Stalls at idle

PODHALAN

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
27,000 MILES

I have a relay hard time with this one. The van won’t start and stay running. I can start it and make it run for 2 to 5 seconds at a time by first pumping accelerator pedal a few times. With out the pumping it will not start at all. Replaced the fuel pump last year. I can hear it running.

The van has 270,000 miles on it.
I had it parked since last November, drove it one time in January with no problems. I can’t keep it running to do any checks at all.
I have noticed a water leak through the windshield, when key is turned on / off to start the van my door locks go nuts. This issue might have some water licked on some electronics.

in short:
It back fires at times when I try to start it.
It will start for few seconds at times.
When it starts for the few seconds and I press the accelerator it dies, if I do not press the accelerator it it will die too.

Could have something freeze and break over the winter?
Could this have something to do with fuel pressure regulator?[/Quote:fe9d8308ff]

5 Replies

RICH CRITES

MECHANIC
75 POSTS

Change the fuel filter. It may be dirt in the gas tank. A fuel pump going bad. You can put a fuel pressure gage on the fuel line to see how much psi you are getting.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 1:36 PM

PODHALAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Will do, in fact I have sent my Bro-in-law to get one before I red this replay. Thanks.
I am yet to check the fuel pressure, I can hear the pump, just replaced it 8 months ago.
One thing doh. Tried to start it with a Quick Start spray, spraying directly into the throttle body. While doing that the van keeps on running.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 6:48 PM

PODHALAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Will do, in fact I have sent my Bro-in-law to get one before I red this replay. Thanks.
I am yet to check the fuel pressure, I can hear the pump, just replaced it 8 months ago.
One thing doh. Tried to start it with a Quick Start spray, spraying directly into the throttle body. While doing that the van keeps on running.[/Quote:93b47f9323]

Repleaced the filter. No change.
The spark is OK.
Actually I need to correct my statement. The van runs for only 2 to 3 seconds not 5 to 8 then dies right up. What would be the correct fuel pressure?
52 psi at the pump and 59 psi when running?

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 7:39 PM

RFSHEA01

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6 POSTS

Is the solution to replace the fuel pressure regulator?

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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 4:05 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

It could be either the pressure regulator or the pump. Here is a basic tutorial showing what is involved in performing a fuel pressure pressure test:

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

When you perform the fuel pressure test the correct pressure for your van the pressure is 55-60 PSI. That is also if you have a 1998 Astro like in the question you've attached to. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.