1997 Z71 will not turn over

[soulidefy15]

Hello everyone, thanks in advance for any help I get!

I have a 1997 Chevrolet Z71 4x4 truck. 350 engine.

This morning I went to start the vehicle and it cranks fine but doesnt turn over. It cranks at a normal speed and then every second or so struggles, and then cranks normally again. About 2 weeks ago I went to start it and the starter didnt engage, it just spun. I released, tried again and it started right up. It did that twice over about two weeks. I figured the starter had gotten too weak, so I replaced.... No help.

The truck has been running quite rough for a little while, and I was doing research to replace the valves and sensors that were recommended (EGR and Idle Air Valves), but the truck seems to have decided that I will do this maintenance now, whatever it is. By running rough, I mean, when it idles, it shakes some. Going down the highway, it runs fine and doesnt miss or anything like that. It is sluggish, but it is a 16 yr old truck with 230000 miles, so it just seemed somewhat normal.

I have checked for spark, and verified that. I can smell fuel when I crank, so I dont think its a fuel problem, although tomorrow I will see if it will fire off starter fluid to verify.

I have had the rotor go out before, but it seems when it did that it didnt stagger when I crank.

Any ideas? I have heard camshaft/crankshaft position sensors could be a solution, but would like to get some ideas before I troubleshoot with money.

Like I said, thanks in advance.

Josh-

[j cAT]

have the battery load tested and clean all battery wires and grounds.
at your mileage replace the distributor. these fail at this mileage or sooner.

measure the fuel pressure with a pressure gage. need 62-65 psi on cold start.

cps could be a problem also with loosing signal. check wires/connector. remove and clean sensor. make sure it is securely in the proper position.

when these fail many times the output is erratic.

[soulidefy15]

how do i and what do i need to execute a pressure test?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by soulidefy15

how do i and what do i need to execute a pressure test?

get a manual also go to you tube for video on this test.

you will need a pressure gage auto zone should have it ask for info and how to hook up.