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I have a 2002 Chevy Express cargo van with a 5.0L V8 which always started crisply on the first turn of the key but for a couple of months now, it occasionally requires two turns of the key to start. Sometimes it even “chugs” just before starting and has a strong odor of gas. I had a similar problem about a year ago and at that time, I noticed that the 3 year battery was going on 4 years so bought a new one and the problem went away so thought that it might be a bad new battery and replaced it again but still the same.
Because I now live in a condo and really have no place to do some trouble shooting and extensive work on the van I took it to the Chevy dealer last week and wouldn’t you know it that for the three days they had it, no issues.
I’m leaning toward a weak coil but pulling the inside engine cover is a major PITA.
I’m hoping someone had a similar problem and can give me some guidance. Finding a good repair shop here on the Wrong coast is getting harder and harder. Thanks in advance.
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When was the last time your plugs were changed? I would verify a good strong spark at each plug
with a tester.[quote=”college man” post=179543]When was the last time your plugs were changed? I would verify a good strong spark at each plug
with a tester.[/quote]Twice, last year! The plugs were in real sad shape and engine was running rough. The first shop replaced the plugs, wires, rotor and cap. It then ran great for awhile then it started acting up. The second shop (dealer) found some of the plug wires were chaffing so replaced the wires and some other misc. work and it’s been running fine ever since except for this random starting issue.
I’ve pretty much conceded that if you want it done right, you either have to have access to a shop like “Eric the Car Guy” or just do it yourself. I hate pulling the engine cover on the inside of the van but will probably have to set aside some time and do it. I wish Eric would open up another shop on this coast!
An update to my issue.
I noticed that when I turn the key to the “ON” position for a couple of seconds before starting, it starts normally so I pulled the relays that I can see under the hood and cleaned up the contacts. It was a shot in the dark because of not knowing which relay, if any, is for the ignition (there is a starter relay). Again, there are no codes present so just trying things. I do have a new spare coil stored in the van just in case the old one suddenly dies as this is my tow vehicle for my boat and travel trailer. I’m so anal that I actually carry spare headlight and taillight bulbs along with magnetic tow lights. I don’t want to be stuck in the sticks!
I noticed that when I turn the key to the “ON” position for a couple of seconds before starting, it starts normally
How’s the fuel pressure? How long does it take to reach full pressure after you turn the key to the “ON” position? How long should it take?
Imagine that your fuel system is having trouble reaching full pressure as quickly as it used to (due to a leak in the system, a bad pump, faulty wiring, etc). Could that explain what you’re seeing?
[quote=”civvy” post=180217]
I noticed that when I turn the key to the “ON” position for a couple of seconds before starting, it starts normally
How’s the fuel pressure? How long does it take to reach full pressure after you turn the key to the “ON” position? How long should it take?
Imagine that your fuel system is having trouble reaching full pressure as quickly as it used to (due to a leak in the system, a bad pump, faulty wiring, etc). Could that explain what you’re seeing?[/quote]
Again, I’m just guessing because of “no codes”.
From past experiences with fuel pumps, mechanical and electric, they either work or they don’t. I guess it still might be possible that the fuel pump is the culprit, but to get to the fuel rail (if there is a test point valve) is going to be a PITA. I’m leaning toward an electrical issue such as the ignition because I once had a problem were my MSD6A box was doing the same thing randomly until it just totally failed. When I bypassed the MSD box, it started normally but of course I could notice a real lack of performance. Also, after two cranks, I can smell gas so it seems the pump is working but something isn’t igniting the fuel/air. When I turn the key on for a couple of seconds then start the engine, there is no gas smell.
Sometimes I wish I had a truck for a tow vehicle.
See if you can get a fuel pressure gauge on it and check for bleed down. Sounds to me like a fuel pump going bad to me. It was a common thing when I worked for chevy. If it took ya to hit the key twice to fire it, 9/10 times it needed a fuel pump lol.
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Also, after two cranks, I can smell gas so it seems the pump is working but something isn’t igniting the fuel/air.
Pump can be fine, but fuel pressure could still be an issue. For example, a leak would explain the smell and could cause low fuel pressure. No idea whether this is the case, but a fuel pressure test can rule it out.
I looked up fuel pump pressure issues on certain GM engines and everyone here might be right. Working space is an issue for me as I live in a condo and I really hate to block my GF’s or my son’s driveway so did a search on the web and I think I found a shop close by.
I’ve used this criteria before and it usually has worked. This shop has been in business for over 40 years, has their own machine shop on the premises, has been featured on a local TV news program (good reviews) and the best thing in my mind, they also do hot rod restorations! I used to take my hot rod 67 Mustang to a small local hot rod shop but the owner retired.
Thank you “civvy” and “Cammed 05”.
The shop I took the van to called me today and said that the fuel pressure doesn’t hold after three attempts at starting so they suspect the fuel pump also which will be replaced.
I also asked them to check for a coolant leak as I could smell anti-freeze for the last couple of days and they found the intake manifold gasket leaking after pressurizing the cooling system.
They are also changing my sliding cargo door handle which was cracked when someone unsuccessfully tried to break into the van.
They also noticed that one of the front brake hoses was twisted and will remount the caliper at no additional charge. I told them that I had recently replaced the calipers, rotors and pads so that was my fault.
The van should be ready about Friday so looking forward to new adventures! Thanks everyone!
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