I drive a 94 Chevy 2500 Extended Cab and besides failing CA Smog and being recently broken into, it has problems starting on a regular basis.

I can usually get it started if I hold the key in the crank position for 3-4 seconds. But, if I forget to hold it there for more than 2 seconds and let off before it catches, it will not start again until I either a) open up the butteryfly valve (with the engine off - also, not sure if that's the right name of the part) for 5-10 minutes, b) wait until the next day.

Are the smog and starting problems one and if not, what could be causing the starting problem? (New plugs, wires, cap and rotor were purchased last year by previous owner - it is possible he didn't install all of them but I checked the plugs and they were in good shape, indicating they had been recently installed)

Thanks from a distressed college student

el bob

 

it might not be getting fuel. when is the last time the fuel filter got changed? how many miles are on the truck? maybe a clogged converter?

does it feel sluggish on power when it does start?

 

TXSilverado, thanks for the help.

The truck has 168k miles on it currently.

This seems hard to believe, but the truck's seemingly full service history (It's an inch thick folder of paper with receipts for even the most meaningless of items) says that the fuel filter was last replaced 3/16/98 when the truck had 77k miles.

The service history dates back to '96 and does not mention the purchase of a replacement catalytic coverter. It might be original.

When it does start, two things can happen. A) If I've already had it started and driving earlier in the day, it starts relatively well with a ~2-3 second crank. B) If it's the first time starting for the day, the idle is comically terrible (as in the exhaust sounds like whump.pause.whump.pause.whumpwhump.pause etc) Power is definitely sluggish (giving the truck some gas out on the street after 2-3 minutes of low. rpm driving out of a parking structure doesn't do much at all)

Cap, rotor, plugs, and wires were done 11/23/02 with ~140k miles on the truck.

 

Well.. if the last time the fuel filter was replaced was at 77k and you have put well more than double than that on the truck since than... than you need a fuel filter change... not saying that thts the problem.. but it def needs it.

As for cats... ya, its about time to do that as well. Get some hi-flow ones or get some from gm... this is probably your smog problem your having.

When they do an emissions test.. dont they usually tell you what you need to have done to fix the problem?

 

SSlow 4.8, I bought a fuel filter so I can try that and I'll look into getting new cats.

The testing center I went to was a "Test Only" center that does not offer diagnostic repair advice or service, just a computer printout of your smog results.

 

Oh okay, gotcha. Well let us know how everything turns out... hopefully that will do the trick... If not, im sure we can give you some type of advice to get you up and running smoothly

Good luck

 

I'm going to replace the fuel filter after dinner, but I'd first like to ask a question about replacing the catalytic converter.

I read in my Haynes manual that I would be able to replace the cat without cutting or welding, just wrenching. This would make it possible for me to do the replacement myself.

The cat, however, is welded at both ends to the exhaust pipe. I have access to cutting tools but do not know how to weld.

Is there anybody in the LA area who could help me out with the welding?

 

i got a new cat put on here in houston for 130 bucks. That includes the highflow cat too. I got mine done at southwest muffler here in houston.

 

did you mean LA as in lousiana or LA as in Los Angelos cali?

 

Sorry about that. LA as in Los Angeles, California.