2001 Chevy Silverado Hard Start Cold?

[KirbyLW]

I know this question has gone through before, But...

My 2001 Silverado, after sitting for more than an hour or so, requires TWO (sometimes three) cranks before it will start. I crank it, it turns over fine and strong but won't start. I let go, and immediately crank it again and it almost always starts right up, just fine, second time. Sometimes third, and getting more frequently on the third.

I replaced the fuel pump already, but that was about 100,000 miles ago. That time, it was just DRT (Dead Right There). This time, it's persnickety as described above.

My thought is that if it were the fuel pump, there would be fuel feed problems while running too. But there aren't. it runs just fine and strong once started and running.

But... it has also, at the same time, developed a tendancy to die after starting. Start it, put it in reverse, and it sometimes sputters out.

But once running at speed, it's fine and strong. I'm wondering about fuel FILTER. Could sediment in the fuel filter be giving it a hard time at the low pressure start and then runs fine once the system is up to pressure? Is it possible that a simple fuel filter may fix?

Plugs and wires? Please, anything but the friggin' $500 fuel pump job! ;-)

Thanks!

kirbylw

 

[helpful bob]

You may of hit the nail on it's head , sometimes what will happen is the fuel filter will dry up or be clogged and once enough gas or gas moister gets to it , then it starts right up.There is also a sensor that is affected and controlled via air and temperatures and it could be acting up too.

The charging system such as battery , starter , power junctions , fuse box , engine block ground posts ,alternator , voltage regulator etc connections can also cause starting issues like yours due to rust or corrosion.You can clean them too but if if you disconnect the battery be sure if your vehicle has the special security codes for radio or ignition etc that you have then handy too.

If you've not changed the fuel filter trly or ran the gas tank low on gas a lot or had the vehicle subject to extreme temperatures or cold weather or dampness etc the gas tank might have moister or dirts in it , plus the filter would be clogged.Note that not always when the gas filter is clogged doe's it really stop the vehicle from running right or starting right or it can cause minor issues as you're mentioning.


Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way from all you're saying you could have a slightly dirty air filter or have a ignition or spark plug , perhaps the ignition coil module has corrsion or rust where the spark-plug wires plug into or you've bad plugs or dirty plugs that need cleaning and re-gapping or faulty wires.

I'd make up a wiring diagram and not only clean the ignition modules connections wire a wire brush and sandpare but unplug it , unbolt the module and check it for cracks or bulges or discolouring all are signs that the ignition module is internally over heating or shorting out.Plus it's quite common of a problem and can cause such starting or running issues as you've mentioned too.

Here's something I recommend if you want to safe money go to a U pick auto wreckers find the same vehicles or makes with the same engines etc look for two full sets of spark plug wires and a good ignition module , spare belts , fuses , relays and bulbs.If you've two exact set of wires you can test them with a ohms meter , change you wires with one of the two used sets , use the other set to replace and compare the set of wires that you installed.As well have two sets of exact same plugs brand new that way you gap the plugs , change yours one by one , and then have a full new set of plugs on hand for your next tune up , and then you can clean , regap those plugs use them next tune up etc.

 

[dakota97slowpar]

turn the key on and step onthe gas pedal once quickly prior to starting the cranking cycle