87 not running... not getting gas

96cavi · #1 03-13-2005, 02:10 PM

i bought a 1987 chevrolet 1/2 ton with a 350.... the only thing is that it doesnt run. when i go to start it all it does it tick.. i figured that i am not getting any gas. how can i tell what would be wrong with it and if anyone here can help me out that would be great..

bigdaddy1832 · #2 03-13-2005, 05:08 PM

First off you need to get it turning over. Sounds like the battery is weak or bad connections to cables. Could also be a starter. Once you get it turning over with the starter then you can check if it is getting gas and firing.

96cavi · #3 03-13-2005, 10:40 PM

it will turn over but it sounds like it is not getting gas to get it to start

J-Ri · #4 03-14-2005, 12:00 AM

Have someone crank it for you. Remove the air cleaner assembly and watch the fuel injectors while it is cranking. They should have a cone shaped spray, and should pulse on and off.

chevytrucks92 · #5 03-14-2005, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Ri

Have someone crank it for you. Remove the air cleaner assembly and watch the fuel injectors while it is cranking. They should have a cone shaped spray, and should pulse on and off.

Either do what he said or get a friend to just turn the key on while you remove the gas lid and listen to see if you can hear the fuel pump running.

If you can't hear it running, then you need a pump. If you can hear it running, you got an electrical problem (probably the controle module or pick-up coil).

96cavi · #6 03-14-2005, 09:22 PM

i didnt get a chance to look at it trying to start it but when i pour gas into the fuel injection part right under the air filter it will start up for a second then die out. i dont know if this would be from pump failure or from using an underpowered battery. im going to get a new battery tomm and charge it and see if that helps...thanks for the replies

J-Ri · #7 03-15-2005, 03:54 AM

If it will start, even for just a few power strokes, the battery is fine. Sounds like it is probably the fuel pump not working. It could be something as simple as a blown fuse for the pump. Check the simple things first. I can just about guarantee you the battery is not to blame.

96cavi · #8 03-15-2005, 07:17 AM

im kinda new to trucks like these so could you possibly tell me where the fuse would be for the pump?? thanks

J-Ri · #9 03-15-2005, 06:20 PM

Right behind the emergency brake pedal. Check the owners manual to see which fuse is for the fuel pump, or just test all of them.

96cavi · #10 03-16-2005, 07:02 PM

well... i checked the fuses and they all seemed to be good... tomm after school im going to check the fuel lines and filter... hopefully ill find something.. anything else i should check while im under there? thanks

J-Ri · #11 03-17-2005, 04:11 AM

It's probably the fuel pump. Could be a broken wire, bad relay, bad ground, or the pump itself. The pumps are a bit hard to change. You may want to take it to a shop if you determine that it is most likely the fuel pump. You have to drop the tank (just hope you're near empty), and the straps holding it on get pretty rusty. You have to drop it slow too, otherwise you'll rip off wires and the lines.

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