I have a 2001 Chevy express 1500 with a 4.3 v6. Vehicle has 167k on it. This morning I tried to leave for work and van wouldnt start. I have fuel at the rails and spark at the plug but it wont fire. I replaced the cam sensor and fuel filter but have had no luck. the van ran fine last night. It has been taking a while to start because the check valve in the fuel pump went bad but it always starts. I bled the fuel rails until nothing came out then turned the engine over and rechecked the rails to make sure I have fuel. There was fuel at the bleeder valve. My only thought is that the fuel injectors arent working. Is there a sensor or relay for them? I appreicate any help as this is my work van and the fact that it wont run means I cant work and if I cant work then I really afford to take it anywhere to be fixed. Thanks for taking the time to read my question. Jeremy

Your method of checking the fuel is of no help at all. This is a high pressure system and a drop of only 5 pounds will cause it not to start. This truck needs a minimum of 55 PSI to run so you need to get a fuel pressure gauge and find out what you have.




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Thanks HT. So is it safe to say that if my pressure is low then the fuel pump went out again?

No, not necessarily although it is quite common.

I would pinch off the return to see if it spikes up. If it doesn't, the pump is likely shot but you need to verify that is is getting full current. They have a known problem with the connectors going into the tank and the one inside the tank also.




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All of the fuel lines are aluminum or hard plastic which Im not sure I should be pinching. Is there another place on the car/motor where the return line is rubber?

I believe the is a rubber section right at the back of the engine right near the bell housing if I remember right.




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they are both aluminum. i checked the pressure and it is at 44 psi. Is it your impression that 44 psi is low enough to cause the engine to not even fire?


(This post was edited by bandjeremy on Nov 19, 2009, 11:01 AM)

That's a definite. It takes 55 to run. Anything under that can't push the poppet injectors open




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Thanks a million! You've been a huge help. Have a great day.