Trouble Starting

[dustertwister]

Well after countless hours of forum searches and reading replys I thought I had my problem solved. My 01 chevy truck will only start on the second or third attempt. I can crank on the first attempt for several seconds with no luck - but letting off the starter and then back on will allow it to fire up.

I've replaced the fuel filter, pressure regulator "FPR" (I thought that was the golden ticket to my problems), spark plugs, and spark plug wires. No luck.

I does not matter if it is cold or hot (weather or the truck); morning day or night. The second or third attempt is when it will start. I been driving the truck like this for over a month and I am worried that the starter is going to go soon if I keep it up.

My last bet is the fuel pump. Does any have any ideas before I take on that task? BTW - I am getting the P0446 code (evap restriction), could this be the cause?

Thanks guys.

[masapell]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=622469

From one of our resident gurus!!! In this, it talks about the code you are experiencing. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Matt

[J-Ri]

Try cycling the key back and forth between off and run/on (don't go to start) several times, pausing on run for about two seconds each time then try to start it. If it starts right up, it's probably the check valve in the pump. If you have a fuel pressure guage, hook it up and see if it reads anything the first couple tries.

[dustertwister]

J-Ri cycling the system does not seem to help either. I tried leaving it in the "run" position for serveral seconds before starting, cycling the system, and a combination of both. Just attempts to start will get it started. I have not checked the fuel pressure yet.

I can say that once running it runs great - no hesitation or idle problems. This is why I am not ready to go buy a new pump just yet.

Finally, does anyone know where to clean a restriction in the evap system? I cant find any information about a common plugging location.

Thanks again.

[rjeffery]

My truck had the same symptoms, no code though. I replace the FPR & fuel filter, did not help. I did a fuel pressure test, and found that prerssure was leaking off fast after shutdown. I replaced the fuel pump and it solved the problem. Got my pump at O'Reilleys for ~$300.

Do a fuel pressure test and post back the results.

[silveradofirerescu]

This may be a stupid question, but bear with me as I am young and inexperienced. Why can't you just put a check valve in the fuel line if thats all that is failing with the fuel pump? It seems it would save you 300 bucks for a new pump. It would require some creative tubing work I can imagine, but I'm sure someone here has thought of this. Also, how long does a replacement pump last? Hopefully a hell of a lot longer than the original.

Thanks,
Derek

[HanibalTheCannibal]

It almost seems as if your pcm is having to relearn the crank position each time. Its like it loses its memory. once the crank has turned it learns then has to be turned off to store. Then second crank and VOLA!

Please realize I am a human trying to relate to a computerized truck

I really hope you get that figured out.

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by silveradofirerescu

This may be a stupid question, but bear with me as I am young and inexperienced. Why can't you just put a check valve in the fuel line if thats all that is failing with the fuel pump? It seems it would save you 300 bucks for a new pump. It would require some creative tubing work I can imagine, but I'm sure someone here has thought of this. Also, how long does a replacement pump last? Hopefully a hell of a lot longer than the original.

Thanks,
Derek

I can't say that I've ever seen a stand-alone check valve for sale anywhere. I suppose it could be done, but most of the new hoses cannot be repaired/spliced, and bending a section of line without crimping it shut would take a pretty big loop.

I don't think I've ever had to replace a fuel pump a second time, and some of my customers fill their tank to 1/4 and drive till the "low fuel" light has been on for days.

[ripptide56]

I had the same problem. I just replaced my fuel pump yesterday and it solved the problem.. I could try to start the truck but all it would do is keep cranking and then I would turn the key off and try again and it would start right up..Sounds like the problem your having..