1997 Blazer Won't start

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 10:36 AM

I have a 1997 Blazer 4 dr 4.3 Vortec. The engine all of a sudden will not start. I can hear the fuel pump run when I turn on the key. I put some gas in the throttle body and it fired right up till it ran out. I'm thinking maybe the fuel filter or fuel pump? Can someone please help.

Fractured1 · 01-10-2005, 11:08 AM

I would definitly change the filter out..you need to get a pressure test of the fuel system...I believe you can rent the tester from autozone and it connects to the schrader valve on top of the engine on your fuel line (looks like a tire valve, may have a plastic cap on it) keep us posted

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 11:18 AM

I'm hoping it's the filter. Someone said maybe an Ignition switch? Can't understand it being that though because the fuel pump runs.

Fractured1 · 01-10-2005, 11:34 AM

If you search these post on 97's they seem to have a problem with there ignitions...not where the key goes in but the black box containing all electrical connections and such...

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 12:16 PM

I hate to buy the ignition though if I don't need it. It's 90 bucks.

BlazerLT · 01-10-2005, 12:18 PM

Check you fuel pressure first with the truck off and the key to the on position.

That way we can rule out a pressure problem.

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to rent a pressure tester today and check it. Going to pick up a fuel filter too for the heck of it.

BlazerLT · 01-10-2005, 05:34 PM

Yea, that would be a good start.

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 06:05 PM

Fuel pressure reads 45 with the old fuel filter. Still reads 45 with the new filter installed. Still will not start.

Fractured1 · 01-10-2005, 06:11 PM

the pressure should be around 58 to 64 psi with key on, not running and drop 3 to 10 psi when running...good luck

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 07:11 PM

So I guess I'm replacing the fuel pump?

BlazerLT · 01-10-2005, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fractured1

the pressure should be around 58 to 64 psi with key on, not running and drop 3 to 10 psi when running...good luck

Notstepping on your toes, but for the 1996+ CSFI, it requires 60-66psi.

He is WAY below what is needed.

kc8ieg,

Check the battery voltage. The battery could be weak which will cause the low pressure from the electrical fuel pump.

kc8ieg · 01-10-2005, 08:30 PM

The battery is new. It might be a little low due to all the crankin lately though. Was hoping it wasn't the fuel pump but it's not looking good.

BlazerLT · 01-10-2005, 09:23 PM

Disconnect the battery from the cables and charge it to full before you do ANY fuel pump work.

imnprsd · 01-10-2005, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fractured1

the pressure should be around 58 to 64 psi with key on, not running and drop 3 to 10 psi when running...good luck

I'm a 97 Blazer owner and here is what happened to me today... My engine was at times hard to start and I think I noticed more throughout the day vs my first start in the morning. When this happens it takes about 4-5 cranks vs 2-3 to start the motor and then it may spudder a tad before the other cylinders kick in.

You get the idea. This is not a real problem, but with all the talk about ingnition switches (harness) going bad on a '97 I thought I would first rule out the possibility of my fuel pump system while I still had it running and could drive it to the mechanic. Here's what we found with regards to fuel pressue:

Key on ==> Pump holding steady pressure at 63 PSI

Start engine ==> Pump held 63 PSI for 2 seconds and then droped to 55 PSI

Engine off ==> Pressure dropped to 49 PSI

My mechanic checked his computer (reference manual ?) and said:

-- 63 PSI was normal as was the drop in fuel pressure after the engine started.
-- He ruled out priming to be a problem.
-- He said if the pressure regulator was leaking fuel into the manifold I probably would be seeing black smoke out the exhaust (and there isn't any).
-- He concluded that one or more of the fuel injectors maybe clogged and therefore may not be closing all the way... which results in fuel leaking into the cylinders. This means that too much fuel may be in the cylinder and could make it hard to start. (I also don't like the sound of fuel washing down the cylinder walls!)

His solution was more of a preventitive maintenance approch. He said I should clean the fuel sysyem by using the type that disconects the fuel return line and cleans the fuel ??? something-something, but not the type that you squirt down the throttle body.

Now here's the kicker... On my way home, two blocks from my house, I accelerated from a stop sign and the engine just quit. Still rolling I put it in neutral and tried to start it... Nothing for the first 8 cranks. Tried again and I got the car started, accelerated, and the engine quit. Put it in neutral, started it up and pulled in my diveway backwards just in case I need a tow in the morning.

SO..... What do you all think this could be? Fuel pump, fuel regulator, or ignition switch???

I was told that the fuel pump either works or it doesn't. If this is true then I'm leaning to replacing my ignition switch. However, I am surprised the shop manual says it will take 2 hours to replace. BTW, Advanced Auto Parts sells an ignition switch for $75, but I noticed that list is $165. That leaves a lot of margin on the table. Best to shop before you buy.

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