1994 Chevy S-10 Pickup

MATTABRAMS

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET TRUCK

I have a 94 s10 pick up, v6 4.3 liter ohv, automatic 2 wheel drive, and it never starts unless I use starter fluid, if not, and try with out the starter fluid it wont start, the engine turns, but it doesn't catch, and eventually the battery dies. Can it be a problem with my charging system? Should I have autozone test it.I had a mechanic test the fuel pressure and spark, and fuel pump, it's getting gas, all checked out perfect. PLEASE HELP

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Just to clarify, It will NEVER start, unless you use starting fluid, whether the engine is hot or cold.

This is not charging related.

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Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 AT 6:22 PM

MATTABRAMS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What would cause it to need starter fluid to start? And when ever it is started and I drive it, usually it will start up fine after running around town

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Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 AT 7:00 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

OK, so it will start when it's hot.

Your having a bleed down problem.

The starter fluid is giving the engine instant fuel, and that is why it will start when it's cold with the fluid.

You have one of two likley scenarios.

1- Fuel pump check valve is bad, therefore a pump is needed.

OR-

2-There is a "open area" in the fuel injection "spider"

Wither one is fairly common on those. What happens as the truck sets, the fuel line becomes "de-energized" as the fuel is allowed to return into the tank, which is not normal, the fuel should remain there. When your turn the key on the fuel pump add more pressure to a line that it expects to be full of fuel already and doing what the starting fluid is doing for you. That is instant fuel to the motor.

When you run around town, the fuel line hasn't had a chance to bleed down in the short period.

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Thursday, March 22nd, 2007 AT 5:03 AM