Multiple probs, need advice

I just bought my 1st gen blazer a month ago well technically (94 GMC Jimmy 4.3 Vortech 4x4)

I'm having common issues like everyone else that I read about.

Heat:
My temp gauge does not move its always on cold. I must have a stuck open thermostat then correct? I have very little heat and it doesn't seem to blow that much air out as well. I've read about the dexcool sludge and to changeover my rad cap aswell. How about an air blend door in these things? Where are they located?

Edit: UPDATE:Changed out the thermostat, got heat but the temp gauge still don't work.

I'm also getting a whining noise coming from the engine, when I went to get my inspection sticker the gas station attendent said my transmission maybe slipping. However, I get the same noise even when I rev in park. Could this be my waterpump? (I'm gonna post a soundclip for reference)


Battery/Alternator?:
Being without heat I went to wal-mart and picked up a portable heater you plug into the 12-volt plug. Worked perfect for about an hour straight, I went home. Went out again an hour later and after about 20 mins went by battery light came on and I noticed my voltage gauge dropping closer and closer to 9. I ran it down the highway to see if it would help and it didn't. I took the battery to sears and they said its junk. I tried another battery and I getting the same reading after starting it up and the battery light is still on. Bad alternator, or did I fry something by using the portable heater ? Before this I had no issues with the electric system.

UPDATE: Fried the battery and alternator,all fixed now.

Most likley you have a (bad), stuck open thermostat cause-ing your cold temp problem, A 195 degree new thermostat should cure your problem. Have your alternator checked ASAP (autozone will check for it free) Mine started making a whinning noise and turned out to be junk, Bad alternators cause lots and lots of electrical problems for second generation blazers. I don't know where the Heat/Ac blend door is exactly under the dash on your year. Good Luck...

ok heres the soundclip

Alternator, waterpump? or?

http://www.vtecho.com/blazer.mpg

Check your power steering fluid level. Sounds like it's the pump making the noise.

Check your power steering fluid level. Sounds like it's the pump making the noise.


I'm not really having any problems with the steering but I will check it out anyway.

I'm not really having any problems with the steering but I will check it out anyway.


You might not have any problems, but when it is low on fluid it hines just like your sound clip.

You might not have any problems, but when it is low on fluid it hines just like your sound clip.


not the fluid. next?

Sounds like the power steering pump bearing is going bad, even though you say it's not giving you any trouble, disconnect your fan belt and start up the truck to narrow it down further...