01 blazerxtreme 4.3l won't start

about a month ago i noticed that my blazer was hesitating to shift while driving it normally, yet would shift normally when i punched the gas. then about a week ago, i let it sit in my driveway for about 4 days and when i tried to start it. it took me about 8 LONG cranks to get it fired up. i drove it to the store and when i tried to start it again, all it did was crank. i have since checked the spark and it appears to be fine. not sure what to do. anyone have any suggestions? thanks. chris

If it has spark, the problem is probably fuel. Are you checking spark at the coil or spark plugs? Pull the spark plugs. Are they black or white? Black means too much fuel, white means not enough. Check the fuel filter. Check fuel pressure. Does it hold or drop?

hey rick, thanks for the suggestion. i went to the local auto parts store and they wouldn't rent out a gauge so i figured that i would try the next best thing. i diconnected the fuel line right after the fuel filter. put the key to the ON position and nothing. then cranked it and fuel came out in a stream. is that the way it is suppossed to be? if so then i think i have a bigger problem. what else could it be? i have spark at the plugs and fuel.??????? anymore help? thanks chris

You really can't tell by looks for the fuel pressure, it should be between 60 - 66 psi with the key on (not running). If you can't get a fuel gauge, at least pull the plugs, that will give you clues on the fuel whether it's rich or lean.

okay, i'll do that next. thanks for all your help so far

alright, i pulled a plug from each side and they are brown. So those are fine, right?

If everything is normal, they should be a light tan.

With the key to the on position but not started, you should get fuel flow.

Get your pressure tested.

ok. i finally got the fuel pressure tested. it reads about 55 when the key is at the ON position and jumps up to about 65 to 70. i am at a loss

should be 61-66psi whith the key only in the on position.