97 350 not starting

99yukon350 · May 31, 2006

My parents 97 savana won't start unless most of the time unless starting fluid is used. It has almost 140,000 miles on it. I am going to change the plugs, and the fuel filter but could this be the fuel pump? I know when the fuel pump on my yukon went out, it wouldn't fire even with starting fluid. Once the van is running, it stays running without any hestation.

thanks

OUMike · June 1, 2006

My parents 97 savana won't start unless most of the time unless starting fluid is used. It has almost 140,000 miles on it. I am going to change the plugs, and the fuel filter but could this be the fuel pump? I know when the fuel pump on my yukon went out, it wouldn't fire even with starting fluid. Once the van is running, it stays running without any hestation.

thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When you turn the key do you notice the sound of the fuel pump priming? Turn the key to the on position and listen for this. If you notice this sound, it is likely the starter. When you try to start the truck does the it try to crank over and over again? Thats a tell tale sign your starter is going south. Let us know how it comes along.

99yukon350 · June 1, 2006

Yeah, I just checked that today and it was priming. If I let it sit for less than an hour after driving it, it will start up. But it is quite and if you keep turning the key it won't fire up then. After sitting 3 hours, I had to use ether again. I haven't been able to do anything yet, as I can't figure out how to remove the center console to get into the engine compartment. I've gone to 2 places to get a chilton/hanyes book but they didn't have one for these vans. Anyone work on these vans before that could give me some tips?

mmmikkke · June 1, 2006

Vans are a bitch. I hate workin' on vans.

Chance of me ever buyin' a van: zero.

Last time I worked on a van was a while back, so this might help, might not... If I recall correctly, there's usually some #3 phillips screws on the floor on each side of the engine cover (peel up the carpeting to see these), and then up higher maybe a pair of buckles on the right and left sides of the engine cover where it attaches to the firewall. Hope this helps some...