Help Multiple Problems

dhughins · 10-13-2003, 09:41 PM

I've asked some of these before but i'll try again.

I have a 2000 4wd ext. cab

1st starting problems, everything sounds fine just takes a couple tries to start, maybe can't get gas?It has 58000 miles, new fuel filter, cleaned out throttle body best i could. countless bottles of fuel injector cleaner and octane boost.

2nd disappearing coolant. Where the h*@#$ is it going? i have to add some every week and a half. it's not in my oil and not on the ground.

The Dealership has looked @ both of these and said couldn't find anything wrong!
They said to bring it back if it gets worse! This sucks!

3rd a gurgling? sound under the dash on the passenger side. kinda sounds like a finished coffee pot or rocks rolling around. It happens when i accelerate.

Thanks for any help!!!!!!!!!

GMMerlin · 10-14-2003, 07:31 AM

Loss of fuel pressure or a bad fuel pressure regulator will cause the hard start problem.
Also using a higher grade gad or octane booster will have an effect on starting.
The calibrations in the PCM are set for the crappest fuel you can buy. Higher octane fuels will evaporate faster and cause hard starts.
On the coolant leak, it has to be going somewhere. Look for white streaks down the engine block or around the water pump and radiator.
You may have a temperature induced leak that only happens cold or hot.
Gurgling sound may be coolant passing through the heater core..there was a fix for that by removing the restrictor...I'll have to do a search for that one.

dhughins · 10-14-2003, 02:29 PM

i was running cheap gas until i started having problems then i switched to mid grade.

RABarrett · 10-14-2003, 04:04 PM

Due to the age involved, I suggest checking the fuel pressure, consider a pump. Does the gurgle change when operating the heater? The leak may be visible on a pressure test. Also, it is possible for the coolant to disappear during the warm-up of the engine, causing a somewhat larger amount of steam in the exhaust. It may be disappearing that way. You might try the GM recommended cooling system sealing tablets, available through K-Mart, Wal-Mart etc. Do not use the Bar's Leaks or other heavy duty stuff except as a last resort. It creates more problems than it solves. Locate the source and fix it. Ray

GMMerlin · 10-14-2003, 06:25 PM

You will need to install a fuel pressure gage and check fuel pressure at startup. Should read 55-65 psi with the key on and engine off and should not drop more than 5psi in 10 minutes.
With the engine running you should see a fuel pressure of around 60 psi and a 5-10 psi jump when accelerating

dhughins · 10-15-2003, 06:20 PM

The dealership pressure tested the coolant system. They also checked out the starting problem and told me to come back when it gets worse. they couldn't find anything wrong with either. I haven't been using the heat down here since the gurgling started, but it makes it if the air is on or off.The truck ain't under warranty so i'm gonna have to pay.

dhughins · 10-15-2003, 06:22 PM

where do i insert pressure gauge?

GMMerlin · 10-16-2003, 09:42 AM

Look on the fuel rail, there is a black plastic cap over the shrader valve...fuel pressure gage screws onto the shrader valve.

woodyh61 · 10-18-2003, 08:50 PM

Had the same problem with mine on the starting 2000 2500 4x4 [happened 2 times] both times the security system problem , the code showed it was bad replaced it both times also hapened to my daughters 2000 grand prix it stopped also after being replaced, also on the 2000 you will find that your left running lighjt will burn out, replace it with a 14 amp bulb not a 12 volt,[per chev dealer] another problem you will encounter will be a faulty fuel sending unit. try www.alldata.com for tech bullitens

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