crazy problem 96 blazer

ok lets see if we can figure this out so i dont have to take this to a shop.

1996 blazer 4.3 vortec. new plugs, wires, filters.

dont know if this is 2 problems or one problem causing it all

truck doesnt want to start after it has been sitting a couple days. noticed the other day it is also draining the battery. when i finally get it started and try to take off it misses and jumps like crazy, winds out 1st and second gear while missing and sputtering.

after it runs for about 10 minutes or so it all clears up and runs like a new one!! and will the next day also. but if it sits for more than 2 to 3 days this process starts all over again.

also noticed the battery will be dead. have to switch batteries to get it started . and yes it still does all of this with a new fresh strong battery in it also. when i change batteries i also notice that i get spark from the cables like something is on with the key off. i have checked all lights and so on .. nothing on. this is a brand new battery it is doing it to. makes 2 of them it has killed.

has anyone else experienced this with there blazer?

could this be the key ignition?

any check engine codes?

any check engine codes?
damn and i thought i covered it all.
nope no codes at all just had it at autozone and zip for codes.

maby there is some water/condensation happening, put a bottle of dry gas in your tank... and did you do the cap and roter when you did the plugs and wires?

ok, to find out what is draining the battery, check the current draw on the battery and pull one fuse at a time until you see where the draw is coming from.

Also, take a voltmeter out and test what the alternator is charging at.

ok, to find out what is draining the battery, check the current draw on the battery and pull one fuse at a time until you see where the draw is coming from.

Also, take a voltmeter out and test what the alternator is charging at.
what do i do just hook a volt meter up to the battery and start removing fuses and looking for a power up after each fuse is pulled?

also what should the alternator read while running and what is the best way to test alternator with the meter?

ok just ran the test with a volt meter..

battery is at 12 volts with nothing hooked up and 12 when it is hooked up.

pulling fuses didnt even see a surge at all on meter when fuses where pulled one at a time.

alternator is putting out 14 volts while running .. on the back of alternator and on battery.

i don't know about where to tell you to look for a drain other than if you bought an alternator from autozone but then usually it would act up upon installation, but as far as running like crap when you jump it(or change battery) it is a common problem with blazers in that when the battery voltage drops too low for the ecu to keep its memory active it will reset and when u get it started again it has to relearn your engine's running preferences, so to speak, then runs smoothly again. Even though the idle smooths out it may still need be driven on the hiway to at least 60mph to fully relearn.

12 volts only?

The battery voltage should be 12.8-13.6 volts when fully charged.

^yes but 12 is acceptable, its 9 and beleow that will start causing you trouble with computers, they have a 9 volt and lower safty shut off, resetting them

not when you are talking about an electric fuel pump and an electric starter trying to work at the same time.

The battery needs to be charged.

^let the pump do its prime, then start is, as long as your accesories arent on you will start... if your radio, and heater are on, no you wont start, but let the prime charge, make sure all optional electrical stuff is off and go for it, but if your drained down to dead, then it doesnt matter, something is killing the battery and thats the problem that needs discussed

he said he switched batteries, i am wondering if that battery died as well or if his old battery was causing the problem.

Howdy, whats your battery cables look like. Are they clean or covered in crap.