1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start

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1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start

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Chevrolet >> Chevy Trucks, Vans & SUV's >> Silverado >> 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start

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1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 3/21/2008 3:58:06 AM

rockmaples

Posts: 12
Joined: 3/21/2008
Status: offline

Hello,

When it is moist and 0 degrees celcius outside, my truck will only start after about 10 minutes of cranking.

The only thing I can do to prevent this is watch the weather report and plug in the block heater a couple of hours before I need it. It will start up fine after that.

A mechanic got a shock while placing his hand near the coil. Does this need to be replaced?

There is 308000 km on this truck and I bought it new. I am going for 1000000 km. that should take me about 23 years!

Peter

Post #: 1

RE: 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 3/21/2008 1:20:34 PM

northey87

Posts: 757
Joined: 10/17/2007
Status: online

Welcome to the forum!!! Don't know about the cold weather problem, but it sounds like like you have a potential short near the coil. Maybe just an exposed wire or something like that.

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(in reply to rockmaples)

Post #: 2

RE: 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 3/21/2008 2:18:24 PM

rockmaples

Posts: 12
Joined: 3/21/2008
Status: offline

Thanks for the tip,

I should have said that when it is well below the freezing mark, there is no trouble starting. There is only a problem when there is heavy moisture, near the freezing mark, and the truck has sat for 8 hours or more (overnight).

If there is a hard start in the morning, there is no trouble starting it after work.

I will check for a worn wire near the coil, but I did notice some rust on the coil mounting bolts. I have a replacement and I will change it anyway.

If that doesn't work, I guess I will have to keep the block heater connected to the outlet. It seems to be the only treatment.

Thanks 87

(in reply to northey87)

Post #: 3

RE: 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 4/14/2008 8:31:01 PM

rockmaples

Posts: 12
Joined: 3/21/2008
Status: offline

I replaced the coil and now i am waiting for a rain.

Plugging in the block heater seems to be the best thing to help this truck start.

Peter

(in reply to rockmaples)

Post #: 4

RE: 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 4/15/2008 2:03:44 PM

shawnvw

Posts: 611
Joined: 1/18/2008
Status: offline

Definately sounds like a bad coil or ign wires. When it is moist outside, the spark will use the moisture as a path to ground instead of going to the spark plugs. start the truck, use a spray bottle and spray water on the wires near the plugs, and work your way up to the the coil. When it starts stumbling\stalls, watch to see where the spark is coming from.

(in reply to rockmaples)

Post #: 5

RE: 1998 C 1500 4.3 vortec hard start - 5/2/2008 4:46:48 PM

rockmaples

Posts: 12
Joined: 3/21/2008
Status: offline

It rained and there was no problem starting the truck.

The new coil makes the truck start and run like new.

I think I am saving fuel as well.

(in reply to shawnvw)

Post #: 6