No start, start, no start, start+smoke

'97 Blazer V6 4.3.


Over the Christmas holiday I went out of town and left my truck at home, since the weather had been mild I left it with about a quarter tank of gas. When I returned it would not start, it did crank (ranging from a fast crank fully charged to a crank, crank, crraaaannnk, crank). I tried charging the battery and jumping it and neither one would start the truck, I replaced the battery thinking it was bad and nothing so I swapped the old one back in. I finally, as a last effort before tow, added some STP gas treatment/some gas to get it above half and for the hell of it changed the oil. The next morning it started up, a hard start but it started. I ran fine for about two weeks until yesterday. I went to start it and again it cranks but no start so today I put it on charge and let it sit for a few hours. When i went back out there i finally got it to start, again a hard start, after cranking it numerous times. I had to crank it for about 10-15 seconds the last time to get it to fire. After starting a large cloud of smoke came out of the exhaust. It went away quickly and is normal again.

What could be causing the starting issues and what would have caused the smoke cloud?

I have also noticed larger than normal puddles around the tail pipe. Would water in the gas cause excess condensation in the exhaust?


Thank you for any help.

'97 Blazer V6 4.3.


I have also noticed larger than normal puddles around the tail pipe. Would water in the gas cause excess condensation in the exhaust?


Thank you for any help.

3 possibilities with a '97.
1. Ignition switch. Is it the original ignition switch module?. To verify the problem when truck won't start, do you have dash lights and gauges working?. If not, it's the switch.
2. fuel pump. turn the key on, but don't start it. Can you hear the pump whining for 5 seconds? If you can, check the fuel pressure on the rail close to the TB unit, should be 60psi with key on.
3. EEM module. Similar symptoms to the ignition module listed above. Check to see if you have voltage at the top of fuse #24 (transmission). If no, its the switch. If yes, it's the EEM

Don't worry about the smoke. When you cranked the engine but it didn't start you were still getting fuel. When it finally started you got that big smoke cloud when it burned off the excess fuel. This at least helps narrow down the cause of the no-start; you know you're getting fuel. For one reason or another you're not getting spark.

3 possibilities with a '97.
1. Ignition switch. Is it the original ignition switch module?. To verify the problem when truck won't start, do you have dash lights and gauges working?. If not, it's the switch.
2. fuel pump. turn the key on, but don't start it. Can you hear the pump whining for 5 seconds? If you can, check the fuel pressure on the rail close to the TB unit, should be 60psi with key on.
3. EEM module. Similar symptoms to the ignition module listed above. Check to see if you have voltage at the top of fuse #24 (transmission). If no, its the switch. If yes, it's the EEM


I'm having a similar problem as this. What is the EEM module. I haven't been able to find this in the repair book I have.

Ignition switch has been changed, Got fuel. Runs great when i can get it to start.

Thanks,
Del

coil wire?

I'm having a similar problem as this. What is the EEM module. I haven't been able to find this in the repair book I have.

Ignition switch has been changed, Got fuel. Runs great when i can get it to start.

Thanks,
Del

The EEM or ECM is the Electronic Engine or Electronic Control Module (depends on who you talk to, but they're the same thing) and it is located under the hood, on the passenger side fender.

I would check the system in the manner that was posted earlier - hopefully you will find your problem.
Good LUck,
bill:iceslolan

Thanks, Thats what I will try next.

One more thing to try, Pull your distributor cap and check for moisture, next check for carbon trails in the cap or on it.

I'll try that first. The computer is $125. I would rather try the cheaper first. It's even harder to work on it now. The dam thing is stuck at work. Last time it did this it took me a week to get it started.

Thanks again,
Del

I had trouble one with my 95 on cold days it wouldnt start or if it say a while fuel pressure was ok but wouldnt start.. Had no option but to change the fuel pump. ran fine ever since

The last time it wouldn't start, I sprayed starting fluid in the intake, and it wouldn't fire. I don't think its getting spark. I sent it to a mechanic the other day, he said the main computer was ok, and its been starting for him for the last 3 days. He can't get it to not start.
I don't know what to do anymore. I told the mechanic to keep it until it does it again. We'll see what happens.

Del

My friend has a '98 blazer with the cold start fluke.We've been narrowing the problem down for a few weeks now...but still no solution.Will post if we figure it out.

Like what was posted to start with.
First check for good hot spark to spark plugs.
If good hot spark move on to fuel pressure check.
Hard to start cold.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak.
Post back fuel pressure readings.
MT

It's getting good spark...will try the fuel pressure readings and post back.Thanks.

Ignition switch.