Cranks, no spark at coil

[Sonwatcher]

I thought I was having a fuel pump issue as my Bravada was starting hard to the point where it quit. I was hearing the fuel pump ok but no start. I checked the coil and the spark was very weak and yellow. I put a new coil on and got it started. But then it was starting hard again.Then no start at all . I checked the new coil and there was no spark at all. I went and bought another coil and still no spark out of the coil. Any suggestions ?

[old_master]

Year, make, model, and the 8th character in the VIN is necessary for us to help you with diagnosis. Is the SES light on? Have you checked for DTC's? Have you checked fuel pressure and leakdown rate?

[Sonwatcher]

99 Bravada. Don't have the vin at the moment. I have not checked the fuel as I didn't think no spark at all would result from fuel . There is no light on.

[old_master]

Is there battery voltage on the pink wire at the coil while cranking?

Does voltage pulse on the black with white stripe wire at the coil while cranking?

[Sonwatcher]

Ok, I checked the wires and rechecked connections. Voltage in both areas and spark from distributor. I tried cranking but battery was quite low so I gave a shot of starting fluid and it started right up. Right now I am letting the alternator do some charging so I can turn it off and let it set then try to start it again.

[Sonwatcher]

New question. I went out to start it and it wouldn't start again. I read on here in a couple of different posts how the people hit the bottom of the tank and the vehicle started so I decided to try it. Believe it or not it worked ! Does anyone have an explanation for this ?

[old_master]

Both are classic symptoms of a faulty fuel pump. If a shot of carb cleaner, (never use starting fluid), starts the engine, you probably have low fuel pressure. Banging on the tank indicates a failing fuel pump. That's why I asked in my first post if you checked fuel pressure and leakdown.

[Sonwatcher]

Thanks ! I plan on getting a fuel pressure gauge tomorrow .

[Sonwatcher]

Replaced the pump and works great now. We called a local auto parts and asked for a pump. We explained that the old pump's warranty had run out that we purchased at another auto parts . He said to call the other parts store and explain that the warranty was out for 3 1/2 months and ask if there was any help we could still get for it. So we called and they said they would get back to us. In a matter of minutes the manager from the other parts store called back and said they would go ahead and replace the pump. That amazed me. Not only did the local parts store help us with this suggestion but he sacrificed a sale to do so and the other store didn't have to replace the pump but they did. Thank the Lord! With funds at a low point this was a true blessing !

[old_master]

Did you check fuel pressure and leakdown to confirm a faulty pump before you replaced it? If so, what were the results?

[Sonwatcher]

No I didn't as I was having to work late and not able to get the gauge. What I did do was push in the Shrader valve when cranked and the gas just dribbled as if it had no pressure at all. So because of that I took a shot at the pump. I do plan on getting a gauge soon to have on hand . But thank you very much for all your help ! It's nice to be on the road again .

[old_master]

yup, a dribble would indicate low pressure! When you get the gauge, just out of curiosity, check it and post back in this thread. Glad you got her going.

[Sonwatcher]

Forgot to report back here. The new pump goes to 64-65 then drops to around 60. after 2-3 min. it is around 58-59 .