Starting Problem...

[maddbrewer]

I have a problem with a 1996 Chevy Tahoe. Plugs, wires, etc. are in great
shape. STRONG spark. But the thing will hardly start. Will crank just
fine but will never catch. So I checked to see if the fuel pump was
running. Turning the key forward causes the electric fuel pump to run
about 3 seconds then it shuts off. If I cycle the key on and off without
engaging the starter several time to cause the fuel pump to cycle as well,
the engine will finally start. Once started, it runs perfectly fine.

I thought the problem might be a weak fuel pump or some sort of sensor
causing the fuel pump to shut off too soon. To test this I temporaraly
bypassed the fuel pump relay to cause the pump to run constantly. This
did not help the starting problem. If I get the engine running I can shut
it off and immediately restart it. If I leave the engine off for about
five minutes I have to turn the key on-wait-off several times before
engaging the starter.


There is a full tank of gas so I know I am not out of gas. The fuel filter is new, along with the battery????????


Any ideas? :confused2:

Thanks....J

 

[norm]

it sounds like you have a weak fuel inj. with plugged lines

 

[96Tahoe007]

I'm having a similar problem with my '96 tahoe 2dr 4x4 5.7L--mine just keeps cranking over-has spark and fuel??-will be testing fuel pressure tomorrow--checking timing chain as well as relays-fuel tank had rot hole in it-replaced tank-fuel pump-sending unit-hp hoses and regular fuel lines to fuel filter-new battery-battery cables (chinese crap set-but they'll do the trick for now) had starter rebuilt---sat for a few months-so the next step will be examining the fuel injectors-just got to keep plugging away-somethings bound to give-good luck

 

[JP422]

Just curious... how are you checking your spark? If all the fuel is ok, then I'd check the cap and rotor... then the coil and it's wire... then spark plugs.. and the wires. Nobody seems to mention one going badour GM 5.7's, but on some euro cars, the Ignitor would go bad all of a sudden, and you're just dead... cranks and crank, but no fire. Every time I look under my hood, my eye keeps going to the ignitor (part that's on the same bracket as the coil)... and I wonder how long it will last.

Does anbyone know of an ignitor that went bad on our trucks?

 

[JP422]

Oh yea... as for the no start... if you're sure the fuel and spark are good... might want to check the crank/cam position sensor too. It's just behind the crank pulley under the motor. The cam position sensor is in the distributor.

 

[Gordo]

Could the gas you put in it have anything to do with it?

 

[Ojustracing]

You have to verify what the fuel pressure is. These truck are supposed to have 58-62 psi. If I remember correctly they will not start if the fuel pressure is below 52 or something real close.

 

[John Horansky]

I have regular difficulties starting my 96 Tahoe and am trying to narrow down the problem. I have to turn it over 3-4 times before it will start.My fuel pressure is 60 when the key is turned on then drops to 52 while running. It hold this pressure for many minutes after the vehicle is turned off. Fuel pump is about 4 years old and the fuel filter was replaced within last 20k miles. Any ideas?

 

[lesterl]

John, start a new thread so we can delve into your issues.... This thread is 6 years old.....