engine only starts if you give it starting fluid

Have you replaced filter and checked fuel pressure?

-----------------

no do you have any other ideas whhile were at it

check the gas tank for gas. old john

Out of gas, Bad pump, plugged fuel line, bad regulator, bad fuel injector unit.

Pump - open gas cap and listen for the pump while someone turns the key to ON. No noise = bad pump. Noise = pump is turning. Check fuel pressure at port on fuel line under hood. 55-61 psi. OK, Less and you have a problem. Change the filter and test again. Still low = Bad pump or pressure regulator.

Does it keep running, or die?

Al

don't forget to beat on the bottom of the tank

check the fuel pump, you should hear it make noise in the back when you turn the ignition switch on

my 93 4.3 did the same about a year ago. turns out the small electrical connector to power the fuel pump(connects the wiring outside the gas tank to the wiring inside the gas tank)went bad.