Will not start

1999 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
150,200 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ALG3674
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My engine will not turn over. It sounds like it wants to start but cannot. I have changed the battery, ignition rotor, distributor cap, spark plug, spark plug cables and the ignition coil. The spark plug is gaped at .060. I took it to AutoZone to do a diagnostic test but came up with no errors. It will start if you spray starter fluid but not on its own. Also, when it is started, when you press on the gas it will sound like the engine is stuttering. Can anyone help?
Oct 23, 2010 at 8:51 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check the fuel pressure if it is within specs if okay test the fuel pump relay.
Oct 23, 2010 at 9:27 PM
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ALG3674
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Yeah I did check it. It is at 57 psi and the fuel filter is clear. The van will run if I spray starter fluid and I can drive it but once I turn it off and let it sit for a while it will not start. A few people told me it is a sensor but I do not want to change every sensor there is.
Oct 24, 2010 at 12:26 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Do you hear the fuel pump come on when key at run position? If not test the fuel pump fuse and relay. If both okay test the fuel pump and oil pressure sending unit. Also check the coolant temperature sensor.
Oct 24, 2010 at 12:37 AM
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ALG3674
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Yeah the fuel pump works and I do hear it when I turn the key. Okay, will check that. Do know about the MAP sensor, IAT sensor and the MAF sensor?
Oct 24, 2010 at 12:51 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Next time it refuses to start do not wait for it to make up its mind-do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a spark plug wire or two and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so you have a fuel related problem. Do you hear the fuel pump come on when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer.
Oct 24, 2010 at 1:04 AM
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ALG3674
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Okay, people so you could know the update. I changed the coolant temperature sensor and cleaned out every electric connector and it still did not work. So, I drove it to AutoZone because my check engine light came on and they hook up the diagnostic meter and it said low oxygen. So, the problem is the (MAF) Mass Air Flow that was bad. So, changed it and the van starts on its own. Thanks for your help.
Oct 25, 2010 at 8:51 PM
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RASMATAZ
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You are welcome and thank you too for coming back with the fix this will benefit everyone.
Oct 25, 2010 at 9:51 PM
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BEANER773
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You guys are the bomb and thanks for helping out.
May 3, 2018 at 4:53 PM
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STRAILER
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Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
May 6, 2018 at 4:38 PM
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