Expert: Mark Bisig - 12/12/2005

Question
Hello my name is Dot I have a 98 chevrolet ext Truck.  It has a vortec v6 4.3l engine.  I am having problems with the start up.  It will crank but will not turn over.  It does not do that all the time everyonce in a while i can go out at it will crank the first try.  what could be causing that? and the second question i have for you is what would cause my oil to smell like fuel?  I have had mechanical experience but am still learning. I would appreciate it if you could help me with these questions.

Thank you very much.

Dot Shely

Answer
Hi Dot, I can tell you that it there is a smell of gas in the oil then the gas is going into the crank case somehow. Could be from a bad fuel pressure regulator which could also cause your starting problem. I think you should have this looked at by someone who can test the fuel system. They need to put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see if the pressure drops. If it does then the regulator could be the problem here.

Sorry I can't give you more but problems like this you need to see the truck.

Have a Great Holiday

Mark