97 no start w/out start fluid, and dies

[roadrunner198]

Hey guys
I have a 97 PSD, 5spd. The other day i was driving into town, everything was fine, until i pushed in the clutch to stop, and it died. wouldn't idle. let the clutch out, compression started it, it started. drove it home, again, wont idle.
I checked the IPR and it has 500psi cranking. If i shoot it with starting fluid, it will start, and run, if i turn the key off, and try to start it back up, again wont start on it's own. shoot starting fluid, it starts, and idles. then it died again, just randomly.
Replaced the fuel filter, didn't help it.
at idle, the IPR has 550-600psi.
also tried changing the CPS, again still wont start on it's own, and randomly dies.
I thought it was tied in with temperature, but i am not positive about that.
if you keep it revved above idle, it will stay running, until you bring it down to idle.
I thought of the ICP O ring, but i have figured out they give different symptoms.
some suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks.

[kanuck15]

hows fuel pressure? have a way to check it?

[JJFLASH]

That's where I would start. Also TPS maybe?

[roadrunner198]

Originally Posted by JJFLASH

That's where I would start. Also TPS maybe?

Like i said, the fuel pressure according to the computer was around 550 and up when idling.
about the TPS, wouldn't that keep it from reving or something? and shouldn't that throw a MIL?

[ajpu1983]

Well since fuel pressure can't be read through a scanner you must be refering to Injection Control Pressure which is actually high pressure oil. So, to reiterate the point, check your fuel pressure. They make a hairpin adapter that will allow you to tee into the outlet of the electric fuel pump on the rail and check your fuel pressure. Should be at least 55 psi at idle.

[kanuck15]

^ its a 97. its a mechanical pump so the only way to check it is at the fuel pressure regulator by the fuel bowl. but you do need some form of trickery to make a pressure gauge fit in there cause of the engine hook thats in the way

[JJFLASH]

I think the set we have at the shop is a mac and it was a pain but it fit.

[roadrunner198]

Ok. I'll see what i can do to check that. are you talking about on the brass pump, that looks like the old mechanical fuel pump for carb. vehicles?

[kanuck15]

The place to check is on the fuel pressure regulator. it is on the right side of the fuel bowl as you look at it from the front of the truck. there will be a little valve (looks like a valve stem for a tire) that is where you want to check the pressure at

[JJFLASH]

There is a schrader valve on the driver's side of the fuel filter bowl right above the FPR. When you see it you'll know why Joe mentioned that its a tight fit.