98 bravada won't start, not sure if fuel pump is problem.

My 98 Bravada, until this morning, was having a hard time starting first thing in the morning. Would turn key on and off 2-3 times, could hear fuel pump, and finally start, but would sputter and run rough for a couple of minutes, then run good rest of day. But this morning go to start and now can't even hear the fuel pump and engine is not even attempting to start. The motor is a 4.3 if that matters, have not checked fuel pressure yet either. Have checked other threads but didn't see anything on this particular problem. Any help would be appreciated.

Fuel pressure is the first thing I would check. If you have the spider fuel system, it is noted for problems.

Spider fuel system? Please elaborate.

They call it a spider fuel system because of the legs coming off the injectors.

Follow this previous post http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1018941 and check the fuel pressure first.

Like Eric says and here's where you check the pressure,

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p288/Clunk_/Image026.jpg

I had that same problem when I first bought my bravada, but it ended up being a short that drained the battery.

I had that same problem when I first bought my bravada, but it ended up being a short that drained the battery. See if the battery is good.

Thanks for sharing sdrosos!

I know this reply is late but a quick way to check for fuel pressure is to push on shader valve on fuel rail..if nothing comes out u have no pressure..not a accurate check but will point u in right direction.

I know this reply is late but a quick way to check for fuel pressure is to push on shader valve on fuel rail..if nothing comes out u have no pressure..not a accurate check but will point u in right direction.

This test is only valid if you have no fuel when you press on the valve. You need 60 pounds of fuel pressure so don't be fooled by a weak stream when you push on the shrader valve, you will still need to test it.

Hey Chris, do you think one of those 99 cent tire pressure gauges could be used to check the fuel pressure on a shrader valve? I'll have to try that someday. By the way I got Sylvester to pass the emissions test and back on the road for under $50.

Just hope you can find out the reason quickly. Good luck.

This test is only valid if you have no fuel when you press on the valve. You need 60 pounds of fuel pressure so don't be fooled by a weak stream when you push on the shrader valve, you will still need to test it.

Hey Chris, do you think one of those 99 cent tire pressure gauges could be used to check the fuel pressure on a shrader valve? I'll have to try that someday. By the way I got Sylvester to pass the emissions test and back on the road for under $50.

The tire valve stem is smaller than a schrader valve.
Harbor Freight has that test pressure kit on sale for around $20 every now and then.

Good on Sylvester, what was wrong?

The tire valve stem is smaller than a schrader valve.
Harbor Freight has that test pressure kit on sale for around $20 every now and then.

Good on Sylvester, what was wrong?

Did a smoke test and about every hose was leaking. One under the egr valve was completely missing. To many air leaks drove the hydrocarbon count way up. I guess it was to be expected, all the rubber is over 23 years old now.

Thanks, I'll start checking hoses.