Hard to start s-10 4.3 L

I have a 1992 s-10 with 4.3 liter engine. i have owned it since new and it ahs always started very quickly. Recently it has been starting very hard. This has happened pretty much all of a sudden. It turns over fine, but just won't start. Once I have it going it hesitates a bit until it warms up, but then it is ok for the rest of the day and when I shut it off it restarts just fine until the next morning. It may be my imagination but the problem seems worse when it is damp. I have replaced the ignition wires which did not help. Does any one have any ideas for me? I love this little truck but it is fraying my nerves at this point. When I take it in to the garage for diagnoses it always seems to start fine for them ( or so they tell me)

I forgot to add-It does sound as though the fuel pump is running when I turn the key and then for a second or two after I quit trying to crank it ( I guess its the fuel pump) and I do smell gasoline after trying to start it for a couple of minutes-it cranks just fine-it jsut wont start. Help please.

In the morning try turning the key on and off several times to get the fuel pump to cycle each time. If it starts much better I'd guess the pump is on it's way out. Time will tell, it'll run worse and worse in the next several weeks if so. Also, take off distributor cap and look close at rotor and under side of cap, very high voltage in there and any carbon or moisture will cause problems.

thank you Tom.

I've got a 94 S10 4.3L
If you are still having this problem, I'm guessing that your fuel pump is toast, or on it's way to being the end of it's life. Mine just went and while I could hear it when I turned the key, it wasn't producing the required pressure. It may also be your sending unit. I don't know much about the sending unit. About a week ago my Fuel pump gave out, the engine stalled and wouldn't start.

hey Bil453 I am having EXACTLY the same problem, did you get it fixed yet or are you still having problems?

replace the distributor cap... condensation build up over night is prob. your problem... unless of course you have coil packs. i cant remember about that year, if so let me know

Did you fix your starting problem? I have the same problem. Engine turns over fine and runs fine when it finally starts. It starts pretty good first thing in the morning but when it's warm it cranks and cranks and finally starts sometimes it stumbles and coughs to a start with the strong smell of fuel. New pump and filter, new plugs, cap, rotor, and wires. I think it is the fuel pressure regulator, but I wondered what you found out.

1994 S-10 4.3L TBI

Did you fix your starting problem? I have the same problem. Engine turns over fine and runs fine when it finally starts. It starts pretty good first thing in the morning but when it's warm it cranks and cranks and finally starts sometimes it stumbles and coughs to a start with the strong smell of fuel. New pump and filter, new plugs, cap, rotor, and wires. I think it is the fuel pressure regulator, but I wondered what you found out.

1994 S-10 4.3L TBI


sounds like you have a totally different problem.. your is a hot start where his is a cold start.. yous could be a module, maf sensor or crank sensor

I just changed cap and rotor with no positive results