Unable to start my 91

[91ablaze]

Hi all, my 91 is giving me a challenge. I can not start the vehicle. The motor (350, TBI) is turning over but it just will not start. This is what I have done thus far.
- replaced starter and solenoid

- checked for gas and both injectors are working fine, getting plenty gas in the TBI

- checked for spark by pulling the #3 wire and grounded to the block, this was okay.

What else should I be looking out for? Thanks in advance.

 

[dyeager535]

You say plenty of gas, are the injectors actually injecting while the engine cranks?

Might want to start paying attention in the "4.3L won't start" thread in this forum.

 

[91ablaze]

"You say plenty of gas, are the injectors actually injecting while the engine cranks? "

Yes, I visually saw them spray as the engine was cranking. I'll try to check the suggested thread.

 

[91ablaze]

Dorian, I tried to search (nothing came back) the suggested thread but I could not locate it. Can you recall the approximate date of the last post?

 

[dyeager535]

It was today, just scroll through them.

If it's fueling (injectors pulsing, they have fuel to them), then it's got to be ignition related, even if you are getting spark.

 

[chevyjeff]

try this, hold gas pedal to floor and try to start. Like you would a flooded carb, engine. It might take some cranking but if it does start your idle air control selonioid is fubared.

 

[R72K5]

Dorian, I tried to search (nothing came back) the suggested thread but I could not locate it. Can you recall the approximate date of the last post?

yeah i cant find this supposed existing thread either, search doesnt find it or anything,

what gives ?

 

[dyeager535]

OK, it's 4.3 and oil pressure.

It's your thread anyways I was referring too. Whoops.

 

[Thunder]

Check for trouble codes.

 

[grindkings]

YOu should check your ecm fuse. Or your ecm my not be working at all. Mine went bad also.

 

[91ablaze]

try this, hold gas pedal to floor and try to start. Like you would a flooded carb, engine. It might take some cranking but if it does start your idle air control selonioid is fubared.

Chevyjeff, I owe you. I tried your recommendation and my puppy started like a bleeding locomotive. The blue smoke that came out of the tailpipe (from all my cranking) woke up the dead. I'm going to order the air control valve and replace it this weekend. I'll keep you posted. Again thanks for your suggestion.

 

[dyeager535]

Have you done the IAC reset procedure first?

Not sure that an IAC reset will fix the problem, but maybe it will? Can't hurt to try, right?

 

[91ablaze]

Dorian, anything is possible. I read my manual and there was no mention of a reset. Unless you mean disconnecting the battery which I did while changing the starter and solenoid. Can you provide me a quick overview of the process? Thanks…

 

[dyeager535]

go over to thirdgen.org and look under tech articles, believe it is titled IAC/TPS reset or something like that. I believe same procedure TBI or TPI.

Sorry, in a hurry here, can't go look for the article right now.

 

[91ablaze]

try this, hold gas pedal to floor and try to start. Like you would a flooded carb, engine. It might take some cranking but if it does start your idle air control selonioid is fubared.

Chevyjeff, it worked!!! My rig is purring like a kitten again. Thank you so much!!! I took the simple route of just replacing the solenoid with a new one from Kragen Auto. The cost was $40 and the installation less than a minute. If you’re ever in Northern California let me know I’ll buy the beers.