99 Bravada Won't Start...

Okay, I've got a 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada, 4.3L, that won't start. I have:

Tested the battery and had it completely charged.
Filled up the gas tank two days prior.
Removed a spark plug and verified spark when turning over.
Checked continuity on the distributor cap.Now, there was a drastic temperature change here in Michigan, going from about 5 degrees to in the 50s, so there is a lot of condensation under the hood. I don't have any codes, and don't have access to a code reader. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Check fuel pressure.
You need 65 lbs on a cold start.

Okay, I checked the pressure and got 60. I'm trying to change the fuel filter, but I can't get the old one off of the clamp. Is there a release or something? I did remove the bolt that attaches it to the frame, but I can't get the filter to slip off the band.

60 is border line or low.
You need 65 for a cold start.
59 or below will not squirt injectors on a cold start.
Will it start withn a shot of carb cleaner?
Is it the thick black plastic band?
Either block off a return line and check fuel pressure or.
While you are at the fuel filter check the full fuel pump pressure at the line from fuel pump.
Hook a hose to it and direct into fuel pressure gauge.
It should put out 85-95 lbs there if fuel pump is good.
But do not run it at high full pressure over a couple of seconds.

Well, I got the clamp off and put the new fuel filter in. Still won't start. Now I'm getting just under 60 on the fuel gauge. So I guess I'm going to call some garages around to see who will put a fuel pump in. Any other suggestions? The truck had the hesitation thing happening for a few months before. Is it possible that the fuel injectors are clogged and causing the no start problem?

You need 64-65 lbs of fuel pressure for a cold start.
Just under 60 will not squirt injectors on a cold start.
Did you check the full direct fuel pressure.
or block return line for a fuel pump test.
You need to make sure it is a fuel pump low on pressure first.
Could also be pressure regulator or other.
Remember proper testing before throwing parts at it.

You might see if it will start with a shot of carb cleaner.
But untill you get the fuel pressure problem up to par it will not start cold or may not even run right.

And if it is fuel pump go for the OEM type Delphi fuel pump.

Airtex and some 90 day wonders have a lot of problems.
Good luck

I checked the pressure on the fuel return...I'm assuming. The connector was near the distributor cap. Can I get a connector at an autoparts store that will hook onto the line that goes into the fuel filter?

The scrader valve is the in fuel or fuel rail/line pressure.
If you can block a return line off for a quick test of full fuel pump pressure.
With returned line blocked a good strong fuel pump will jump to 85-95 lbs full pressure.
But do not run pump over a couple of seconds at full 85-90 lbs pressure.

Yes parts place may have a adapter fitting to hook on tank fuel line at fuel filter.
or depending on you gauge and what filltings you have you may be able to hook on there or the quick couper end of fuel filter with a rubber fuel line.

Good luck and let us know what the pressure readings are.
MT

I haven't had a chance to check the fuel pressure yet. I was wondering if someone could explain how to get to the fuel injectors, so I can test and make sure they are functioning properly.

If you do not have proper fuel pressure the injectors will not work or squirt fuel on a cold start.
You also need full proper fuel pressure to test injectors.

A good engine capable scanner with a built in injector test and a good fuel pressure gauge is needed to do a injector balance test.

Work on getting that fuel pressure up to 60/66 and go from there.
You need 65-66 lbs on a cold start.

Good Luck
MT