OFF TOPIC, BUT NEED YOUR ADVICE WITH MY S-10...

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:05 am

As some of you know, I ran down to LA to get my LU-4 winch recently. Since then, my S-10 hasn't run well at all. I first suspected bad gas, but that is ok. A local automotive shop couldn't find a problem either, and none of the codes returned gave any indication of a fuel problem. Since I wanted to ensure I had good spark I replaced the distributor cap and rotor and ran a timing light on it-again all is ok. The 4.3 TBI is starving for fuel ON INITIAL START-UP. I just replaced the fuel filter (flow is marked and installed the right way) but this sucker still won't start on its own.

Priming the TBI with fresh fuel and attempting to start for 5 minutes finally gets it running and then it runs like a champ! I cannot fathom why it isn't holding enough fuel in the TBI for a restart-there is no sign of leakage, no blown fuses for the EFI or anything else.

Since it has 128,000 miles, is my daily driver, and is still struggling, my wife and I just picked up an '06 loaded Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab w/ 5.7 hemi. It's a beaut! I now have my tow vehicle for my M37 and will need to sell my S-10 but I need it to start in order to get fair market value.

HELP ME PLEASE-any advice would be appreciated!
Gary

cuz · Post by **cuz** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:35 am

Sounds like a fuel pump check valve issue. If the check valve leaks the initial prestart pressure you built up when you turned the key on will release back into the tank before you get her turning and spark going.

Captnsim · Post by **Captnsim** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:50 am

Do a fuel pressure test. If that is off, inspect the fuel pump and relay. If the pump and relay are good inspect the fuel pressure regulator.
Inspect for pulse with a noid light at the injector connector.
If you have pulse and pressure you have a stuck injector. This was common on older TBI injection.

If you don't have the tools to do the above tests, first make sure your pump is turning on and priming the system when the key is on. (makes a whining noise then shuts off. Sometimes easier to hear by the gas fill with the fuel cap off) If it is working, take the air cleaner off. Look at the injectors to see if they are spraying while trying to start the truck. If no spray...Light taps to the throttle body injector housing while trying to start it will usually make a stuck injector start working again. (you will see it start spraying)

cessna · Post by **cessna** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:26 am

Gary,
I had a 2001 S10 Blazer with a 4.3L. She ran well tilll about 115,000 then ran like crap. After giving it a tune up, changing all the filters and such it still ran pretty bad for about another 500 miles, then would not start. I did the exact test Captnsim mentions about the gastank, and it was my fuel pump in the tank. I went to NAPA ordered one, and it did not work, got a second one thinking i had a Lemon, and it did not work. I got one from the dealership which was pretty salty, but worked fine, and she ran like a top till I sold her with 160,000 miles

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:17 pm

Great responses, Guys, and this is what burns me up: I shelled out $2200 for a new tank AND fuel pump less than 18 months ago, and of course the Chevy dealer that did the work went under less than two months later. I will see about these diagnostic tests-thanks again to All!
Gary

cuz · Post by **cuz** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:37 pm

Be careful when buying electric fuel pumps. There are a lot of vendors selling a lot of cheap one size fits many replacements that just don't work well. This is probably what happened to Cessna.

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:56 am

I read ya Cuz! All this S-10 time is killing my M37 work! I need to adjust my clutch, adjust the valves, install all the dash plates, then start piecing together the missing bits for my winch install. I'm having OD withdrawl....
Gary