Van Starting Problem

[mnvikingsfreak]

I have a prob with my winter beater its a 94 astro van and I cant start the van unless I pump the gas about 5 times and hold it down while I turn the key and sometimes at idle at a stop light it kinda sounds like its not getting enough gas and it shakes the van a little and sounds like it might stall what could be the cause of this? fuel filter? clogged fuel injectors? any help would be great!

thanks again

[Jeremy airjer W]

What is the 8th letter of the vin (I suspect its a "W")

Fuel pressure regulator? (this applies to the 4.3 vin w engine) Youll need to get a pressure gage on the fuel line to confirm. there should be a minumum of 55psi key on engine off and the fuel pressure should hold steady. If it bleeds off youll have to pinch off the pressure and return lines. if it still drops you can reasonably assume the regulator is leaking. If it stops release the return line if it still holds release the pressure line if it then drops you have a bad check valve in the fuel pump. (this will also cause the same symptom less the running ruff at the stop signs.

Is there a check engine light on?

Try this first and let us know the results.

Before you start it next time under the same conditions try turning the key on for 5 seconds then off then on for five seconds then off then on for five seconds then crank the engine over. If it is a fuel issue this will reprime the fuel system and you should notice an easier start-up.

Is this the engine with the plastic upper plentum or aluminum?

There are two other possibilities but considereing the track record with these regulators I would say this is a good start.

[Guest]

airjer probably has it. Those are decent engines, but have a history of fuel injection issues.

I am cursed with the fuel injection pressure regulators, I think I have had to replace them on everything we have owned in the last few years.(we drive beaters)

The last time I had symptoms as you are describing I got a bad wake up call.. the regulator went out and allowed gas to flood so bad it came out of the air cleaner and soaked the engine! The other times the vehicle just got insufficient fuel pressure and wouldnt run properly.

[mnvikingsfreak]

thanks Airjer for the advice I tried the 5 second trick and the van turned right over its never done that before I have only owened this for 2 months I have heard from multiple people it could be the fuel pressure regulator,fuel pump and fuel filter im not a hardcore mechanic but im someone with some mechanical skills could I replace these things without any problems if I just get a haynes manual? oh yeah the check engine light is not on

[Jeremy airjer W]

If it was a 4.3 in a pickup or a blazer I would say have at it. The ones in the vans are tight. If it is the W engine (Central Port Injected) its going to be ugly. I don't like working on the Astro period! Basically the upper plentum would have to come off to expose the CPI unit and the regulator. The regulator is held in place with a tamper proof torx screw. Most Auto parts stores will have a repair kit that contains the pressure regulator and the tamper proof torx bit. I would recommend the dorman brand or the NAPA brand. This style of pressure regulator could easily take the novice with skill a weekend.

I would suggest finding out for sure what it is first. The regulator is farely cheap and you could potentially spend a lot of time replacing it to find out that the fuel pump is the culprit. The fuel pump is more expensive and dropping the fuel tank is no easy task. I personnally wouldn't reccommend replacing the pump yourself unless you are fully aware of and accept the risks and hazards, and take the proper procassionary steps to ensure your safety. Liquid fuel is not a big deal its the fuel vapor that will get you!! (You should also be aware of this if you decide to replace the regulator) Not only that but more than likely this will way a metal sending unit with rotted metal lines that will break as soon as you try to crack loose the connections. The breaking part is not a big deal, making sure you break the correct side will make life a lot easier!!