It's been starting rough and stalling out usually after just a couple minutes?

Tiny
SL1M3G1RL
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • 180,000 MILES
Hello, so I'm trying to help my friend with his van that's having some issues right now. I just got a look at it today and I'm trying to get a better idea of what to check out next. I'm not very familiar with the TBI system. The main issue he's been having is that it's been starting rough and stalling out usually after just a couple minutes of running. It seems to sound fine when it's running. When I checked it out today, I first noticed that he had a bad battery and a broken ground (smaller one coming off the main battery one) so we fixed both of those issues. I had him turn the key to the on position and I could hear the fuel pump relay working and hear the fuel pump running. It seemed to run for a long time, maybe 7-10 seconds with the key just in the on position no cranking. The van started right up first try after replacing the battery but suddenly stalled out after we let it idle for about 2 minutes. The van also has an interlock that was installed about 2 months ago. At this point I think the issue might lie in the fuel delivery because it does start most of the time and usually stalls out after a while. I want to check the fuel pressure next but I'm not sure exactly where to tie into the system since there's no Schrader valve and I don't have one of those special TBI adapters that replaces the fuel filter. Any advice on stuff to try next is very appreciated. I rented a basic fuel pressure test kit and I'm going to look at the fuel filter tomorrow.
Thank you,
Ella

Van listed above has a 5.7l V8 TBI.
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 8:09 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,054 POSTS
Hi Ella,

it sounds like it could be a weak fuel pump, but I have not ruled out a vacuum leak, here are two guides to go over to help see what's going on and how to check the engine for vacuum leaks with the engine cold only.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

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

I would service the IAC motor as well.

Fuel Pressure [1] .................... 62 to 90 kPa (9 to 13 psi)

Also check the base gasket for the TBI as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
SL1M3G1RL
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply. I tested the fuel pressure today and it was definitely low. After cycling the ignition once it only went to about 4 PSI and then fell very quickly. After we cycled it again it got up to just about 9 PSI and it turned on. It idled around 9 PSI for maybe 30 seconds and then started to fall and stalled out. It lost all fuel pressure after stalling. When we cycled the ignition again after it stalled, we could hear the fuel pump running but much more weakly than before. I also got some more info from my friend, and he said that banging on the gas tank had helped the van start before when it was not starting. I'm really starting to think it's the fuel pump, but I do want to be thorough before we buy a new one. By service the IAC motor do you mean spraying it with carb cleaner to free it up if it's sticking?
I will look into doing a vacuum leak test soon too. Let me know what you think!
Thank you,
Ella
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,054 POSTS
Yes, the fuel pump sounds bad, but did you try a new fuel filter as well? Also, here is a guide to help you service the IAC, please check the images in the above post and here is how to change the fuel pump out in the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

Here is how to drain the tank:

https://youtu.be/Q5MH2gnyFH0

Do not remove the fuel tank with gas in it. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 11:17 AM

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