Ask the Car People.SM


Chevy S10 - GMC S15 and Sonoma Starting problems

316 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 5:59 PM

You are in the Chevrolet S-10 & GMC S15 Sonoma Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet S-10, GMC S-15, GMC Sonoma, Engine, Truck

Messages Page 29 of 32

#276 of 316 1996 chevrolet S10 4.3 hard start after sitting and wetness by rock88

Aug 14, 2011 (8:55 pm)

OK, had this for 7 or 8 years. /Gets a quirk and will not start sometimes. warm cold, winter, summer make little difference. prior owner installed fuel pump, used? I can hear the pump start and prime. It sometimes starts, but lately will not start without a little fuel, or starting fluid. Today, was had a little rain, and a damp morning... NO START AT ALL... I let it sit with the hood open, 2 or 3 hours and then tried to start, and it popped. Added a little start fluid, started right up! 8 hours later, hard to start, but did.. again, with a little fluid! Been through 2 starters so far, I have tried alternate brands of battery, and for a while. the sears die hard, seemed to improve this issue for a few months... Now, it is not... Also, 4th alternator, LIFETIME WARRANTY, and it is producing 14.4 volts. Just checked it last week. Also, installed a new cap and rotor last fall... Now, with winter coming on, I need to have this run, as I am on call... Engine is a 4.3, 170K. I have run e 85, at 40% from time to time... Fuel filter is impossible to change. Seized... Even mechanic at shop could not get it changed. I thought about a torch... Maybe solve the entire issue! HA HA!
 
SO, time, moisture, seem to be the main enemy. Time is the primary... Moisture seems to be solved with the starting fluid, MOST of the time. If I run it, every day, the probelm is usually less. But as of late, even 10 hours can cause the issue.
 
This truck has all the power I need. runs FLAWLESS after it starts! It is sometimes is a little slow and low on power for first few seconds of running.. Once it starts, it almost NEVER dies. it will run interstate speeds towing a full size enclosed trailer.. I get 18 to 21 MPG average.
 
SO, any suggestions? $$$$$ is a factor, as I was unemployed for a long time and just getting back to a normal life... A different SUV is NOT an option.
 
Besides, I am courious and I can not sell it like this and have a conscience...
 
If I fix it, I will run for 1 more year, but i can not sell it to anybody that can not deal with the quirks...

#277 of 316 Re: 1991 S10 Blazer 4.3l TBI start problen only when hot [rfletcher] by rock88

Aug 14, 2011 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: rfletcher (Jul 20, 2011 8:17 am)
Just a thought, check for a bad vacuum line... Especially the one that corsses over the back of the engine.. I have a 96, and I think the 91 is the same... Can be a bad rubber union in the valve cover... Look for the little things... I work on small engines... Use carb cleaner to check for leaks... Spray the cleaner on the point is question and note any WELL VENTILATED AREA, OUTSIDE and AWAY FROm FLAME.. A little spray will do... It could also be electrical... Start engine, spray a mist of water and watch for arcing... Use a simple spray bottle and do at night... Makes it easier to see any sparks...

#278 of 316 Re: 1991 S10 Blazer 4.3l TBI start problen only when hot [rfletcher] by rfletcher

Aug 16, 2011 (8:17 pm)

Replying to: rfletcher (Jul 20, 2011 8:17 am)
Thanks for the tips. I did check the vacuum lines even though the vacuum is solid at 22 and up with acceleration. That part is just a pain in the neck but on the trip my old problem came back. Engine suddenly dies at any speed. Restarts easily. Seems to be worse when hot. Actually it only happens when it's hot. Yesterday I replaced the EGR valve. The old one was not very dirty but considering the miles I replaced it anyway. Did not help but during testing found the recently replaced Vacuum solenoid was not working. It's not getting the ground circuit from the ECM. While inspecting wires back to ECM found two of the three wires shorted deep in harness. Replacing the defective wires did not solve the problem so now suspect the ECM is fried due to the shorts. Now I am really in over my head. How do you test the ECM? Do not think so but could there still be condition elsewhere that prevents the ECM from turning on the solenoid? I do not know when the EGR valve is supposed to operate but running the engine up to normal temp. and accelerating to 2500 RPM never opened it. Well---tomorrow is another day and probably another ECM. Strange, that super tech, master mechanic that charged me $300 for a tune up, missed this little detail.

#279 of 316 93 s-10 fuel filter by mrbreeze69692

Aug 25, 2011 (2:44 pm)

where is the fuel filter on my motor.its a 4.3 liter.changed plugs and wires and three vac hoses now wont start.HELP.

#280 of 316 Re: 93 s-10 fuel filter [mrbreeze69692] by tomyg

Aug 25, 2011 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: mrbreeze69692 (Aug 25, 2011 2:44 pm)
I have the same engine on my 92 sonoma.The fuel pump is in the gas tank.The fuel filter is bolted to the frame just in front of the gas tank.I hope that helps.

#281 of 316 Starts when cold by theliebls1

Nov 11, 2011 (5:15 am)

I have a 98 chevy s10 with 237,000 on it. In the mornings when its cool out it starts right up. When is warm out it cranks for 4 to 5 sec and then start but starts rough. If I shut it off and start it back up right away it starts fine. If I wait 15 minutes or so it starts rough. Once it starts it runs fine.
   
 So far I have replaced the fuel pump and the fuel regulator. Tested IAC, TPI and Air intake temp sensor.

#282 of 316 4 starters in 4 months. by sonomamalice

Nov 22, 2011 (9:48 am)

2000 GMC Sonoma SLS 4.3 2x4 Automatic. Slightly under 80k miles. I've owned it for the last 47k miles. Never did anything to transmisson. Fluid is clean. Not sure if it ages like brake fluid.
 
Here's the conundrum, Sometimes the truck starts perfect. sometimes it makes a grinding noise like it just can't connect with the flywheel fully. First starter (cheap remanu. from AAP) the housing dome basically exploded. Second starter (Brand new from quality built) on the third start sheered the dome clean off. Third starter (NAPA remanu) Im not sure is bad. One of the two wires to this starter had broken so I replaced it and installed a new starter (Remy from AAP, brand new). First start with the Remy was the strongest I've heard in the past 8 months. Second start on it made that grinding noise. Third start was in between both. Since it sometimes has a good start , and sometimes sounds like it's grinding and going to explode, could I have a bad flywheel? Either missing teeth or a 'flat' spot? This was the main explanation I got from all the mechanics I've talked too.
 
Doesn't matter if it's cold hot wet or dry. The problem is completely random.
 
History: New plugs about 38k miles ago. new drive shaft 6 months ago, the u bolts at the rear broke. This happened when I was driving abut 70mph and made the truck bounce violently. Not sure if this could of cause other internal damage that took a bit to turn into a problem.
Don't know what other information you need. Also, does my flywheel have 153 or 168 teeth and when I look for a part it asks if I want internal or external engine balance. Guessing internal? Also if I replace it, suggestions on a replacement? Money doesn't matter, I'd rather pay for a good part and save the worry then save some dosh and have a repeat down the road.
 
Thank you ahead of time and sorry this is such a huge post.

#283 of 316 starting issue. by zales

Dec 11, 2011 (4:37 pm)

My 96 s10 won't start. a little gas in the throttle body, and it starts and runs fine. will start again after that but not after sitting a while. baffled

#284 of 316 97 chevy s 10 by wolfa2013

Jan 17, 2012 (1:29 pm)

i need to no wat is going on with my truck it would start but now nothinh all its doin is clicking but it has a good starter and all that but its doing nothing at all

#285 of 316 Re: Starts when cold [theliebls1] by picatudo

Feb 05, 2012 (7:58 am)

Replying to: theliebls1 (Nov 11, 2011 5:15 am)
had the same problem ,you have a leaking injector ,replace the spider [all injectors] will fix the problem.

Messages Page 29 of 32

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement