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Hard Start / Kickback On 50+ Degree Days!

opry-guru

By opry-guru
in Ask A GM Technician

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opry-guru

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Bought a 1500L express van this winter w/5.7L that has served me well during the cold. The only problem I had when I bought it was the radiator and water pump leaks. (slow leak that loses a quart overnight and I'm topping it off every morning till I have the time to fix it)

 

Well things have changed now that warmer weather is coming to the beach. On nice days that seem to be in the 60's+ the van cranks but doesn't want to fire. Often it will kickback - sometimes hard enough where it stops the cranking!

 

Eventually with enough cranking (20+ mins worth) and pumping the gas pedal I can get it to fire - first with a slow sputter and as I pump the pedal I can increase the engine speed until something changes and it runs fine. Once it's running everything appears normal. And if I drive the van till it gets to temperature, I can shut the van off and restart it no problem.

 

I confidently replaced the Crank Position Sensor this morning with no luck - although it only took 2 minutes to start the van. I still had to work the pedal.

 

After I write this I'm going to disconnect the battery in hopes of resetting the computer. (works in fords...)

  • Sometimes I notice a slight hesistation coming off idle.
  • My perception is gas mileage has gotten a little worse.
  • There's a sweet spot on the pedal, off idle where if I hold it there during cranking the van really wants to fire over.
  • There have been warm days with cold nights where it wouldn't start at all during the day but fired right up at night.
  • The check engine light comes on after driving about 2-3 mins - was that way when I bought it.
  • Lately I notice an annoying bucking around 40-45mph after the OD has engaged and the engine rpm's are low regardless of ambient temp.
  • Normally I start the van THEN top off the coolant.

Any help is appreciated - thanks guys. ~Rich

opry-guru Enthusiast

opry-guru

Posted
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Disconnected the battery for 2 mins - reconnected and van started right up. Don't know if that's what it needed after the CPS change - will keep you posted.

 

~Rich

opry-guru Enthusiast

opry-guru

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Update - Seems to be fine!

 

After replacing the CPS then disconnecting the battery for 2 mins (thus resetting computer?) the van has been starting and driving no problem in warm weather.

 

I did have a little timing issue the first time I tried to start it after resetting the computer and some hesitation coming off idle to about midrange on the throttle but that was only on the first day of driving.

 

Since then, everything has been fine! Good luck with your GMs ~Rich

  • 3 weeks later...
opry-guru Enthusiast

opry-guru

Posted
  • Author
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Just an update for anyone who cares. I let the van sit for a couple of days after my successful install of the CPS during which it rained.

 

Next thing I know, I tried to start it and it wouldn't fire. Acted like it wanted to but wouldn't kick over. HOWEVER it wasn't giving me kickback like the old CPS sensor did.

 

So without looking I bought a new ignition module and installed it. Van still wouldn't fire! Instantly I check for spark from the coil wire which I got (nice and hot too!!!) So I popped open the dist cap and WHOA!!! Both cap and rotor had so much corrosion they looked like they had been sitting in salt water for years!

 

Put a new cap and rotor in, van fired up and everything has been perfect for a week, rain or shine! Got my gas mileage back too!

 

Good luck everyone! ~Rich

opry-guru Enthusiast

opry-guru

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Actually it was the CPS because after I replaced it, the kickback stopped. However, the cap / rotor problem that came days after fixing the kickback was a seperate incident brought on by the ambient moisture.

 

Thanks for your sarcastic post-fix commentary but where was your enlightenment when I was struggling for the answer to my bad CPS??? ~Rich

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