2003 Chevy Astro Engine starting problems

Tiny
BRIAN8796
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
A couple of weeks ago, we had sub zero temps here. When trying to start the van one morning the battery was dead. I ran jumper cables to my truck and the engine cranked right over but refused to start. I took a guess that I may have a frozen fuel line. I put a couple heaters under the van for a day and was able to get the engine to start. BUT. The engine does not start right. The engine acts if it is slowly building up speed until it is running. It only runs if you keep your foot on the gas. There is black soot all over the snow by the tail pipe. What could be causing all these things to happen?
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 2:14 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
It is running rich. When you rev it up, does it run normally? Also, is the check engine light on?
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Sunday, February 1st, 2009 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
BRIAN8796
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi, thanks for the info. Get this, I put a propane heater under the fuel filter near the gas tank and let it warm up for a couple of hours. When the filter and lines were warm to the touch, I jumped in and the van fired right up with no problems.
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Sunday, February 1st, 2009 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
IT sounds like something was frozen. Is the van running ok now?
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Monday, February 2nd, 2009 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
BRIAN8796
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The van appears to be running great now. Thanks.
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Monday, February 2nd, 2009 AT 7:04 AM

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