Won't start without starting fluid

Do you hear the fuel pump come On for 2secs when key at run position?

You can have a relay going out.

Yes, the sending unit runs 2-3secs(on positon) prior to starting.

Get a noid lite hook it up on the injector/s harness connector crank engine over is it flashing?

Yes, it flashes fast. I had already checked the anode and cathode for open cirquits. The wiring is working.

Check the actual fuel pressure with a gauge and comeback with the readings.

I checked it prior to sending the first post. It peaked at 62lbs, but I've checked it 3 more times and its steadily staying at 56lbs pressure.

The fuel pressure should be 60-66 psi regulated by the fuel pressure regulator, unregulated should rise 8-10psi above the specs.

If you're talking about what the fuel pressure is when the key is turned to on position while the pump runs for 2-3 secs, its at 62lbs. I checked it while it was running and it was at 56lbs give or take.

Test ea. injector/s resistances

Engine Performance problem
1997 Chevy Express V8 Automatic 180000 miles

97 chevy cargo van. Replaced the fuel pump,dist.cap and rotor, spark plugs and wires, changed oil and filter and air filter. Still won't start. Tried putting starting fluid in the air filter would fire up then die immediately. Sounds like it wants to turn over but won't fire up. Have fuel coming up to the pressure relief valve.

My first thought was, if no rpm signal, the injectors won't pulse. The rpm signal comes from the crank sensor. That fuel at the schrader valve could be the initial prime? Use a noid lite at the injectors, see if there is a pulse?

hi I have a 1997 chevy express van wont start.4.3 v6 the van was parked for close to 2 years started every couple months no problem till now .full charge on new batt turn key gas gauge is pinned past full. fuel pump no power, runs if i put 12v to control side of fuel pump relay [ changed fuel pump earlyer]no power to egr valve no spark at plugs.was told could be a passlock problem. i have no sucerty light on dash tryed key on 10 min key off 5 sec ect nothing. all fuses are good in side fues box drivers side kick pannel.under hood relay center checked all fues ok, cleaned + in box connection to relay center.checked corroision in,under fues center looks clean, no broken wires. also put a scanner on could not connect or link.workes on my other cars ok.I am out of ideas heaaaalp.what would be next step.sucerty issue, vcm.were, do you would you check for power have wireing dia hard to tell witch wire and witch plug for power to vcm, ecm bcm ect,I have been at this for 3 weeks, now going to get gas and matches and fix reeal good.any one who can point me in right direction will truley be the worlds smartest man.a title I used to hold till now,will send plaque and a donation for the right anser.plaese help,also have same van, year, but gmc running for

it sounds like the pcm has failed. you said you verified power to the pcm?? there may be more than one fuse that controls the circuits. if there is no voltage to the egr, that is a 12 volt feed fed from an outside source.
check the fusible links at the starter or by the fuse block. it sounds like you have a power supply issue.
does the check engine light come on??

Roy

Our van will not start, engine turns over it wants to fire. WE replaced the computer, twice in one week. After new computer it runs smooth and fine, then the probelem starts all over again, have checked timing, checked all the grounds and put more ground wires. Another thing it does when you bring shift lever from drive down to overdrive the starter engages, this started after we replaced the transmission, have gone threw every possible check to find reason. I have picked every brain I know and everyone is puzzled! Help!?!?!

The starter problem could be a short in the start wire, GM's are usually purple, but can be yellow, What is the security light on the dash doing?
Have you done a relearn on the pass-key?
GM PASS LOCK RELEARN- Ignition to "run" position, try to start and let key return to "run" position
Approx ten minutes security light will go off
Turn key "off" and wait 5 seconds
Repeat 2 more times for a total of 3 relearns.
Turn key off, then start it