Any Ideas?

[kimberley04]

I am having a few problems with my suburban. I really hope someone has an idea or two to fix it, without taking it into a shop.

Here is what has 'happened' in the past 2 weeks.

I was driving my truck when it tried to stall at a stop sign. I gave it a bit of gas and it seemed fine. I immediatley went to the gas station (2 blocks away) and put in 3 gallons. (there card machine was down and I only had $5 on me) My gauge was showing that I was nearing empty, but not dangerously so.

I got back on the road, went @ 2 miles and she died in an intersection. ( I was braking and turning when she did) A gentleman stopped to help and said that it was most likely my fuel filter. Another gentleman stopped and said the same thing and that he could pull the filter, run straight gas so I could get to my destination. (less then a block away) He started to work on the engine and ended up taking out a bolt that connected my fuel line to the carb. When he realized that it wasnt the fuel filter he accidently cross threaded it when he tried to put it back. We immediatley noticed gasoline squirting out. We were able to 'prime' the carb and the truck started right up. We couldnt get the gasoline to stop spraying out, so I had it towed home.

I used this black silicone stuff on the bolt and put it back in. I havent had any gasoline spraying out since. It ran well for 1 day, then it wouldnt start. I replaced the fuel filter and it ran well for another day, then it died again. I was able to start it back up by 'priming' it. Now I get a really strong gasoline smell when it is running. I checked around the engine compartment, and along the fuel line under the truck. I cannot find any gasoline leaking anywhere. I thought there might be a leak which would be why it will intermittenly die. I have also thought about replacing the fuel pump, but I currently have a full tank of gas and would like to avoid draining it.

I really know very little about my suburban. It has been such a great truck! Very, very rarely has any problems at all. TIA!

[dirty dan]

We would be able to answer better if we knew what vehicle you're trying to fix. Be sure to include engine size.

[kimberley04]

Very Sorry! Its a 93 Sububan 1500 with a 350 5.7l w/ 4 wheel drive.

I've been thinking on this a lot. When I took it in to fill it up I could only get 35 gallons into the tank. The tank holds 42, so means there was 7 in the tank. Not exactly 'empty'. I was thinking it might be the fuel pump, but I can hear it when I listen by the tank. It doesnt sound excessivley noisy or anything, just a nice 'hum' sound. I also thought it might be the screen on the fuel pump, but again, the fuel pump doesnt sound really loud, which it would if it was trying to pull gasoline through debris, right?

What I do see is NO gasoline spraying into the carb. I am beginning to wonder if the ECM is starting to go out. I can get the truck running if I prime it first. It will run fine as long as I dont idle for too long. Once I let it idle for a few mins, or if I run it with very low RPM's it dies.

Anyone else had a problem like this? Would you empty the tank and replace the fuel pump/screen before the ECM? Thanks so much!

[kimberley04]

I forgot to mention that I was able to track down the gasoline smell. I went back in and took everything 'back out' and put it all 'back in' and the smell is gone. I am pretty sure it was the throttle body. It had gotten bumped around a bit when I was trying to fix that bolt. So, I am back to my original problem of it just dying.

[tiltthe63s]

maybe a relay of somesort going to the fuel pump is shorting out.

[dirty dan]

First check your ECM and Crank fuses. If the ECM doesn't see a crank signal, it won't open the injectors.

Break your fuel line by the filter, open area no sparks or flames, and have someone cut the key on for a moment. If you get a gasoline flow, the problem is elsewhere. If you don't get a flow...
There should be an empty wire connector coming from the plug into your fuel pump relay. When you connect 12 volts to this connector your pump, if it will run, will run. Connect this and see if it make a difference. If the pump now runs, problem is most likely your relay. If the pump doesn't run, replace the pump.

I hope this helps!

[sereilly]

I'm having the same issue. Doesn't seem to be fuel related since it runs great when putting the pedal into it. Suggestions I have recieved have been to check for a loose or damaged rotor and cap, and virtually every emissions part in my suburban. I am down to EGR valve, MAP sensor, knock sensor, or maybe the ECM itself. I'll let you know what fixes it. This is a month late, so I imagine you already fixed yours?

[cheesehead69]

I had this happen on my 95,Found out the ignition coil wire slowly burnt away from the boot @ the coil,Truck would run fine until warmed up.Replaced the wires,cap,rotor,put dabs of grease on all connections,haven't had a problem since(I do carry a spare coil wire with the truck now) The parts were all gm (wire)

[sereilly]

In my case, I had gapped the plugs at .35mm instead of .035 inches. Doh!

[redlion]

sounds like fuel pump and sock filter bad.
If you have never changed the pump, it's time.
Just went through similar, after changing ingni., plugs ect. ended up being pump..

[pind]

sounds eerily like another ignition module problem, no reference signal to trigger the injector, no fuel, no boom, no go.

[kimberley04]

I did switch out the fuel pump and screen. It ended up being the ignition control module. Problem fixed! Unfortunatley, it has developed 2 new problems in the week it has been running. But, that is another post!