1998 2.2 chevy s-10. Truck engine completely rebuilt... and just installed within last 300 miles.. runs great. Only problem.... sometimes but not always.... engine turns over and over and wont start, then u cut key back and wait a few secs or take key out and put back in and then bam starts right up. Noticed that at continuous turn over and over when it does happen (three times now) it sounds like something is still moving for a few secs when you cut key back. If you dont catch that and try to start again too quickly it obviously grinds out like a double start. Then it kicks the check engine light at the actual start that follows. On fourth normal start later the light goes back out. Code from light is P0342. Plugs, wires, battery all new also along with many other things.

I am not convinced its the cam sensor from its code because it is so intermittent and light goes off at 4th normal start up. Hate to replace an 80.00 part for nothing. Any other ideas or suggestions to check first? Ever heard of this before or happened to you? Your thoughts and ideas are welcome, hard to dupe to hook to a machine to check.

Truck runs so quiet and nice since rebuild just want to get this last issue fixed and have happy driving. STUMPED on next move. What does anyone think? Trying another key right now thinking could possibly be the key being old and it may not have been hitting the pins in the ignition right and triggering the anti theft security thingy. A friend with a 2000 had issue where her old key wouldnt start hers at all but extra key did. But hers wouldnt even turn over. Trying anything to diagnose. Anyway anyone ever have this happen on one on these???...... DIY'er's or mechanics! Please reply!

 

Have you tested for the proper fuel pressure when attempting to start the car?

How old is the fuel filter?

 

Pulled from LS1 Tech :

LS1TECH - View Single Post - P0342 code ?'s

Sounds like it could help you out greatly.