1997 1/2 ton Sierra Won't Stay Running

[Brian Hels]

Hello,

I have a 1997 Sierra 1/2 ton Cargo Van. It was used as a work truck until an acquaintance stole it. He was caught and I got it back, and didn't touch it for three years, leaving it parked on the side of my garage.

It ran well before, but now there's an issue.

Put a new battery in and when cranking it, it will start for a second, then die.

Unfortunately the fuel gauge doesn't work, but when trying to add gas, using a long funnel to keep the anti-siphon valve open, the gas just overflows out the top of the fill stem.

I have a code reader and it showed no error codes.

I hooked up my fuel test and posted the readout.

That 55lbs is with the ignition on, engine not running.

When I try to start the pressure drops to 50.

When first turning the ignition to on from off it will pressure to 60, then drop to 55.

Before breaking out the test kit I tried to cheat with some ether down the air intake from the air filter.

After a couple false starts I sent about 1/4 of the can down the tube.

It actually ran for 20 or 30 seconds before stopping with a slight backfire.

Once I put out the small fire I decided to not try that again.

I'm mostly a two wheel guy, and just don't know the finer details to keep a cage running.

If it's getting50 LBS to the rail is that high enough to open the injectors? ( don't know the specs)

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks