Engine cranks but does not start

SJMCR1

MEMBER
1990 CHEVROLET ASTRO
4.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My van was running badly, took it to a shop and got it scanned, showed TPS and manifold temperature sensor faulty. Changed both, then replaced all tune up parts save plug wires. Ran better so I put $75.00 worth mid-grade gas in it, went to a work site and loaded tools and came home and unloaded. Got back in and it wouldn't start. Rolled out of the yard and let it set for a bit. It started but quit after 20 seconds. Would not start. Next day it started ran 5 seconds and quit. Called my mechanic and had it towed to his shop. He scanned it and everything showed in perfect tolerances, would not start. He changed the coil, no start, tried a new distributor, no start. Spent a week tweaking stuff. No start. Fuel pump is putting out 51 pounds pressure. I then sent it back saying this thing checks perfectly but won't start. I replaced EGR and ignition module, reset transmission selector, and everything I could from my book. Ready to shove it off a cliff but I like it and would like it to work. Any ideas?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

Fuel pressure should be between 9 and 13PSI on this vehicle. Are you sure the pressure is at 51PSI? If so, that certainly is an issue. See pic 1 below

Next, I need you to check for codes. This van has an OBD1 system and doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes. All you will need is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip.

Follow the directions in this link and let me know if you find any codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Let me know. Also, let me know if it does in fact have 51PSI.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 AT 9:13 PM

SJMCR1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the response. However, when I follow the steps you outlined, I do not get the check engine light. I get an arrow that says shift. Any ideas? Thank you. M

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Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 AT 10:04 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

That's a new one. The shift light was for a van with a manual transmission. LOL

Are you sure you are connecting the correct pins in the connector? Also, is the key in the off position when you connect the jumper and then you turn the key to the run position?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 AT 5:52 PM

SJMCR1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay, I took the bulb out of the shift indicator, put the jumper in the indicated socket, no check engine light. Go figure. Thanks

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Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

No problem. Let's try this from a different point of view. First, I need you to confirm the fuel pressure you mentioned above. If that is correct, it's too high.

Next, I need you to try something for me. See what happens if you try starting it with starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know its fuel related. If there is no change, then we need to check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link explaining how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find.

Joe