starting problem w/93 GMC Sierra

[Kohls Landscaping Co]

Hey there.

I have a '93 GMC Sierra, 4x4, 350 V8, 1500. Just recently i've been having problems with getting it started. What's happening every once in a while is that it won't start. The motor is turning fine (so it's not the battery or starter) but it won't 'ignite.'

I've talked to a couple people that I know and they have suggested that it is possibly the distributor cap or something with the fuel line. The fuel pump seems to be working because I can hear the 'buzz' from it once it turn the battery on. I also have newer spark plugs in it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-dave

[gorrell]

It's most likely your fuel pump even though it's buzzing doesn't mean it's working properly. Try this: While cranking the engine, have someone hit the fuel tank with a rubber hammer. If the engine starts when this is done, you've got a bad fuel pump and need it replaced as soon as possible. Hope this helps.........Lynn

[NCSERVICE]

Get a $7.00 inline spark tester from napa and test the spark. that will help isolate the problem good spark means you need to check other things like fuel supply

[goodbeus]

When did you last replace the fuel filter...most people never think about it, thinking they have distributor or fuel pump problem, when it's just a clogged fuel filter...

[Kohls Landscaping Co]

I bought the truck used with 88,000 miles on it and now it's around 104,000 miles. I have no idea when the filter would have changed last, or if ever?? The fuel filter sounds like it'd be cheap and easy to do even if it isn't the problem. I'll be home next weekend from school and will work on it then and keep ya posted. Thanks for the suggestions so far, I appreciate it.
-dave

[UNISCAPER]

Start with a cap rotor and plugs...Put a pressure gauge on the line before the injectors. If the pressure is low, you either have clogged filter sock, clogged filter, or a bad pump.

If this truck runs, if you have short power, you could have a fuel issue. If you have good power after it starts, chances are it is not the fuel....

[Kohls Landscaping Co]

Just got back from home over the weekend and tried a couple of things and think i got it working right.

I first replaced the fuel filter, which looked to be the original one (i bought it used two years ago) and thought it solved the problem. The next day it wouldn't start. So today I went to a buddies and we replaced the ignition modules and it's starting better. I just replaced it today so hopefully that was the problem.

I kinda ruled out it being the fuel pump because the injectors were spraying fine and from word of mouth several people told me normally a fuel pump will either just quit or it will start to 'squeel' when it's going bad. Hopefully the problem is fixed.

Thanks for the help!

[LeoS818]

The pick up coil in the hei has 2 very small wires that do break in the insulation. And is very hard to see. This will give an intermitten starting problem.

[heritage]

Leos818, I have had this problem also in the past.
Changed the pick-up coil and was o.k. :)

Pete D.