98 astro starting issues

[ER|BeerMan]

It will start fine the first time after sitting for a few hours, but if I turn it off and try to restart it won't unless I push the gas pedal to the floor. Changed fuel pump and filter because it had low fuel pressure. That didn't help. Also changed the fuel pressure regulator ( which was a giant pain. ) That didn't help either. I gave it a tune up about 130,000 miles when it had no issues at all. The van now has 150,000 + on it. My mechanic suggests I stop throwing money into it. Any thoughts?????

[old_master]

When you hold the pedal to the floor and try to start the engine, the ECM disables the injectors. If it starts like this, you most likely have a fuel leak in the plenum. It could be a leaky fuel injector or an O ring leaking inside the plenum. The ECM does not directly monitor the injectors so the check engine light may or may not come on. The easy way to confirm a leak is to do a fuel pressure and leakdown test. Key ON, engine OFF and cold, fuel pump running, fuel pressure must be 60psi to 66psi and must remain above 55psi for 3 to 5 minutes after the fuel pump shuts off. Post your results.

[ER|BeerMan]

Ended up being the engine coolant temp. sensor. 20$ part just below the thermostat housing. That threw a check engine light about 2 months ago along with a Mass Air Flow code, but this starting problem didn't start until about a month ago. Changed the Mass Air Flow Sensor but not the coolant temp. sensor. Didn't throw another check engine code so I kinda forgot about it. I talked to a teacher at Lincon Tech and he told me to change that. It did the trick. Now it starts like and champ every time. I did the fuel pressure leak test it it was good. Thanks for the info.

Kevin