1990 G20 Conversion van slow to start

[ketchamized]

Hi,

I have recently acquired a 1990 G20 Conversion van. It's a high mileage van, 192,000 miles. The van has new spark plugs, new wires, new distributor cap, has Amsoil synthetic oil in the oil, and is a very good running van. The battery is full size, new and charged full. The van idles very smoothly, no irregularities at all whatsoever, mechanically wise. There is a 1 year old starter on the van. I have gone through 3 tanks of gas since we've owned it. So, gas is as fresh as can be.

But, the van is slow to start. I have to crank for 5 to 6 seconds before it starts. The van was parked for a year prior to my ownership. The previous owner stated "the van definitely starts faster when I have "mix n' go" in the gas."

I'm assuming that this is a fuel issue? What could possibly be the problem? These are items that I am thinking that may be the issue:

-Solenoid?
-Fuel pump going bad?

If there is a way to test, please let me know on that too. Thanks so much for your time & response.

[MT-2500]

Fuel pressure gauge will test fuel pressure.
Also check fuel filter.

[ketchamized]

MT-2500,

Thanks so much for your response. I'm mechanically inclined, but I've never messed with the fuel system on a car.

Where would I get a fuel pressure gauge (Advance auto stores, Autozone, Pepboys?) And where on a G20 van would I have to hook it up to test?

Where is the fuel filter located on a 1990 Chevy G20 van? And how do I check, and what do I look for?

[MT-2500]

A lot of parts places loan rent or sell the fuel pressure gauges.

Fule filter is under van side on frame.
Just follow the gas lines from tank to engine and you will see it.

[ketchamized]

MT-2500,

Thanks for your response. I have located the fuel filter. Please forgive me for asking so many questions- I truly do not know what I am doing in regards to the fuel system. I have always done "redneck" mechanic work. That's as far as my mechanical skills go. I haven't really used any gauges for anything. Always have "guessed". This time, I'd like to do it right.

Do I have to cut the gas line in order to use the fuel pressure gauge? (Then reconnect afterwards?) Or is there a receptacle somewhere in which the fuel gauge connects to?

As soon as I hear back, I'll be going to Autozone to get the fuel pressure gauge.

Thanks again

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ketchamized

MT-2500,

Thanks for your response. I have located the fuel filter. Please forgive me for asking so many questions- I truly do not know what I am doing in regards to the fuel system. I have always done "redneck" mechanic work. That's as far as my mechanical skills go. I haven't really used any gauges for anything. Always have "guessed". This time, I'd like to do it right.

Do I have to cut the gas line in order to use the fuel pressure gauge? (Then reconnect afterwards?) Or is there a receptacle somewhere in which the fuel gauge connects to?

As soon as I hear back, I'll be going to Autozone to get the fuel pressure gauge.

Thanks again

Do not cut the line.
When you get the fuel pressure tester ask them for and get the proper fittings to connect it to your truck.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Do not cut the line.
When you get the fuel pressure tester ask them for and get the proper fittings to connect it to your truck.

Many vehicles have a Schrader valve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schraeder_valve ) in the fuel line to provide access for pressure testing.

[Hollowcreek]

I never saw in the original post if this is a fuel injected or carburated model. I had an '88 with a 4 bbl, that the choke stopped working on that had similar issues. A manual choke corrected the problem.