Small car issues

**bust331** · 04-09-11, 07:13 PM

I'm actually afraid that what is happening now is more of a precursor to a bigger problem in the future.

This started yesterday, and I drive a 4WD/4DR 1998 GMC Jimmy, FYI.

Normally whenever I turn my car in, it cranks for probably no longer than 1 second before it turns on.

Since yesterday it has been taking about 4-5 seconds of cranking before finally turning over. I am thinking this may be a fuel pump issue? I know the fuel pump makes a loud whining noise whenever it's pumping, it has since I bought it.

I also know I'm in need of a new idle air control valve.

Any ideas?

**flame** · 04-09-11, 07:24 PM

It is a bitch to replace the fuel pump. It was a half bottle of jaeger job. Getting the tank down wasnt bad. Taking it loose and swapping pumps easy if you've ever done one before. Then I had to cut the old wiring harness loose from under the vehicle and splice in the new one that came with the kit. Not much room and reaching over head the whole time. Then the "fun" part is trying to get the tank back up in position and hooking the straps that hold it up. While connecting various fuel lines with minimal room. Protip is to drain it completely, but you have to use the line from the top of the tank as the fill neck has an anti siphon mechanism. All in all about a 4 hour job, but would have easily cost $250+ at a shop. Normal handtools and a floor jack with a board were all it took. If you can lift it and put it on jack stands it makes it easier.

**bust331** · 04-09-11, 07:37 PM

Do you think that's the issue though?

**Phyrelight** · 04-09-11, 07:53 PM

that much cranking could also be the starter. Does it smell flooded when it finally starts?

**bust331** · 04-09-11, 08:02 PM

No sir, I don't smell anything abnormal.

**deathgodusmc** · 04-09-11, 08:09 PM

Bust the starter fine as long as it is cranking the engine. Possibly several issues going on. First thing you need to do is have the computer scanned. Autozone i believe does this for free.

Fuel pump verify pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. It hooks the the valve on the fuel rail.

Fuel pressure regulator. Same deal hook a the tester up and go underneath the vehicle crimp the fuel return line with a pair of vise grips. If its good the pressure shoul jump up to about 100 lbs. Only crank for a second or you could blow the diapham in the regulator out.

Idol air control can make the vehicle crank longer before firing. Eventual it will go out completely and it will be a bitch to start if it actually does.

Mass air flow sensor. Simple test unplug it. If it starts right up then its bad.

Fuel injector bad. You have whats called a spider injector. Basically its a block with hoses that go to each cylinder. The injectors are actually the hoses. If the an injector is going bad or multiple one what happens is the fuel gets past them when the vehicle isn't running and floods the vehicle.

throttle position sensor. If its going bad it will give a bad reading to the computer and take longer to start. If when running the idol is going up and down without you touching the peddle this is the main culprite.

exhuast gas regulator. If its going bad it will cause the same symptoms your describing but there is no test for this. The computer will tell you if its bad and thats it.

By now you probably got the idea there are a number of things that can cause this. Your best bet is to scan the computer and see what it has to say. When you do let me know and i will gladly walk you through everything. If you need to actually talk to me for whatever reason send me a pm and ill get you my number.

**deathgodusmc** · 04-09-11, 08:12 PM

One thing you may want to do is get a can of throttle body cleaner. Take the air intake off and spray the shit out of the buttlefly, back side of the throttle position sensor, and as far into the intake as you can get. Just so you know ahead of time it will be a bitch to start afterwards. Hold the pedal to the floor and crank it. It will start after about 30 seconds.

**bust331** · 04-09-11, 08:16 PM

I don't have a check engine light, if I get it scanned will something still show?

If so I'll bring it by autozone tomorrow and see if I can get it scanned.

**deathgodusmc** · 04-09-11, 08:24 PM

The check engine light doesn't have to be on. It only had to flash for the computer to store a code. Also when is the last time is had a full tune up? I mean cap, rotor, plugs, plugs wires. fuel filter, and a fuel injection cleaning.

**bust331** · 04-09-11, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by deathgodusmc

The check engine light doesn't have to be on. It only had to flash for the computer to store a code. Also when is the last time is had a full tune up? I mean cap, rotor, plugs, plugs wires. fuel filter, and a fuel injection cleaning.

As embarrassing as it is to say, it hasn't since I've had ownership of it.

Any idea on the cost of a full tune up?