[zumacarl]

I have a 1995 Chevy Astro van that was running fine when I parked it and 3 days later all it will do is crank but will not start. Here is what I have tried already.
tune up, moved the ground wire from the t-stat to grounding block, -checked the fuel pressure which is 50 psi when i turn the key, replaced the fuel filter and tried a good coil and module and nothing has changed still cranks but does not even try to start, but I did spray a shot of starting fluid in and it did fire. Am i missing something obvious? If you have any suggestions please let me know thanks in advance.

 

['cudapaul]

Yes, you are missing something obvious.

If the engine will start and briefly run when you injected ether, then you don't have enough fuel to run the engine.

You will need to open the plenum to see if the FPR or high pressure fuel line is leaking and then repair/replace the defective parts. '95's (CPI) are notorius for the exact symptom you are describing. Leave the fuel pressure gauge on the Schrader valve for about 1/2 hour. If it leaks down to less than 30 psi by then, replace the FPR, high presure line, or injection spider. You can buy any of the fuel parts from the dealer ($$$) or rockauto.com ($$1/$).

BTW, 50 PSI of fuel pressure is not enough to start and run your engine, you need 54-58 PSI minimum.

And I love CPI engines. They produce the most stock horsepower and get the best fuel economy when they are working correctly.

 

[chemist]

Have you tried banging on the fuel tank with a hammer. Do this, then have someone turn the key after you've banged a couple times. Continue and it may start--no, wait you said you had fuel pressure. But someone else here is saying not enough, so maybe. Can you hear the pump engage?

Also of note: I had an occurence similar to what you described on a 95 Buick LeSabre that I had owned. After 2 days of trouble shooting I had it towed to a dealer garage. It was a failed crank sensor... But that doesn't make sense in your case either because you have enough spark to start with ether, you said, right?

 

[Big_kid]

Definite fuel problem- enrich it with ether, it runs. I thought 95's required 60+ psi, but I'm probably mistaken.

X2 what 'CudaPaul said too.

 

[$uperJoe]

i would check the ignition control module in the distributor. it tells the ecm when to pulse the injectors. the spark will work reguardless. this is what was wrong with my van last week. replaced it and it started right away. this would be alot easier to check than removing the plenum. good luck on a easy fix.

 

[astro355]

Definite fuel problem- enrich it with ether, it runs. I thought 95's required 60+ psi, but I'm probably mistaken.

X2 what 'CudaPaul said too.

x3, no need to spend money on other parts here. Adding more fuel (starting fluid) to the engine and it fires means its not getting enough fluid. Cudapaul for the win.

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

What if you hold the gas pedal down will it start then? Thats the only way my Astro would start when the fuel pressure lines and regulator inside the plenum were leaking. I assume it was getting more air from the throttle blade being opened then it would start and spit black crap(raw fuel) everywhere. :lol: