98 C/K 1500 won't start

Asked by neverbemackin Dec 18, 2014 at 09:00 PM about the 1998 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Silverado RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

It's a plow truck. It sat for the summer, in the fall I dropped a new battery into it and
topped the fluids off and it started right up on the second try. It was about 60 degrees
out. I let it run for a half hour, then moved it to its spot for the winter. We got our first
real snowfall last week and it wouldn't start. I sprayed starter fluid directly into the
throttle body and tried to start it and it didn't fire. I stuck a cotter pin into the end of a
plug cable and it did spark off the engine block. It has fired a couple times when
cranking it over, here and there, although I don't think any of those times was when the
starter fluid was used. I've tried starting it in 20,30,40 and 50 degree weather. Any
pointers about which way to go next would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

5 Answers

It might be a good idea to put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel line at the engine and check for fuel pressure. It could be as simple as a clogged fuel filter .If the vehicle sits for awhile, fuel stabilizer and starting it weekly is a must, to prevent no starts.You can also prime the fuel pump, turn off key and press in schrader valve on fuel pressure line to help bleed the line and see if fuel is reaching the engine.This will cause gas to get on top of the engine so use caution.You might wanna Check your return and vapor and pressure lines also.If any one of these has rusted it could prevent fuel flow from the tank.I would also check all electrical connections at the injectors.

Thanks for the replies. I'll check the schrader valve later today. But if it's fuel causing the problem, shouldn't it fire when I use starter fluid directly into the throttle body? (I do open the throttle when I spray it) I tried starting it this morning and it fired a couple times right off the bat but it didn't start. I'm charging the battery as we speak.

Also, when I'm cranking it, every 5 seconds or so it stops and goes "thud" and then continues cranking.

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