Expert: Sean Halliday - 3/18/2008

Question
I was driving my 98 S10 and the engine quit and would not restart.  There was no unusual noise, no sputtering, it just quit.  It's got the 4.3L v6 with about 184k miles.  I got it home and I can hear the fuel pump running, I'm getting gas up to the fuel rail although I have not hooked a guage up to it yet.  If I pour gas into the throttle body the engine will start.  I did change the fuel filter since it never has been changed since I've had the vehicle, but I'm guessing either it's a pressure switch gone bad or something other electrical.  I swapped fuel pump relays just for good measure and also looked for a blown fuse but did not locate one.  Any ideas?

Answer
The fact that when you put fuel in the throttle body and it starts, is a clue to fuel problems.Check the fuel pressure first as these cars are prone to pump failure.Pressure at the rail should be 45 psi approx and if you are not getting that,i would say its a weak pump.Check this first and see.