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Chevy Express/GMC Savana Starting/Stalling Problems

105 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 11:21 PM

You are in the Chevy Express & GMC Savana Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, GMC Savana Cargo, Van

Messages Page 10 of 12

#84 of 105 Re: CHEVY EXPRESS [skibsky] by bigredbox01

Apr 21, 2011 (9:24 am)

Replying to: skibsky (Feb 28, 2011 4:34 pm)
My starting problems starting the van happened about 3 months into the
rainy season and my '01 5.7 was 2 years old and still under warranty. The mechanic said it was moisture under the distributer cap and that I needed to drive it more. It happened again about a year later this time I looked at it myself and found copious amounts of moisture and corrosion. A new cap and rotor fixed the problem temporarily. The design and configuration is very susceptible to steam building in the small engine compartment and entering the vents in the bottom of the distributer and not escaping then the firing storm in the confined space corrodes and carbon tracks the components to premature failure. GM sent a tsb recommending removing the vent screens (not a good idea since it allows more moisture in.). I believe I have solved my problem by fabricating a vent fixed into the top (heat rises GM!) of the cap. I cut the vent from another model cap, drilled a hole in my cap and secured the vent with epoxy. So far so good! My last cap and rotor tracked so bad that it burned a hole through the rotor an stopped running while driving down the road. A new cap and rotor every 18-24 months will work I just got tired of the work and expense. I have gone through 4 or 5 sets before I put the vent in the top. Good luck.
 
Cheers

#85 of 105 start run and die by crewvan

May 12, 2011 (9:13 pm)

2000 5.7 As I posted in a earlier post, Engine would start and run for 10 to 30 seconds than die, no codes, no warning light, no security light. After restarting for the 3rd time, I could drive until shut engine off for 10 minutes, then it would start the same thing all over again. Pulled fuel pump, checked good. Replaced central SFI injection system with a BWD MFI conversion from Advance Auto Parts #63886 ($304). This fixed the problem. My problem was like a diesel engine with air in the lines. Check the fuel line connector orings close to the distributor.
They can seal with fuel pressure and leak air back into the line without pressure and will not leak gas. I found them bad when reinstalling.

#86 of 105 Re: 2000 chevy express wont stay running [charliegray] by gqintx

Jun 20, 2011 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: charliegray (Feb 16, 2011 10:01 pm)
I've found many problems in this forum can be a result of a poor ground at the fuse block under the hood on drivers side. This box tends to become loose at the screw(s) where it both grounds and anchors to the vehicles body. I simply removed the screw(s) cleaned with a wire brush, replaced them assuring they are tight. (Problems Solved!!!!!!!) Also would't be a bad idea to remove the cover to this block and check all relays and fuses to make sure they are properly seated. Hope this works for many of you......Reply to me with any updates.

#87 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [vhazel] by gqintx

Jun 20, 2011 (6:24 pm)

Replying to: vhazel (Sep 25, 2006 5:01 am)
I've found many problems in this forum can be a result of a poor ground at the fuse block under the hood on drivers side. This box tends to become loose at the screw(s) where it both grounds and anchors to the vehicles body. I simply removed the screw(s) cleaned with a wire brush, replaced them assuring they tight. (Problems Solved!!!!!!!) Also would't be a bad idea to remove the cover to this block and check all relays and fuses to make sure they are properly seated. Hope this works for many of you......Reply to me with any updates.

#88 of 105 Re: Vans that start and then fail [lmfh] by powertotheaxle

Oct 10, 2011 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: lmfh (Jun 07, 2007 4:35 am)
my truck does the same thing, its moisture getting inside a crack in the coil... the best solution i found is spray starting fluid lightly around coil, then air off with computer keyboard aerosol spray air.. will be up and runnin in 3 minuts...

#89 of 105 96 express starting trouble by maddmattt

Oct 13, 2011 (1:47 pm)

I have a 96 Express with the vortec 350. it will only start if I hold the gas pedal to the floor. Once it starts it runs a little rough but able to drive. It will cut out and spit and sputter little but still runs down the road. You can shut it off and have to hold the pedal to the floor to start it again. It does not matter if its hot or cold. Seem to run rich. Its not putting out any codes.Things I have replaced and or ruled out. First I have good gas pressure. And spark seems to be good. I just installed the upgraded fuel injection system, fuel filter,cap,rotor, plugs. all new upper gaskets. MAF is good. Throttle body was cleaned and look to be good. Iam at a loss. Have know clue what it could be.It only has 140,000 mile and I have $700 into it now and it still has not fixed the starting problem. Please let me know what you think. Maybe crank sensor or map?I just know and running out of money to put more parts that dont fix the problem. Thank for any help

#90 of 105 Re: 1996 Chevy Express Van wont start and I need help ! [donzi428] by handyexpress

Oct 13, 2011 (6:36 pm)

Replying to: donzi428 (Jul 16, 2010 3:30 am)
clean fuel injection..

#91 of 105 2001 chevy express cold start issue by bulldogtt97

Nov 17, 2011 (6:11 pm)

hey everyone just noticed most of the issues everyone is having with their expresses or savanas is after the van is warm or hot. here is a new one for you my neighbours express has issues when its cold. the other day i tried to start it to move it and it took all day to get it going finally after almost killing battery i cleaned all contact points inside the cap including rotor finally engine started. however i noticed that two days ago when my neighbour started van it backfired after trying for quite some time anyway to the point of my issue i noticed that once it was going it idled high and very rough, so i had him shut it down and restart it and when he started it the second time the idle was immediately lower and smooth. i was curious as to what sensors actually run at first because i know that the engine was definately not warmed up so it must have been still in closed loop i think. anyone who knows feel free to help as it seems weird that the van on the second try seemed to run perfect.

#92 of 105 2001 GMC 2500 5.7 STARTING PROBLEM by ktowns99

Nov 20, 2011 (8:22 am)

This Cargo Van will not start, if I take out Air Filter and spray Starting Fluid in it starts and runs, is this the fuel pump? I would think if the pump was out the engine would not run at all.

#93 of 105 Re: 96 express starting trouble [maddmattt] by ikeepitreelz

Nov 30, 2011 (1:35 am)

Replying to: maddmattt (Oct 13, 2011 1:47 pm)
Have you checked the Mass air flow sensor, here is a link where you don't need a scanner to check it, it's a few steps but it till save you money and the directions are clear as glass:
 
web site:
 
http://easyautodiagnostics.com/
 
Common Symptoms of a BAD MAF Sensor
This list is not all inclusive but it does contain the most common symptoms of a BAD MAF Sensor are:
The CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (CEL) on your Instrument Cluster is lit nice and bright with one of the following codes:
P0101 Mass Air Flow System Performance.
P0102 Mass Air Flow Low Frequency.
P0103 Mass Air Flow High Frequency.
Lean and/or Rich code(s).
Fuel Trim code(s).
A tremendous lack of power upon acceleration.
Black smoke coming from the tail-pipe.
Vehicle may idle rough and stall.

Messages Page 10 of 12

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