Engine shuts off when accelerating

Tiny
BOS1957
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 159,000 MILES
Truck idles fine, revs up no problem but shuts off under acceleration like its out of gas. Has more than three quarters of a tank. Changed fuel pump three years ago. Turned out to be a coil with weak spark. So I had an extra coil and tried it for the heck of it, still doing it. Going to check the fuel pressure but weather is not being nice. There are a few more things I want to check like the TPS circuit and make sure I have all good power and grounds to everything. What gets me is the first time it happened it would not even start. That is why I tried the coil, who knows. A blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while! And of course no engine light or codes to check.
Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 AT 4:32 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good evening.

Yes, I would check the fuel pressure. it sounds like a lack of fuel.

not the TPS circuit at all. if it was, it would code.

low fuel pressure will give you all the issues you have described.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
BOS1957
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  • 23 POSTS
Thank you enjoy the rest of your night. I am going to try it tomorrow since it is night time and raining. Love living in New England!
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,295 POSTS
If you used an aftermarket pump, then it is almost definitely the pump. The aftermarket ones are no good. That is actually the longest I have heard of one working. They usually go bad within two years, in my experience. Anyways, it is likely a lack of pressure. Has enough to start initially, but then it loses strength and the pressure is probably dropping down to about 30psi (enough to idle, but that is it).
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
BOS1957
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Thanks will know tomorrow, let you know!
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
BOS1957
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Well the weather finally is cleared and I put the fuel pressure tester on and had 50lbs. Of pressure with the key on not running. Started truck and let it run about fifteen minutes to warm up. Needle started bouncing between 40-55 lbs. Revved engine to about 3000-4000 rpm and pressure dropped to around 20lbs sounds like the pump huh?
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Thursday, April 26th, 2018 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay first, the needle should never jump. That is one indicator.

The fact that it dropped to 20 is the clincher. You definitely need a pump.

I would go to a parts store and request an AC/Delco replacement pump.

Roy
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Thursday, April 26th, 2018 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
BOS1957
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
That was not the answer I wanted but it puts this to rest. I am not upset but I would rather get a pump than change all sorts of parts. I thought it was the pump but more people with the same answer makes it and easier pill to swallow. Thanks so much. I think I will go back to 1973 and earlier vehicles that I work on to relax and help people that cannot. So thanks again 2CarPros! Things without computers running everything
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Thursday, April 26th, 2018 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome. We are glad to help.

Roy
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Thursday, April 26th, 2018 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,295 POSTS
You can buy an AC/Delco pump only (not the whole assembly) on eBay for like $20.00. You will pull the assembly and replace the pump/motor, and save a few hundred bucks.
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Thursday, April 26th, 2018 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
BOS1957
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Got the new pump Saturday popped in and seem to run better than ever. Thanks again guys. I am going to tell everyone I know about you. Keep up the good work!
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,295 POSTS
Always glad to help! Come back anytime.
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Glad to hear it.

Good job. We are always here to help.

Roy
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Sunday, April 29th, 2018 AT 7:00 AM

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