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87 350 starting problems

S

scotsdale83

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I am having some problems starting my truck. Its an 87 350 tbi. The truck will crank over like theres no tommorow. When you turn the key on you can hear the fuel pump run. It will start then die. Repeat this several times for like 20 minutes and it will finally start and run. It seems to run fine once it starts running. Any suggestions? The time the fuel pump runs when you turn the key on gets longer as you keep cycling the key. I tried the relay on the firewall with no luck. The pump was replaced a couple years ago.

Thanks for you help guys
 
I think maybe the Idle Air Control (IAC) system?

If the vehicle was mine, I'd test the fuel pressure first.

If the fuel pressure was good ... I would remove the TBI from the intake manifold and clean the seat and channels of the IAC. If there was a considerable build up of carbon in the IAC, then maybe the starting problem will be fixed?

dave w
 
my bet is the fuel pump is getting weak pressure gauge will go a long way, this happen hot or cold? taking forever to start that is
 
I have a fuel pressure gauage hooked up all the time pressure is fine right around 15 psi. I am using a adapter and gauge from http://marine-performance-parts.com/gmtbiperformance.aspx. This happens when the truck has set for a day or so. The other day while wheeling it sat for an hour or so. And started really hard. The IAC channel is not a bad idea. But I am leaning to fuel pump. It will start and run and die almost instanly. Cycle the key wait like 10 seconds and repeat like 10 times and it starts.
 
fuel pump is my gut instinct from what u told me. and it wouldnt be the worst the worst thing to replace cause its not like they never have issues.
 
The pump was replaced a couple years ago. I am just getting sick of replacing parts and not fixing the problem. Once you cycle the pump a bunch of times it runs longer and sounds better. Once it stays running its fine. Fuel pressure is good. But am very worried about it stalling and not starting agian on a trail. What else controls the fuel pump besides the realy? That I have already replaced.
 
the computer controls the relay, it turns it on for like 4 seconds when u turn the ignition on then turns it on again once it sees the engine is started/ has oil pressure u can jump the two terminals in the relay to make the pump run continuous, are u holding the throttle down at all when you are trying to start it, or just cycling the key alot to get it to start?
 
Cycling the key. Never had to do anything with the throttle before. Really shouldnt have to. The weird thing is that once it starts it runs fine. Just getting it running is the problem.
 
the only thing you are doing with cycling the key is making the fuel pump run more and build more pressure, cycling the key really shouldn't affect anything else. so i am going to say u need a pump, they have huge issues with the fuel systems on the chevys. matter of fact i just replaced mine two months ago and right now its only puts out enough fuel for it to idle so i have get a new one again.

by the way what your describing is huge issue on the 96 and up stuff, once u get them started in morning they are fine all day. and a fuel pump takes care of that on those.
 
I wonder? I've seen a similar problem on an 87 Pontiac Grand Am. I ended up replacing the computer.

I wonder? If the distributor reference pulse is not working from the distributor module? I think the reference pulse is in by-pass until the engine reaches 400 RPM, then the ECM will operate the ignition timing.

I think it would be a good idea to take the distributor cap off, and look to see if maybe a connector to the ignition module has some corrosion
 
just throw a 50$ pump into it and be done with it. i dont mean to be rude but im 99.999999999999% positive it will take care of it, u call any mechanic and tell them your vehicle and your symptoms and i would be willing to bet fuel pump would jump right into their head. unless their is something else going on that your not telling/ or noticing.
 
The price of the pump isnt the problem. Its just so much fun taking the tank outside in the dirt lol. Just wanna be sure before I have to take it out. Tonight I tried to get it back to my house, it was at a buddy's. Never was able to get it running tonight. Tommorow I am going to take my trailer over and get the truck back to the house. Then steam all the mud off from the last wheeling trip and take the tank out. I am going to replace the sending unit which is also bad at the same time. Thanks for your help. Will report back when I get the tank back in.
 
Not saying the pump is the problem, but if it is, you'll understand why Delco is the only name in fuel pumps. This is like ignition modules...it may cost more, but in the long run, is getting stranded or doing the job multiple times a better choice?
 
rockauto.com seems to have good prices and sells Delco stuff, but if you get the Delco part number, you can also check places like eBay.

eBay anymore seems to be parts vendors charging way too much for shipping, but it never hurts to check. When people list only by part number, seldom does anyone else find it.
 
Walbro are also very good pumps. I have always had good luck with them.
Pump # for TBI is 5CA401

Also check/replace the ignition module as said in eariler posts before dropping the tank.
 
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