Chevrolet Repair: Chevy S-10, oil pressure switch, engine cranks

Question
Hi Van

Hopefully you can help me out here. I just bought a used 1998
S-10 pickup, and now, only about a month after I bought it, its
having troubles starting. When I try to start it, the engine turns
over fine, but it doesnt start. After about 10 seconds it finally
does, but it is a really rought start. The truck kind of sputters
and then it finally picks up and goes normal. If I hit the gas at
the start, it does not sputter as bad. Im pretty sure it has
something to do with the fuel but Im not quite sure. I really have
no idea on what to do.
Thanks for any help you can give

-Zach

Answer
Hello Zach,
The fuel pump should run when the ignition switch is first turned on, and continue to run as long as there is a crank signal.
There is another system that powers the fuel pump also. It is an oil pressure switch, located beside the distributor.
As soon as oil pressure reaches 4 PSI, that switch closes, and powers the pump.

Your symptoms sound like the relay is not working, and the engine cranks till the oil pressure switch operates the fuel pump, and then it starts.

Try listening at the gas tank, and have someone turn the key to run...not start, but just run. You should hear the pump buzz for about three seconds.
If you don't hear it run, check the fuse, and then the fuel pump relay.

If it does run, then I would suspect low pressure, so get a fuel pressure tester, and check it.
Some parts houses will loan you a tester.

Van