87 Suburban stalls and hard to restart

[stevevit]

My 87 Suburban has always been reliable but last winter started giving me some problem. When it was cool and but more often when wet/rainy it would sometimes not start. Later in the winter i had more problems with it not starting and i think it was the modual. I had the cap, rotor, coil and modual replaced but due to cold weather the truck sat for a bit and i didn't get back to it for about a year. In that time i did start it and drive it around a little but it never really ran smooth.

I just bought a new battery and added some fresh fuel and I did get it started but it stalled when i gave it a little too much throttle and now something new - the check engine light comes on. It does start but once it stalls it takes forevery to dry out (flooded) and almost impossible to restart right away.

I haven't changed the plugs (i took one out and it's not fouled) and the spark plug wires are old but I'm thinking it's more of an injector problem because of the check engine light - anyone have any ideas?

[stevevit]

Ok I changed the plugas and wires and the same thing happens. It starts fine and drives around quite nice for a few miles with the check engine light on then it hesitates/backfires and it stalls.

I can restart - but only with the throttle fully open. The engine sputters so bad it barely runs expelling black smoke. It's flooded with fuel and takes hours to dry out and start easily. I read the post on the 2001 stall problem and I'm thinking of replacing the fuel regulator (where ever the heck that is). Is replacing the fuel regulator a real pain in the ass? I'm just an ok wrench and have basic tools.

[Mintman]

I did mine and it was easy. I have a 2000. This site might be helpful. It was to me. It gives you step by step instructions for your vehicle. It costs 24.99 per year. To me, it was worth it.
http://www.alldatadiy.com/index.html

Good Luck,
John

[stevevit]

Before I replace the regulator I was told I should use jumpers to find out the trouble codes. First it flashes code 12, then a code 15 which means

"If the engine is experiencing coolant sensor/low temp problems the problem must be rectified before continuing. Check all wiring and connectors associated with the coolant temperature sensor. Replace the coolant temperature sensor, then check the wiring connections at the ECM."

I hate to sound stupid but what is the ecm? I'm sure my truck doesn't have a cooling problem but it does get flooded, loaded up and will miss until it gets so bad it barely runs. I did replace the cap, coil, module, plugs and wires but still no luck. I'm still not sure where the fuel pressure regulator is. Any help is appreciated greatly. Thanks

[Mintman]

I am about as experienced as you. My Fuel Presure Regulator is located on the left side in the middle of the fuel rail, but I have a 2000. I just looked up ECM, it is the Engine Control Module. I think it might be the same as the Powertrain Control Module but don't hold me to it. This is the only description that I found when looking up the ECM...

General Information

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is designed to maintain exhaust emission levels while maintaining excellent driveability and fuel efficiency. The PCM controls the following operations:


The fuel control
The Ignition Control (IC)
The Knock Sensor (KS) system
The automatic transmission shift functions
The manual transmission
The cruise control enable, if so equipped
The generator
The Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) purge
The A/C clutch control, if so equipped
The secondary Air Injection (AIR) , if so equipped
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

But as I said, I have very little experience.

Hope this Helps
John