Got a 1988 S-10 that hasn't started for about 5 years. It's been sitting getting rusty and dirty. I'm not sure if I installed the fuel filter backwards(seems to simple), the battery is bad, it's the fuel pump although it's only about 4 years old, my friend told me there is a re-set somewhere on fuel pump that could be tripped(not sure where it would be) and I can spray starting fluid in throttle body or pour gas in and it will run when I put in another known good battery. I have replaced the fuel pump relay and that did not help. Any ideas would be appreciated. Also was told it could an ignition problem like the distributor and parts or the coil. Not sure how to check them either. I've been offered $300 as it sets but think I could junk it for more than that or sell the parts. Thank again. This thing is really frustrating when it could be so many things and most likely it is something simple.

 

usually if you spray fluid into the engine and it fires its a fuel delivery issue. one trick you can try is try cranking the truck while someone beats on the gas tank with a big rubber hammer. sometimes it will jar it enough to get it started. installing a fuel filter backwards wont effect flow it just wont filter as well.

also if it has 5 year old gas in it that may be why it isnt igniting either

 

After 2 years of sitting is when a fuel pump gives out normally no matter how old it was when you parked it. It runs when you put gas in the engine, so it is a problem with your fuel system most likely the pump.

 

Thanks for the ideas. I've dropped the tank and touched the fuel pump with jumper wires and it moved...not sure it is working but it did move. I guess it could be working but not enough to make it run. I don't have an inside place to work on it so I'll just work on it as weather permits. I'll post back with any updates when I can. Thanks again.

 

It most likely is your fuel pump. Had the same problem with my 89 C1500. I replaced the fuel pump and it worked. altho it fried the hot wire to the pump as well so i had to fix that aas well. all in cost me about 50$. Take the air filter off and pour fuel into the TBI. and try to start it. also can use anythin flammable. startin fluid, ext..