYB213
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It takes 50 pounds of pressure to open the injectors I got all most 60.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
The image below is a direct pull from ALLData. Let me ask you this, when you do start it with the starting fluid, does it stay idling on its own, or do you have to keep spraying starting fluid down the intake?
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
SCOTTYB213
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have to spray starting fluid to keep it running. It will not start with out it.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
SCOTTYB213
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have to spray starting fluid to keep it running it won't start with out it
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Okay, Is the service engine light on? If so, you will need to get the codes (can be done without a scanner). If not, then you will have to check your fuses. In particular look at the ones for INJ (injectors), ECM (computer).

Here is a how-to guide for getting those codes: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Try that and let us know what you find.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
GEORGE LONABAUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 CHEVROLET VAN
Other Category problem
1992 Chevy Van Two Wheel Drive Automatic 19000. Miles

LATELY WE WOULD START van and would turn the key nothing would turn again and it would always start recently went to start and van will not start we get nothing radio works also lights working even tried jumop start same thing nothing will not even turn over could it be the ignition switch?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try having the battery load tested to check its condition-if its good connect it properly/cleaned and tight and retry.

When you turn key to On do you see all the lights that you normally see. Could be the ignition switch

If you do see the lights-have helper put key to start position while you bang on the starter-if it engages the engiine the starter is bad. If not check the purple wire at the starter solenoid for battery voltage. This is where we stop till you get back.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREG C
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1992 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 162,000 MILES
92 g-20 3/4 tn 4.3 v-6 van, the dist. Has been replaced, along with new module and coil. When it runs for approx 1/2 hour or so, it shuts down, and wont start for about an hour or two then will fire back up and run fine, until it does it again.I'm at a loss, any suggestions would be appreaciated.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
When it refuses to restart, have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If no spark, check for primary voltage at the coil. We can go from there.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SAMMIE1966
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,930 MILES
My 1991 chevy van mark 111 will not started
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBBYL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I am not mechanic but because my van go out before for fuel pump stuck on the highway maybe your van have same problem too. If you turn your key the starter run the engine but the engine not fire up I think your fuel pump is bad and need replace. My van before start and run only for one second bad fuel pump do this
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MAYGION STARK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1990 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 125,000 MILES
My vehicle overheated the thermostat had to be replaced, cooled charged buzzing noise from battery wont turn over goes to top temperature. As soon as started always.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MAYGION STARK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Please help stranded no family or transportation help disabled senior $875.00 month income. I cannot find mechanic. Help can not afford shop rates.
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-1
Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MAYGION STARK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Shows two answers cannot find corrected email to pugmania8@gmail Please resend answers or tell me how to retrieve two listed.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi Maygion stark,

The two answers you are referring to are actually your own re-post. I have forwarded your question to one of our expert professionals. You will see a new response soon.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Regards,

Renee
Admin
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,207 POSTS
Hey,

It sounds like you have a blown head gasket, here is a guide to check for that, please get back to me with what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Best, Ken
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)

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