runs for 20 seconds then stalls

1992 CHEVROLET VAN
35,000 MILES • 0.5L
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DIOTBOY
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I have a 92 Chevy g20 van when you started it will run for about 15 or 20 seconds and you can see the fuel stop spraying in the throttle body I have replaced the fuel pump the fuel filter rebuilt the throttle body and replace the fuel pump relay it still does it when it dies you have to turn the key off then back on and I'll start back up and run for about 20 seconds when it dies if you try to crank it it will not start you have to turn the key off then right back on and I'll crank up and run for about 20 seconds I have replaced everything I can think of I replace the fuel filter twice rebuilt the throttle body completely what else can it be am I missing something
Mar 18, 2014 at 1:22 PM
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JDL
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Just for testing, don't recycle the key when it stalls. Have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If spark everywhere, check for an injector pulse, voltage and ground.

Right now I'm wondering if the computer is losing the rpm signal? If it loses rpm signal, no injector pulse.
Mar 18, 2014 at 2:01 PM
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DIOTBOY
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I do have spark everywhere I just replace the coil and the ignition module recently you can watch the engine run and the fuel spray and then its just like it stops it cuts off Weather idle or whether you're reving the engine up it does exactly same thing
Mar 18, 2014 at 2:08 PM
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JDL
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I'd still want to see if there is an injector pulse, voltage and ground, when the problem is ongoing.

Can you check for applicable mil codes? Your obd1, you should be able to check codes, yourself. To check for codes, you use a jumper wire between the A & B terminals at the datalink connector. Turn the key just till the dash lites come on, no further, the mil on the dash starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. Your looking for two digit codes.
Mar 18, 2014 at 2:33 PM
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JDL
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Just to add, the datalink connector should be along lower edge of dash, between steering column and driver door, 12 pin cavity.
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Mar 18, 2014 at 2:34 PM
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KAVEN
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Did you ever figure this out need help have exact same problem an I HAVE replaced fuel pump an filter rely an still same problem .... So lost
Jun 12, 2019 at 6:24 PM
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STRAILER
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These have an oil pressure sender that shuts the engine off if there is no or low oil pressure. Here is the location so you can replace and check the connections. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Jun 17, 2019 at 12:16 PM
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KAVEN
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I have replaced with brand new parts the distributor oil pressure switch new plugs and wires new fuel pump relay switch new fuel pump still runs for 20 seconds then shuts down it's a clean shut off even if you're giving a gas it's a clean shut off the fuel pump prime runs for 20 seconds and once the prime goes away I lose fuel that's with the old pump and the new pump so the only other thing I can think of would be the fuel drive module not the relay the module located near the computer if I'm wrong someone please tell me
Jun 19, 2019 at 2:22 PM
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STRAILER
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Did you replace the fuel pump with an AC Delco unit? Also when it shuts down will it run on starting fluid?
Jun 20, 2019 at 12:17 PM
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KAVEN
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Everything I have replaced has been with brand new parts from O'Riley witch is
.Fuel pump
.fuel relay
.fuel module
.fuel filter
. distributor
.plugs & wiers
. Map sensor
Van runs 20 sec then clean shuts off
Jun 22, 2019 at 2:27 PM
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STRAILER
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When the engine shuts down can you hear the fuel pump running in the tank? Also did you try the starting fluid trick?

Lets run the codes as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jun 23, 2019 at 12:30 PM
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JDIGE69
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Have same issue as diotboy. Something is shutting down TBI injectors on my 88 pickup. Engine will start, idle, and accelerate without a hiccup for 15 seconds, then injectors cut out clean. With key left in on position engine will fire on ether when spun but no injector impulse. When key is turned off for a second engine will start and run exactly 15 seconds again, over and over. I am running a hot wired electric fuel pump from a clean fuel source so that’s not it. Something is timing out in 15 seconds and killing injectors. What? Also new complete distributor and oil switch. Help!
Sep 10, 2019 at 8:32 AM
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STRAILER
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Hello, this sounds like a bad PCM I would swap it out with a used /rebuilt unit to see what happens. Also lets run the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Please run down this guide and report back.
Sep 10, 2019 at 11:05 AM
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JDIGE69
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Okay, so tried to look at codes but no check engine light at all. The only thing that lights up is the seat belt light and buzzer, then nothing even with A and B jumped. Checked fuse all look good.
Sep 11, 2019 at 3:59 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep sounds like the PCM is not working, try a used or rebuilt unit.
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:32 AM
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JDIGE69
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Well, replace pcm with a new one from Napa now it runs 20 seconds and quits. The check engine light blinks now but only when you spin the engine over not when the key is in the in position. I have seen several other people with the same issue but have not seen anyone fix it. I’m gonna figure this out whatever it takes just so I can post the solution! Any other ideas?
Sep 21, 2019 at 8:53 AM
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JDIGE69
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Also, had to reuse 2 chips from the old computer, the prom and something else. Could it be that those components are the problem? The Napa guy didn’t think so.
Sep 21, 2019 at 9:12 AM
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JDIGE69
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It’s running! Found blown ECM fuse after replacing ECM. I’m pretty sure the fuse was okay before so maybe it happened when I was installing the new ECM, but it’s running!
Sep 21, 2019 at 5:38 PM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:08 PM
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JEFFERY1568
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when it starts it shuts off and i have to do that severl time befor it will stay running and sometime it pops thorw the carb
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check fuel pump pressure. It sounds like you have a lazy pump that isn't producing enough pressure when cold.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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TOSHIBITSU
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my van has trouble starting.. it will conk out once or twice before it comes on(mostly at night) & when i drive the van jerks a bit until i get up to speed. i have tried replacing the spark plugs(gapped properly), spark plug cables, distributor cap & rotor and it still has the same problems. do you guys have any idea what it could be?

thanks!
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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MIKE H R
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try some throttle body cleaner. Follow the instructiuons. Sometimes engines have a build up of carbon in the throttle body that clogs up making it not start right or idle right.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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HAYWARDE
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Engine stalls after about 15 seconds. Will restart but dies again. Can hear fuel pump run and stop after short time and relay clicks. Will not start after it stalls unless key is turned off and back on.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Does the check engine light come on? if so, scan for codes...if not lets try to see if it is fuel related or ignition related.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

run these tests and let me know :-) thanks for using the site.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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BIGTMULLINS
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Electrical problem
1990 Chevy Van V8 Two Wheel Drive

I have changed the fuel pump, and fuel relay switch and I can not get my van to run more than 20 second, it dies. If you pour gas into the throttle body it will stay running. What makes it stop running?
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Clean out the idle air control valve and test the coolant temperature sensor,

After you prime it and it starts will it continue to run without priming it-let me know
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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BIGTMULLINS
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Also, in order for my van to re-prime itself, I have to turn the key off and then on again. It will not re-prime its self if I just leave the key on and start cranking again.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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BIGTMULLINS
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Do you think I should rebuild the throttle body?
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Verify the fuel pressure if its within specs
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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REC48
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engine shuts off when i turn the headlights on or blow the horn and wont for days have tried new fuel pump and checked all fuses realys are ok had them checked need to have fixed soon only veh i have need help please
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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BIGTMULLINS
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The fuel pressure is good. I cleaned the idle air control valve and it will start but it dies in 20 seconds... Also, in order for my van to re-prime itself, I have to turn the key off and then on again. It will not re-prime its self if I just leave the key on and start cranking again. Something is making the fuel pump stop pumping... and I have changed the fuel pump 2 times now.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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check to see if you have a good clean body to battery ground and battery ground to engine. also check battery for condition including load test. autoparts do for free
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Okay test the fuel pump and oil pressure sending unit when you turn key On the fuel pump relay powers the fuel pump for 2secs when the engine fires up this is where the oil pressure switch power the fuel pump.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_oil_sending_unit_and_fuel_pump_circuit_102.gif

Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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89CHEVROLETG30
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i just bought a 1989 chevy g30 van the guy told me it stalls sometimes and it might be the ignition coil. so far it stalled 3 times a day sometimes more i had it for about 5 days. when it stalls the check ingine light comes on and the car dies but before it does it strugels a little bit also a burst of i guess gas comes from under the air filter and then dies the fuel pumps new the alternators new its fuel injected
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Pull the code/s from the computer this is where you start to find the problem


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_GM_ALCL_31.jpg

Sep 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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TIM.BYRNE
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Engine runs for one minute, then stops
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter and fuel pump.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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TIM.BYRNE
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Thanks for responding. We installed a new mechanical fuel pump three weeks ago, and had it running fine. Now, It starts every time, runs for a minute, then stops as if something is telling the carbureator to stop requesting fuel. We just re-connected the radio. But had to cut some speghetti wires to do it.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check the fuel filter on the carb if okay the needle valve on the float system might not be opening or the idle circuit is clogging up
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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TIM.BYRNE
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Thanks again. lost daylight last night, and will investigate tomorrow morning. Honestly, have no idea where the needle valve or the idle circuit is, but will research it now.
Sep 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM (Merged)