TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid
The fastest/easiest way to find out if a lack of fuel is causing the engine to not start is to see if the fuel injectors are spraying fuel while a helper is cranking the engine.
If the injectors are not spraying fuel, then the next step is to coax the engine into starting using starting fluid.
In this test section, I'll explain how to use starting fluid to check if a lack of fuel is keeping the engine from not starting.
IMPORTANT: For the accuracy of your starting fluid test, you need to confirm that the all six or eight spark plug wires are delivering spark to the spark plugs. If you haven't done so already, check for spark with a spark tester.
CAUTION: You'll be working around a cranking engine, so take all necessary safety precautions and think safety all of the time.
OK, to get this show on the road, this is what you'll need to do:
- 1
Remove the top cover of the air filter assembly.
You don't have to completely remove the assembly, just the cover. - 2
Spray starting fluid down the bore of the throttle body.
- 3
Quickly place the air filter assembly's cover back on.
IMPORTANT: Placing the cover back on the air filter assembly is important because it'll prevent any back-fire, that may occur, from spouting flames out of the throttle body. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine once the intake cover is back on the air filter assembly.
- 5
You'll get one of two results with this test:
1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die or.
2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.
OK, let's find out what your results mean:
CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This means that the reason your pick up (or SUV) is not starting is due to a lack of fuel.
Now that you have confirmed that the 'no-start' problem is due to a lack of fuel, you now need to actually confirm how much pressure the fuel pump is producing with a fuel pressure gauge. For this test go to: TEST 1: Fuel Pressure Test With Gauge.
CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.
Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test.
This is to remove the fuel line that connects to the fuel injector rail and place it in a container. Then have a helper bump the starter while you check to see if fuel comes out of the Line and into the container. This way, you can visually see if there is or there isn't fuel coming out of the fuel line.
Quite a few things can cause a 'no-start' condition and if you have ruled out the fuel pump as the problem, this tutorial may be of help: How To Troubleshoot A No Start (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L).
Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save
You can find the fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter in any auto parts store. If you're wanting the buy the original AC Delco (Delphi) fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter, you can buy it online for a whole lot cheaper than somewhere local.
The following links will help you comparison shop for the AC Delco (Delphi) and after market fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filters:
Will the above fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter fit your particular GM pickup? Don't worry, once you get to the site they'll make sure it fits (by asking you the specifics of your particular vehicle). If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.
More GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L Tutorials
You can find a complete list of tutorial in this index: GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L Index Of Articles.
Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Blower Resistor (1988-1993 Pickups).
- How To Test The Blower Motor (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L).
- How Can I Tell If My 4L60-E Transmission Is Bad?
- Shift Solenoid A And B Tests (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L).
- How To Test The Engine Compression (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L).
- How To Test The GM Distributor Mounted Ignition Module (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
