2001 Blazer

[ironhorse8]

For about two weeks, my Blazer would crank but not start on the first turn of the key. After a couple of tries it would start and as long as the engine was not off for more than a few hours, it would start again with no problem. While driving however, the engine would periodically "hitch" like it was missing a spark, or not getting any gas. As of last weekend, the engine will not catch at all, and a light on the dash shows "low fuel" even though the tank is almost full.

Spoke to a mechanic who (without looking at it) diagnosed a fuel pump problem at a cost of around $1,000. Is there any other problem which may cause this issue? I have very limited mechanical ability, and cannot pull the spark plugs to test them, as they seem to be buried in the lower half of the engine block.

[viggy58]

sounds like the symptoms of a weak fuel pump. only way to know for sure is to rent a pressure gauge and check it yourself.

It's def an expensive job at a shop. MAKE SURE you get a delphi/ac delco pump!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ironhorse8

For about two weeks, my Blazer would crank but not start on the first turn of the key. After a couple of tries it would start and as long as the engine was not off for more than a few hours, it would start again with no problem. While driving however, the engine would periodically "hitch" like it was missing a spark, or not getting any gas. As of last weekend, the engine will not catch at all, and a light on the dash shows "low fuel" even though the tank is almost full.

Spoke to a mechanic who (without looking at it) diagnosed a fuel pump problem at a cost of around $1,000. Is there any other problem which may cause this issue? I have very limited mechanical ability, and cannot pull the spark plugs to test them, as they seem to be buried in the lower half of the engine block.

HARD STARTING CAN NOT BE DIAGNOSED JUST BY TALKING TO.

Only proper testing will tell you the story.
As said check fuel pressure when it is acting up.

A grand sound high for a fuel pump job.

I would find another repair shop for a second opinion.

[Jsaw]

Yeah $1000 is definitely high for a fuel pump. My local Auto recycler has a fuel pump for $200, and thats a brand new aftermarket with a 1 year warranty. As for the job i find it hard to believe its $800 for labour.

-J

[old_master]

$200 for an aftermarket??? You can buy 'em all day long on Amazon & eBay for under $100. They both have genuine AC Delco for around $180. Couple hours of work and it's done. Don't waste your time and money on aftermarket stuff when it comes to a fuel pump.

[mixin]

Originally Posted by old_master

$200 for an aftermarket??? You can buy 'em all day long on Amazon & eBay for under $100. They both have genuine AC Delco for around $180. Couple hours of work and it's done. Don't waste your time and money on aftermarket stuff when it comes to a fuel pump.

^^^^^ WORD! ^^^^^

I put in an Airtex brand from AZ - it lasted about 20K miles and the fuel pump sender never worked right. I put in a Delco from Amazon like said above - truck runs awesome again and the fuel gauge works!