Crank No Start - 4.3L Vortec V6 Chevy Van 1500- No Error Codes, Fuel Pump or Ignition? Let’s Fix It!

[@HandyHanzelplumber]

I was broke so i only changed the fuel filter and it started!!! God is good!!!

[@jerrymatos6614]

I just wanted to thank you for posting this video tutorial. I was having the same issue with the same type of van and almost gave up. Came across your video and immediately installed the distributer and rotor which solved the problem. Again, thank you.

[@stanleyfoxx3227]

Glad you got it fixed. Happy new year. Nothing more rewarding than solving something like this.

[@randydykstra5687]

Thank you, I was having the same issue and thought it was the fuel pump this vid sent me towards the cap and rotor. Another thing that helped me was that my spark plugs were black and dry meaning that I had a rich fuel mix so I doubted that it was the pump.

[@dlewallen112991]

Great diagnostic video! Glad you got it fixed!

[@RockymountainRobert]

The main issue with these 4.3s is the two point connector plug that goes to the ignition coil, wiggle it or use a zip tie and fasted down the two wires real tight to the couple, and it will start, what happens is it gets loose or burnt at the terminal.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@RockymountainRobert…. Thanks for the tip. I’m sure your right that the coil connection is weak point since it’s just one coil for all six cylinders and if the connection is loose or corroded will cause random misfires or complete loss of spark. Thanks again for watching and commenting.

[@alexmarquez4409]

Happy new year, señor!! ...thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Alex … Happy New Year to you too. I hope the video helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@crafter170]

Another educational video .Crystal clear steps to fault find .Great .

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Crafter…Thanks for kind remarks. I appreciate your watching and hope you get something out of the video.

[@crafter170]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair Every day is a school day sir .My Scots engineering mind goes to work watching your vids .Don't understand why your views are not in the millions .I would diversify and do basic oil changes etc .Mix it in with your big stuff as your step by step tuition is great .

[@crafter170]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair ps got a minted little honda 2.3hp for 250 quid just there .Had to have it as a wee back up .Nice little trinket....

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Crafter…That is probably the best compliment I have ever received. I’ve only been making videos for the last two years so maybe there’s still time 😂. I will definitely do as you suggest and mix it up with a quick and easy DIY oil change or something like that down the road. Keep up the great suggestions, I really like and appreciate your excellent ideas.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Crafter…I really like those little ones they are a lot of fun to work on. Sometimes challenging to get into the smaller areas. Thanks again for sharing your projects.

[@dominikzaleski4706]

That’s so cool! I have a distributor cap on my outboard and it almost looks the same!

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Dominik Zaleski…. Thanks again for watching. If your talking about the 75 hp Johnson I serviced for you then yes. The manual refers to this type of ignition system as “Automotive “.

[@15minigrass]

Thankyou. Really helped me with this Savana

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Kalei Shintsni … Thank you for watching and commenting. I’m very glad if this video helped you.

[@stanleyfoxx3227]

Glad you got it fixed! Funny how the cap and rotor had that much impact. Happy new year.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Stanley… Happy New Year to you too. Yea I really thought it was going to be the fuel pump. The spark was just to weak to turn it over. I should have replaced the cap and rotor when doing the plugs and wires. I was just on a budget. Live and learn.

[@TheDogLife5225]

Notorious for those short coil wires to break inside the plastic, so it doesnt look broken

[@ozarkdaredevils]

Thank you , ,great video . I have a 2000 silverado with a 6cyl. 4.3 liter engine that wont start . I will use your steps and hopefully takes care of the problem .

[@joetoga-vp6wn]

I have a 05 Silverado 4.3 L with this issue did it fix yours?

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@joetoga-vp6wn yes, it’s run great for two years now.

[@GregJGreen]

My '07 Sierra has the 4.3 and is doing the exact same thing. It wouldn't start this morning (at least it did me the favor of waiting until I got home last night). It's been missing for the past 2-3 weeks and the check engine light has been coming on and off intermittently. The rotor and cap were absolutely fried when my buddy replaced them for me around 5 years ago (looked like they'd seen well over 100k), so hopefully that's the problem. My back and hands are riddled with arthritis, but I think I have enough in the ole tank to do this much before dropping a big piece of change into the mechanic's pocket. Funny thing is it only had around 35,000 on the odometer last time they were changed, and I'm at just under 55k now, so I'm thinking they may well be the culprits.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Greg J. Green … Sounds like you’ve got a good handle on it. Mine even had spark on all cylinders but it was just to weak to get it to fire. The cap and rotor were definitely the issue. If you didn’t use OEM replacement parts for the cap and rotor you’re probably going to need to replace them. Good luck and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@GregJGreen]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair you bet. I changed them out this afternoon, still won't start. My back and hands are absolutely killing me tonight. Did all I could, so I had AAA haul it to the shop a couple hours ago. I like the truck, it's one of the last with a manual transmission, but it's been nickel and diming me to death. Forgot to add that they didn't have Delco in stock, so I went with aftermarket (can't remember which). I'm going to be real pissed at myself if it turns out being the problem but foiled by inferior parts. Just looked in the recycling bin, the cap is made by Standard and the rotor is Blue Streak by Standard, have no idea as to their quality or reputation.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Greg J. Green … I’m so sorry to hear that. I also suffer from arthritis in my hands and back. I know how difficult it is to work when your in pain. Did you check for spark at the coil? If your coil is weak you might just need to replace it.

[@GregJGreen]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair no, my hands couldn't go any further, and I need it back soon as possible , so I said to heck with it. Just got a call from my mechanic, the coil was indeed out, along with the ignition module. The module went out once before, don't know why I didn't think of that. Guess I'm looking at around $800. Getting old and stoved up is costly in more ways than one. I'll have to dip into my emergency fund, it is what it is.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@@GregJGreen wow, that really sucks. Sometimes the results aren’t what you want but at least you found the problem. Good luck in the future and I hope your luck improves. Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences.

[@williambailey9917]

good job bud, have you changed your knock sensor or oil pressure sensor? i have a truck with this motor and its a bear to see behind the motor. i wish there was a panel i could remove like your van has, i would have said many less cuss words lol.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

William bailey…. I did not have to replace either the knock sensor or the oil pressure sending unit. They are working fine. I still had many cuss words that you didn’t hear on video. 😂 I hope this video was helpful to you and you solve your issue. Good Luck! Thank you for watching and I appreciate your commenting.

[@williambailey9917]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair if you ever make another video where you pop the inside motor cover for any repair id sure appreciate if you would just point to the oil pressure sensor and the knock sensor. im 99% sure the oil sensor is there but not the knock sensor, ive watch several videos on the subject and according to them it could be just about anywhere lol but im betting its on the back of the motor. thanks for replying take care.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

William Bailey …. I’m hoping it will be some time before I need to get into the motor again but if I do I will certainly show the location of those components.

[@horsegirl48744]

What would cause a the van to turn over, stop and backfire in the manifold? When I turn the key I can hear the fuel pump engage. I do not small gas, like flooding....

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

It could be an ignition issue or a timing issue. Poor spark from a weak coil or bad cap and rotor. Sounds like your getting fuel from the backfire but you could test the fuel pump like I did in the video to rule it out. Also there is a fuel regulator located inside the intake manifold. If this goes bad it would be seen from the fuel pump test gage leaking down below 15 lbs within 5 minutes. I also discuss and show this in the video. Good luck. I hope you find your problem.

[@robmcewen3448]

Obd brother

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Rob Mcewen … Sorry no OBD codes were available. Just used old school common sense.

[@SR_KSERIES]

same here in the same day right before new year was also fine start it the day before then what you know no start how? there was no overheat, no oil starvation, no ingnition coil fail, no fuel pump fail what the heck man.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

At kseries… Sorry to hear your having issues too. I was happy I was able to find the problem. Keep trying you’ll find the problem. My problem was even though I had spark it was just to weak to get the cylinders to fire. The distributor and rotor were original with 175,000 miles and just plain worn out. Maybe you just need a tune up. Good luck. I hope the video gave you some ideas.

[@SR_KSERIES]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair Thank You. Happy New Year.

[@rylandallas9907]

Mine having this issues, cap and rotor not the best shape but the scanner commands 0 timing advance, not sure what thats about

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@rylandallas9907…. This engine’s distributor is not adjustable for the timing. It must be set in the exact position as when it was removed. Mark the rotor, distributer and block to make sure it’s installed correctly. There are many videos out there showing how to install it correctly. In my video the problem was pretty unclear since I had spark and fuel. If you spray starting fluid into the intake and it starts you know the problem is most likely related to spider fuel injection system or PCM not communicating with the injectors. Anyway good luck and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TeslaBoy123]

I own a Chevy Express 2004 4.3 engine i have the same problem i replace the distributors cap ,rotor many timed after a few moths same problems until i drill a few holes 3/16 in cap never fail again

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Best friend…. That’s very interesting. Is it possible you’re building up moisture inside the distributor in cap allowing it to vent with the hole? Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting. Thank you for sharing.

[@TeslaBoy123]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair yes that is exactly that problem too much moisture trapped inside if u live in cold weather place the problem is bigger I fix my starting problems drilling 3 small holes on distributor metal base that vent wet trapped air inside distributor cap and allow hot air from engine dry everthing inside after i drill holes i never replaced any other cap till today after 6 years I used same work truck ever day in Chicago Illinois we have bad cold weather here 👍👍👍👍

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Best friend…. I live in Michigan so I do get cold wet weather here quite a bit. I don’t seem to have the problems that you’re having. However, I do understand it with the trucks. They have an issue sometimes with the heater, core hoses, leaking, antifreeze, running down into the distributor. You might want to take a look at that if you have a truck, since mine is a Van heater hoses run differently.

[@portagepete1]

Same problem with 94 Corvette The 95 Corvette they made a change and cap is vented to let out moisture. The 94 wood always start 3,4 min later run ruff then clear up I thought it was the gas because it always sat too long turns out moisture turned to steam when wormed up.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Pete Bennington …. Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s very helpful for viewers

[@katerinaadams6093]

So I have a 95 astro, I’ve replaced fuel pump in tank filter, in line filter, cpi spider injectors, plugs, ign. Coil, cap and rotor, tps, van cranks but still doesn’t start? Any suggestions?

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Katerina Adams … you might want to check compression. If your motor has low compression no amount of tuning up is going to help.

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

I also have the same issue. Did u ever resolve the problem?

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Geo M… the motor basically needs three things to start. Compression, good Spark and Fuel. My problem was weak spark. All cylinders were firing but because the spark was so weak it wasn’t igniting the compressed fuel/air mixture. Replacing the worn out cap and router produced a much stronger spark to each cylinder and she fired right up. I hope this helps

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair man this cap is about three months old but a light just came up in my head. Being that this cap is about three months old and at the time i broke down i couldn’t get a ACDELCO cap, i bought the whole distributor and came with a cap i wonder if the cap went bad ill kick myself if thats the issue.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@@YoungHeartedSoul I did hear that you should only use an AC Delco cap for this motor. Anything but OEM will cause problems. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

[@claytonsmith4642]

ok so exactly the same issues and resolve (new cap+rotor) ran for about 1 min and stopped , now will run some times but mostly still crank but no fire. have both fuel and spark very confused.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Clayton Smith… I would disconnect your coil wire and check to see if you are getting a yellow or blue spark jumping across the connector from the coil. If it’s yellow that’s indicative of a weak Spark. Yellow would be weak and not enough to fire the cylinders. Also, did you check your fuel pressure? I show in the video how to check fuel pressure and also using the gage to do a leakdown test on the fuel regulator. If the pressure drops below 45 lbs within 3 minutes your fuel regulator is bad. The fuel regulator is located under the intake manifold and would need replaced if it fails this test.

[@claytonsmith4642]

So checked Crank Sensor found no continuity so replaced with added shims and now seems to be starting again, so will see how long

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@@claytonsmith4642 sounds like the problem. The crank sensor must have been working intermittently and makes for a difficult diagnoses. Great find! Good luck and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@claytonsmith4642]

still today long crank times to ignition so something else .Once started will start easier

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

@@claytonsmith4642 Did you actually check fuel pressure? It should be 60 - 66 psi on the gage when cranking.

[@lancefrancis9240]

I don't know about you but this guy feels like a real rookie

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

It's true i am a rookie. Thats kind of the point of the video, if I can do it so can anyone else since I am not a mechanic just someone that likes to turn a wrench once in a while. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@almikelipscomb]

I got a interesting one. 4.3L in a 98 Astro. Will start first thing, but after a few mim if I shut off, it will not restart. What the heck. Had changed plugs, wires, cap and rotor previously. Not AC Delco. Should I try AC Delco cap and rotor? Haven't checked fuel pressure.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

AImikelipscomb…. I would verify the fuel pressure because if you don’t have enough pressure your fuel injectors will not fire. Start with that and if your pressure is good then change the cap. If the inside of the cap has burn marks or cracks across the spark channels that will affect the timing and cause starting problems.

[@Kid617]

thats odd when i turn the key on mine it shots up to 100 then back to 50 when cranking im having trouble with starting mine cranks no start no codes

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

tha Kidd La … I suppose you are referring to the fuel pressure. If so, that may be due to the accuracy of the gage. Mine spiked at around 65 and dropped to about 60 psi after cranking then again to about 43psi after 5 minutes. It might be that your fuel regulator is going bad. Are you using an OEM fuel gage when testing the fuel pressure?

[@Kid617]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair using a gauge like your welling I'm cranking it only gets to 50psi and I installed a new pressure regulator

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

tha Kidd La … I’m pretty sure the specification for fuel pressure needs to be 60-66 psi from the pump and should not get below 45 psi after 5 minutes

[@Kid617]

@@LivetofishOutboardRepair the gauge I'm using reads 52 only

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

Sounds like a bad fuel pump