96 4.3 has issues!

[bluebuick91]

3 weeks ago, my 96 blazer, vin code W, 4.3L ,4X4 128,000 miles, died while driving down the highway at speed and hasn't started since. I got this car second hand, did tune up-cap wires plugs rotor, coil, module tested OK and was not replaced, fuel filter and catalytic were also changed. I have basic knowledge and know that it is in time, and chain is intact. Module still testing OK(Napa Auto clerk tested it), coil OK, there are less than 5000 miles on the new parts so now what? I see on here that I will need to check fuel pressure-should be 60-66 PSI, but need to know where to hook up the gauge. I see a black cap on a fuel line near the TB, so is this the spot? Anything special, procedure wise I need to know?

Also, another interesting tid bit-the daytime running lights were coming on while I was trying to start it, so pulled the fuse to keep them from draining my battery as fast when cranking it-put it back in, they don't come on now and neither does the dash light for them-what the heck is up with that. Is this year known for ignition problems like the 97, or am i having another issue?

Thanks for the help!

[FishFind]

I have a 99 and a 2001 and both of them had the fuel pump go out on me and it did the same thing as you said. The fast and easy way to see if this is your problem. Remove the air intake hose from the carb and pour about 1/4 cup of gas in it. If it starts then its yer pump. May be worth the time to make sure its not the fuse though, but this is my 3rd s-10/blazer and the pump went on all of them

[MT-2500]

First confirm good spark to all plugs when it quits or no start.
The fuel pressure test port is on in fuel line on left rear of engine.
You should have 64-65 lbs engine cranking.

[bluebuick91]

as soon as it stops pouring rain, i will jump back into getting this truck going...i will post my pressures when i get them. thanks for the replies!

any idea why the daytime lights are not coming on now? i pulled the fuse, it is ok, put it back-nothing-????

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bluebuick91

as soon as it stops pouring rain, i will jump back into getting this truck going...i will post my pressures when i get them. thanks for the replies!

any idea why the daytime lights are not coming on now? i pulled the fuse, it is ok, put it back-nothing-????

Get the engine running and see if they come on.

[bluebuick91]

OK-i need to know if i should have voltage to the plug on the distributor? right now i do not get anything. tried probing the plug with light tester while cranking engine over-no light...should i have voltage to the distributor when the key is on/cranking? Also-was going to get pressures, and a funny thing happens-the fuel pump primes, then when i crank the motor over it wont start, so turn key off/pull it out of ignition-fuel pump stays running for 30 seconds to a minute-with the keys in my hand-What is up with that??

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bluebuick91

OK-i need to know if i should have voltage to the plug on the distributor? right now i do not get anything. tried probing the plug with light tester while cranking engine over-no light...should i have voltage to the distributor when the key is on/cranking? Also-was going to get pressures, and a funny thing happens-the fuel pump primes, then when i crank the motor over it wont start, so turn key off/pull it out of ignition-fuel pump stays running for 30 seconds to a minute-with the keys in my hand-What is up with that??

Is it getting spark to all plugs?
What is cranking fuel pressure?

[MT-2500]

What engine code?
Flat top or old style wires out top?

[MT-2500]

The sensor in dist is only a camshaft position sensor.
Pink wire to it should have 12 volt fused ign voltage.
Does it have 12 volts key on?

[MT-2500]

We are still waiting on fuel pump pressures.

Some pumps will run a little after key off.
May be slow relay shut down.
Main thing be sure it does shut off.

[bluebuick91]

ok, dumped gas down, didn't change a thing, didn't even attempt to start, just cranked the same way as before dumping the gas. Fuel pressure is 63 by the way. I don't seem to be getting any spark from the coil, but i have 12v to all the pink wires . I have replaced the coil-same result. Considering lighting the whole thing on fire, and letting the wrecking yard have it. But that wouldn't get me anywhere, so now what? oh, and DRL are back on when key is on and cranking. i changed the ignition harness as well thinking that was causing the problem, but it wasn't.

[old_master]

Check for pulsing ground on the white wire at the ignition coil while cranking.