Stalls at idle

1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
27,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PODHALAN
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I have a relay hard time with this one. The van won’t start and stay running. I can start it and make it run for 2 to 5 seconds at a time by first pumping accelerator pedal a few times. With out the pumping it will not start at all. Replaced the fuel pump last year. I can hear it running.

The van has 270,000 miles on it.
I had it parked since last November, drove it one time in January with no problems. I can’t keep it running to do any checks at all.
I have noticed a water leak through the windshield, when key is turned on / off to start the van my door locks go nuts. This issue might have some water licked on some electronics.

in short:
It back fires at times when I try to start it.
It will start for few seconds at times.
When it starts for the few seconds and I press the accelerator it dies, if I do not press the accelerator it it will die too.

Could have something freeze and break over the winter?
Could this have something to do with fuel pressure regulator?[/quote:fe9d8308ff]
Apr 8, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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RICH CRITES
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Change the fuel filter. It may be dirt in the gas tank. A fuel pump going bad. You can put a fuel pressure gage on the fuel line to see how much psi you are getting.
Apr 8, 2009 at 1:36 PM
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PODHALAN
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Will do, in fact I have sent my Bro-in-law to get one before I red this replay.. thanks.
I am yet to check the fuel pressure, I can hear the pump, just replaced it 8 months ago.
One thing doh.. tried to start it with a Quick Start spray, spraying directly into the throttle body... while doing that the van keeps on running.
Apr 8, 2009 at 6:48 PM
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PODHALAN
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[quote:93b47f9323="Podhalan"][quote:93b47f9323="Rich Crites"]Change the fuel filter. It may be dirt in the gas tank. A fuel pump going bad. You can put a fuel pressure gage on the fuel line to see how much psi you are getting.[/quote:93b47f9323]

Will do, in fact I have sent my Bro-in-law to get one before I red this replay.. thanks.
I am yet to check the fuel pressure, I can hear the pump, just replaced it 8 months ago.
One thing doh.. tried to start it with a Quick Start spray, spraying directly into the throttle body... while doing that the van keeps on running.[/quote:93b47f9323]

Repleaced the filter.. no change.
The spark is OK.
Actually I need to correct my statement.... the van runs for only 2 to 3 seconds not 5 to 8 then dies right up. what would be the correct fuel pressure?
52 psi at the pump and 59 psi when running?
Apr 8, 2009 at 7:39 PM
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RFSHEA01
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Is the solution to replace the fuel pressure regulator?
Dec 18, 2020 at 4:05 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

It could be either the pressure regulator or the pump. Here is a basic tutorial showing what is involved in performing a fuel pressure pressure test:

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

When you perform the fuel pressure test the correct pressure for your van the pressure is 55-60 PSI. That is also if you have a 1998 Astro like in the question you've attached to. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Dec 18, 2020 at 4:57 PM