1995 Astro van won't start. V-6, rear wheel drive, cargo with over 200k miles, and air conditioning.?

Question

The van has been running sluggish for some time, but it gave no indication that there was a problem coming. I drove it to a friends house, later tried to leave, and it seemed to try to fire and when I stopped the starter, it died. The second time it cranked for a couple seconds and It got a couple sputters as it fired. The third time I decided to press on the gas pedal in case it just needed a little more gas (normally all I have to do is just turn the key and it starts). This time it never even fired once, just cranked. I know that there is gas to the intake, but the fuel pump voltage goes away after a couple seconds after turning on the key, like it knows there is plenty of pressure. There is good spark and the timing appears OK. I have disconnected the battery and now all I get is crank. I'm not familiar with fuel injected v-6 engines, and how to troubleshoot any further. Is ther something more I can check before I have it towed? Is there a possiblity It's a clogged cat.converter?

The van has been running sluggish for some time, but it gave no indication that there was a problem coming. It fired and died the 1st time, the 2nd time it cranked for a couple seconds and It got a couple sputters as it fired. The third time I decided to press on the gas pedal in case it just needed a little more gas (normally all I have to do is just turn the key and it starts). This time it never even fired once, just cranks. I know that there is gas to the intake, but the fuel pump voltage goes away after a couple seconds after turning on the key, like it knows there is plenty of pressure. There is a spring loaded needle valve (similar to a tire inflation) next to the dist. cap. When I open the valve gas shoots out when the pump runs. I can hear the pump run and the pump was replaced about about a year ago. I don't suspect a filter is clogged, but I will replace it next. There is good spark and the timing appears OK. I have disconnected the battery and now all I get is crank.

Answer 1

There is a possibility that the fuel filter is clogged and giving a false indication you have pressure to the cylinders!

Answer 2

Put your ear next to the fuel tank and have someone turn on the key -- can you hear the fuel pump? It should wrrr for a moment then get quiet (it pressurizes the fuel system). If it runs constantly then it may not be pumping enough pressure to tell the computer to 'start' the engine. The cat may be plugged but it would probably still idle -- better let a pro check this one out.

Answer 3

a plugged cat will definitely make it difficult to start, the engine can not breath. check the air filter, another simple issue. as for the fuel pump, it comes on in two situations. 1) key turned on, the pump should run for about 10-20 seconds. 2) the engine is cranking over at least 400 rpm pump should come on until you let go of the key (turn it off) or if the CPU does not see any ignition system activity, it will not turn on the pump.

Answer 4

I don't know for sure on your van, but GM uses a oil pressure switch to turn off the fuel pump if there is no oil pressure.

Make sure you have oil. (dipstick)

If it's TBI (throttle body injected) you need at least 8 psi fuel pressure at the fuel filter.

You may want to replace the fuel filter first. It's cheap and fairly easy to replace. (inside the frame below the drivers side)

No, a plugged CAT would not keep it from starting.

Unfortunately GM fuel pumps (the one in the tank) are notorious for going bad at around 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

ADDED:
The fuel pump relay on the firewall is timed to shut off after about two seconds without starting the van. It's normal.

My best guess is a bad fuel pump. $240.00 for the pump.
The tank needs to be removed to replace it.
If you intend to pay to have it replaced, expect to pay around $700.00 parts and labor.

ALSO, just because the pump makes noise, doesn't mean it good. It could be worn out.

Answer 5

I think you need an old fashioned tune-up.

Pick up a service manual (<$20.00) at your local auto parts store and read how a tune up is done. Buy the recommended parts (air filter, spark plugs, wires,PCV Valve, etc.). It should be fairly easy to do. In the old days you had to deal with setting points and timing adjustment.

Answer 6

i'm not highway legal real now. nonetheless could bypass to all those faculties, and for what? i could not even have sufficient money gas yet I do exactly like the occasional taxi. as long as you're in a taxi the driving force will preserve you.