It misses and runs rough during startup?

Tiny
RWALBROEHL
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
When starting my vehicle now it misses and runs rough during startup. Once it runs for a few minutes it gets better. I can then drive it with no issues and accelerates good and goes back to a normal idle. I can run it up to 3000 rpm while sitting still and it seems to be okay. If I shut it back down and started at back up in a few minutes, it does the same thing. The last thing I did a few months ago when it was missing bad and would not accelerate with a service engine light with a bad purge solenoid coil which I changed. Code was gone and ran okay until now with this problem. There is not code yet since this problem.
arose.
Saturday, September 21st, 2024 AT 6:40 AM

39 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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I would start by replacing the fuel filter. Also, remove the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator, if fuel is present the regulator is bad and needs replacement. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, September 21st, 2024 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
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Thank you, Ken.

Is it possible to show that location with the entire truck in the picture with it pointed out? So, it would not have anything to do with that purge valve solenoid again, right?
Thanks
Robert Walbroehl
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Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It could happen if the purge valve is stuck open. This is what we have to show you the location, use a flashlight to look under the truck you should be able to find it.
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Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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I installed a new purge valve solenoid that I bought on line. It wasn't very expensive so your saying that maybe that its bad? How can I checked this new part which is impossible to get to. It did fix the running problem with the service engine light. What would they symptoms be if it where stuck open like you said.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Also its was very difficult to get the vacuum line back on so Im not sure of it clicked in place so if it is not secured and is peaking to atmosphere would that be like an open condition?
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 6:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Purge valve solenoid? Sorry, the fuel pressure regulator is what I was talking about, you need to remove the vacuum line and check for fuel.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Okay, thanks Ken.
I fully appreciate all your help.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 AT 6:11 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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No problem sorry for the confusion, let me know if there is fuel in the vacuum line.
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Okay, but I need to find it first.
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Friday, September 27th, 2024 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it looks like it as at one end of the fuel rail.
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Saturday, September 28th, 2024 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Is it okay to buy aftermarket parts because the dealers want an arm and leg for OEM parts and if so, what distributor can you trust?
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Monday, September 30th, 2024 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Oh yes, I like OEM over anything else, but it would be good with an aftermarket if needed.
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 9:45 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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I'm going to try to change this fuel filter myself but found out it's on the inside of the frame halfway down the side of the truck. So, I will need to lay sideways to work on it. I'm worried about fuel spraying once disconnected so how can I prevent that? Also, my tank is 3/4 filled. I planned already taking this fuel cap off to depressurize it but what else can minimize the mess? Thanks
OEM Delco price is $80.
O'reilly Microguard fuel filter is only $16.
Which one would you get?
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would go with the O'reilly Microguard fuel filter. Also, have a catch can ready when you loosen the fuel lines, just a cup full of fuel is all that will come out, and yes remove the gas cap. I have seen the fuel pressure regulator leak on these trucks which is inside the intake manifold. If this is the problem one or two or the spark plugs will be black so you might want to pulls the plugs out for inspection. Let me know how it goes.
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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I would like to check pressure but can't find the Schrader valve on fuel rail or a place to hook it up. Also, I want to get the old gas out of the tank so not much will spill. Can you use some tubing down then filler neck or will it hit an obstruction in the system? I don't want it to get stuck in the tank.
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Here is a video that helps with the fuel removal:

https://youtu.be/Q5MH2gnyFH0?si=Mdt1CmF8lKX0FbHJ

They don't have a Schrader valve anymore, you will need to tap into the line.

This guide can help:

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

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Thanks Ken,

I did find which looks like a Schrader valve hiding under a line on the fuel rail top. It has a black cap. Now I started the truck about 20 minutes ago and was not acting up much, so I took it for a drive. First stop sign idled okay. It accelerated up to 50 MPH and ran ok. Doubled back at 50 and still good. At each red lights idle ok. Not sure what it's going on but next start could be rough like before so I'll let you know. No engine service light either. Mystery. If I can keep driving it I'm going to try to get tank near empty and change that filter next. You think possible water in gas?
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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That is possible, you might want to try a gas treatment in the tank, also did you remove the spark plugs to see if the back two on the passengers side are dark?
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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No. I wanted to pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regular to see if it has fuel but still dont know where it is locates. That picture did not help. I could take some pictures of the engine compartment and send and maybe you can see it and tell me. Bought a Hayes Manual and it sucks for information.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Totally frustrating. My fuel is getting older and is going to cause more problems.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 1:11 PM

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