TBI no fuel when cranking

[nutt7]

I searched, found an exact problem, but no solution was posted...

So a couple years ago my suburban would not start, no fuel would spray while cranking. With starting fluid, it would start and run no problem. It has never shut off/stumbled after I started it.
As a workaround, I wired a pushbutton to the injector wire. When I turn the ignition on, I tap the button to send a ground pulse to an injector, crank it, then it starts and runs! (been doing this for a couple years now).
I kinda like the "problem" since it adds a bit of extra security, but I would like to know the problem just in case another problem develops from it later. Any ideas?
BTW, the previous owner (former brother in law) had to run a separate "hot on run" wire to the fuel pump since the factory one quit working. Could this be related to my current issue?
If it matters, I get the occasional CEL (unsure of code), but ONLY when running on the freeway for 10+ minutes. Upon stopping and restarting, the light goes away. No noticeable changes in drivability occur when the CEL turns on.

 

[KansasTwister]

No advice, but may help find info, what year is it?

 

[diesel4me]

There is a "5 second prime" circuit on the fuel pump on most EFI vehicles,and GM had problems with the wiring on their fuel pumps ,its a fairly common problem,thats why when you buy a new fuel pump they oftem come with a new plug you must use ,as its different than the factory one that is prone to corrosion and poor connections..

If someone just ran a new hot wire to the fuel pump it is very possible the 5 second prime circuit is no longer operative,I bet thats why you get no fuel when cranking--its supposed to energize the fuel pump for 5 seconds when you first turn on the key,so the fuel system is primed and bled before cranking it over--you should hear the fuel pump run when the key is turned "on" for a few seconds--it may run anyway if its hot wired,but without the wiring hooked up factory the prime circuit might not be working...I've seen a bad oil pressure switch cause this kind of trouble too,often the fuel pump is wired into the oil pressure switch,so it wont keep pumping if the engine stalls and loses oil pressure...

 

[Stomis]

Diesel4me hit the nail on the head. Your CEL is more than likely an EGR code and unrelated.

 

[nutt7]

No advice, but may help find info, what year is it?

It's an 89