Problems starting '98 Astro also....

[Droctrebor]

My situation may be a bit different than some of the others posted here.

I have a '98 Astro with 112k miles on it. I have been experiencing some starting problems. A couple months ago, my van up and wouldn't start. I got a jump , drove it home and upon approaching my driveway it died right there and of course I lost all power (that was exciting bleh) . Anyway, I had the battery checked, it tested bad, had it replaced and everything was great until this week. Maybe the past problem has nothing to do with this one but.... Anyway, this week the van has really labored to start. I turn the ignition and get VERY little response until the battery gauge is down to the very last "red line" (on the dead side obviously). At that point , it turns over strongly but will take a second or two before the engine catches up, almost as if it is choking. Sometimes I need to rev at high rpm's to keep it running, and again, this will only be for a few seconds , then all is good and everything runs fine.
I had the battery, the starter and the alternator tested the very first day it wasn't cranking quite right. All tested ok. The starting of the van seems to be a bit more labored everyday. Is it possible it is a bad battery and it just wasn't reading bad because the problem was just forming ? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thank you ahead of time for your responses.

Regards,
Bob

[Droctrebor]

<crickets>

[95silverado]

Check and see if you coolant level is low. If it is, you might have a leaking intake manifold gasket, or head gasket. If coolant is getting in to one of the cylinders, it will make it difficult for the starter to turn the engine over. It will make the engine run rough, untill all the coolant is blown out of the cylinder.