2001 s-10 extreme runs great but needs starting fluid to start help!

[kevnchelle]

HI, i have a 2001 s10 extreme. Love this truck just got it a few months ago, n its been starting on the second time of trying for awhile, now it wont start most of the time without putting starting fluid into the intake. used fuel injector cleaner, started using priemum gas, new fuel filter, no luck!!! it runs great once its running no stalling or any problems at all! auto zone says system is running to lean what the heck does that mean? please help!! and thank you!!
Michelle
oh its a V6 also

[MT-2500]

What engine and what code no?
Any other codes?
Any vacuum leaks or air intake leaks?

System running lean is just what it says fuel mistur on lean side.
Having to start with starting juice is a sign of fuel delivery problem.

First step is a good full fuel pressure test.
Post back starting and engine cold and hot running fuel pressures.

If a 4.3 V6

Fuel pump and pressure checking guide lines.

The only true test on a fuel pump is to check the direct fuel pressure from fuel pump.
A quick test is to block off the return line and see if fuel pressure comes up to 75-85 lbs.
But do not run the pump at full pressure very long.
Also when testing fuel pump and pressure you need to tape a gauge to outside windshield or outside mirror and drive it on the road for 20 -30 minutes
until the pump gets has run a while to check for a pump fading out after hot.

Hard to start cold or hot and fuel pressure testing guide lines.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
If pump has full pressure with return line blocked and low pressure without it blocked most usually the fuel pressure regulator is leaking or not holding pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak in system.

[kevnchelle]

ok, thanks!! the fuel pressure test went like this- the first time we turn the key forward we have 40 then it drops (it doesnt hold the pressure) the second time we turn the key forward we have 50 then it drops............it does that consistantly! and the engine is the 4.3lv6

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by kevnchelle

ok, thanks!! the fuel pressure test went like this- the first time we turn the key forward we have 40 then it drops (it doesnt hold the pressure) the second time we turn the key forward we have 50 then it drops............it does that consistantly! and the engine is the 4.3lv6

Way to low.
You need 64-65 lbs of fuel pressure to squirt injector on a cold start.
Do the full test to see if fuel pump is weak or leakage some place and pinpoint leakage if you have leakage.

A good strong fuel pump should hit 95-105 lbs of direct pressure.

[kevnchelle]

oh and running it stays at 54

[MT-2500]

About 10 lbs low.

Is that idle or on the road or cold or hot.
Specs are 60/66 lbs.

They will run all day on 54 lbs but will run lean and not real good.
And not start when they get cold.

Go threw the full fuel pressure test as outlined to find your problem and post back all fuel pressure test readings.

[kevnchelle]

thank you i will do that!! i did notice, when i turn the key forward the fuel pump kicks on it runs for a few seconds then stops then i hear a hissing sound for quite awhile coming from the tank! is this normal?

[MT-2500]

Not real normal.
See if you still hear it with return line blocked off.

Are you checking it with over a half tank of fuel?