Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won't start... please help

[Mikeski]

First off, sorry for putting this in General Nautique Discussions, the only thing is has to do with Nautiques is that it is my alternate tow vehicle (my yard truck).

After sitting for three weeks it won't fire. Last time out it was hesitating a little during moderate acceleration up hills. It rolls over but won't pop. I am 99% sure it's not fuel related because I sprayed a bit of starting fluid down the throttle body and it didn't even make a pop.

I will try to borrow a scanner tonight.

Any suggestions before I start throwing parts at it?

First part will be ignition module at $100

again, sorry for being off topic but I need help.

Mike

ps since it's winter I thought it would be OK?

[surroundsound64]

Well... there's really only 3 problems you could have. spark, gas, air. You said the carb fluid didn't change anything, so you can probably rule out gas. I'd check the air filter. The air is probably the least likely of the 3, but a lot cheaper than a spark issue, so check it.

Then, pull the wire off the ign. coil, but hold it close and crank on it and watch for a spark. If it doesn't spark... well, you get it.

[Mikeski]

The problem is definately spark.

[surroundsound64]

But are you getting spark going to the distributor? Oh, and what yr is it?

[Mikeski]

It's a 2001 FI 4.3L V6

I don't believe it's a problem with the distributor cap/wires/rotor as it went from running pretty well to not starting overnight, and it was running fine when I shut it off the last time it ran. I believe something has failed, possibly a crank position sensor, ignition module, coil, or ECU (gasp).

[SNMike]

Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won't start... please hel

First off, sorry for putting this in General Nautique Discussions, the only thing is has to do with Nautiques is that it is my alternate tow vehicle (my yard truck).

After sitting for three weeks it won't fire. Last time out it was hesitating a little during moderate acceleration up hills. It rolls over but won't pop. I am 99% sure it's not fuel related because I sprayed a bit of starting fluid down the throttle body and it didn't even make a pop.

I will try to borrow a scanner tonight.

Any suggestions before I start throwing parts at it?

First part will be ignition module at $100

again, sorry for being off topic but I need help.

Mike

ps since it's winter I thought it would be OK?

Mike, it could be the fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter. Just a thought. Please forgive me guys, but i just don't see the big deal if someone posts something in the general section thats not Nautique related. We're family here right? :grin: We have other things to share and topics that interest us all. JMHO!
(puts on Nomex suit, checks life insurance policy, looks for back door) Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[83sn2001]

RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

I would check the ignition module first. The parts stores can usually check them if you take off of the vehicle.

[ccskier16]

RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

Just a note, there is a voluntary recall for the 2001 4.3. GM will clean/repair/replace the distributor. I think...or something like that.

[Mikeski]

RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

74 skier,

Will they replace the whole distributor or just the cap? The crank position sensor is in the distributor so getting a new distributor would take care of a couple variables...

[ccskier16]

RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

I don't know the details since I never got the work done and won't since I traded mine in last week. I'll find the letter I got earlier in the year and post it.

[ccskier16]

RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

May 2005

Dear Chevrolet Customer:

Reason For This Recall: Your 2001 model year Chevrolet Silverado vehicle, equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine, has an ignition distributor cap and rotor that may corroe and cause ignition sytem failure. This may result in rough engine idle, misfire, stalls, engine cranks but does not sart and/or illmination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

What Will Be Done: Your Chevrolet dealer will inspct the ignition distributor ventilation holes and, if necessary, replace the distributor cap and rotor, remove the distributor vent screen and install a foam sleeve around the A/C accumulator line. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

etc, etc, etc...

This is probably not your solution, but at least you know it is out there.

[surroundsound64]

Re: RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

May 2005

Dear Chevrolet Customer:

Reason For This Recall: Your 2001 model year Chevrolet Silverado vehicle, equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine, has an ignition distributor cap and rotor that may corroe and cause ignition sytem failure. This may result in rough engine idle, misfire, stalls, engine cranks but does not sart and/or illmination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

What Will Be Done: Your Chevrolet dealer will inspct the ignition distributor ventilation holes and, if necessary, replace the distributor cap and rotor, remove the distributor vent screen and install a foam sleeve around the A/C accumulator line. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

etc, etc, etc...

This is probably not your solution, but at least you know it is out there.

Get on that.

[Mikeski]

RE: Re: RE: Re: Off topic - my Chevy Silverado won

It's been a fairly frustrating evening...

Fuel pressure is steady at 60psi once pressured up and throughout the cranking cycle.

Timing light flashes on coil and all cylinders.

All fuel injectors are getting signals as verified with a test light.

Installed a new ignition module for $80, it didn't help.

I pulled the plugs, they were dripping wet, the rotor and cap show lots of corrosion. Tomorrow after work I will install new plugs/cap/rotor... then keep my fingers crossed.