01 Express Van - stalling

[mangomanj]

Hey guys,

New to the forums but could use some help. I've seen several threads with similar problems, but no definitive answer on what the problem actually is.

What's happening is this: I have an intermittent stalling problem with my Express van. Some days it will be fine. The next day, it's very difficult to start and when it does start, anytime it gets close to idle, it stalls. But, the next day (or sometimes even after an hour or so) it will run fine again.

I've replaced the fuel filter, but that is about the extent of it. Could it be the fuel pump? Wouldn't it either work or not work? Is there anything else I can try to get this thing fixed before I take it into a mechanic?

Thanks in advance for your help.


-mangomanj

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mangomanj

Hey guys,

New to the forums but could use some help. I've seen several threads with similar problems, but no definitive answer on what the problem actually is.

What's happening is this: I have an intermittent stalling problem with my Express van. Some days it will be fine. The next day, it's very difficult to start and when it does start, anytime it gets close to idle, it stalls. But, the next day (or sometimes even after an hour or so) it will run fine again.

I've replaced the fuel filter, but that is about the extent of it. Could it be the fuel pump? Wouldn't it either work or not work? Is there anything else I can try to get this thing fixed before I take it into a mechanic?

Thanks in advance for your help.





-mangomanj

Check for lose of spark or fuel pressure or both when it quits.
Mileage and tune up history and what engine?

Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak.
Post back fuel pressure readings.

[mangomanj]

Hey MT-2500,

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I don't have a way to check my fuel pressure. I guess I was hoping that there was a specific failure that was common and well known for these symptoms. Like "the fuel pump is about to fail" or "sensor 'x' needs to be replaced.

I really appreciate your response, but it looks like I'm going to have to take this big boy in.

Thanks again,

- mangomanj

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mangomanj

Hey MT-2500,

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I don't have a way to check my fuel pressure. I guess I was hoping that there was a specific failure that was common and well known for these symptoms. Like "the fuel pump is about to fail" or "sensor 'x' needs to be replaced.

I really appreciate your response, but it looks like I'm going to have to take this big boy in.

Thanks again,

- mangomanj

10-4
THERE IS JUST NO WAY TO OUT THINK IT.
It needs checked out when it quits.
First check for loss of spark.
Good Luck
MT

[DFBonnett]

How many miles on it ? Which engine? Is the problem more pronounced in wet or damp weather? As MT indicated, the problem seems to be ignition related. Are you due for a basic tuneup?

[mangomanj]

Hi everyone,

Well, my van is fixed. I'm embarrassed to say it was simply a bad connection at the battery. After cleaning the contacts, the van starts and runs great. I thought I'd leave this info for other that may be having the same symptoms.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mangomanj

Hi everyone,

Well, my van is fixed. I'm embarrassed to say it was simply a bad connection at the battery. After cleaning the contacts, the van starts and runs great. I thought I'd leave this info for other that may be having the same symptoms.

Thanks for posting back and letting us know how it went.
Glad you got it going.
You never know untill you check thm out what you will find.
MT