possible fuel problems ??

[skooterbum]

i have a 1999 blazer with the 4.3. i recently had the honor of replacing the fuel pump, and fuel filter on it.

i noticed that when i disconnected the fuel lines while doing these repairs, that there was no pressure built up in the fuel lines.

i've replaced the fuel filter on this two times previously, and had great fuel pressure in the lines when i disconnected them.

the way this blazer is treating me with the need for constant repairs now, i'm wondering what the change in fuel pressure in the fuel lines is telling me ?? what repair is looming in the near future now ??

ron

[jdl]

After the vehicle sits overnight without the key being cycled, there usually isn't much if any pressure on the system, but, you still need to be careful about pressure. If you have the spider fuel system, they are known for problems. Use a gage and check proper fuel pressure. Also, see if pressure will hold for bit after pump stops.

60--66psi

[skooterbum]

ok, thanks for the info !! i will have to do a little reading up on that part of the fuel system, then see what the results are.

[JoulesWinfield]

Was this no pressure before the fuel pump?
The last time I replaced mine the check valve was shot and it wouldnt hold pressure for long. Once I put a Bosch fuel pump it will hold pressure for a seriously long time, not to mention it pressureizes instantly.

Im pretty sure if the leak is on the spider assy it comes from the fuel pressure regulator cause. The pop-it valves certainly could be leaking, but I dont know for sure that would effect the supply side. Pulling the intake is easier than dropping the tank though, its more intimidating if you've never done it. But it really isnt that big of a deal.

Let us know what you find.
Joules

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by skooterbum

i have a 1999 blazer with the 4.3. i recently had the honor of replacing the fuel pump, and fuel filter on it.

May I ask what brand of fuel pump you installed?

Some of the aftermarket fuel pumps will not hold leak down pressure for more than a few minutes.

If you replaced your OEM pump with an Airtex Pump, save your receipt and your money because you WILL BE REPLACING YOUR FUEL PUMP VERY SOON.

[skooterbum]

Thanks guys for your suggestions !!

I replaced the fuel filter on the Blazer previously, and I remember having a lot of fuel pressure in the line when I disconnected the fuel filter. This time, there was no pressure in the line. But last time I remember I drove the Blazer into the ramps to raise it up to work on it, and got right to replacing the filter.

This time, I can't remember if I already had the Blazer setting on the ramps for a good time before I changed the filter out or not ?? I'm getting old and loosing my memory !!

I got the replacement fuel pump at my local Car Quest. I can't remember which brand of pump I used, I can find out if any one wants to know, but I am pretty sure it isn't an Airtex. I did come here to read up on the repair, and find out what pumps were better than others. I remember the Airtex being on the DO NOT USE list.

I live in a small town in the corn fields of Iowa, so I know the guys that run the Car Quest store here pretty well. They reccomended the best pump that they carry, which is what I used. They said they had very few of them come back.

But yes, I did save my receipt...LOL

I'm getting to old and crippled up to lay underneath these things any more, so I cut a hole in the floorboard, under the back seat, to get access to the fuel pump. Man did that make the job a lot easier !!

My biggest complaint was the large metal ring that twist locks into place on the top of the pump, to hold the pump in position, was rusted pretty bad, and lost a lot of mass. So I decided to replace that too. Another rip off from the dealer. That thing cost me another $35, I think..... What a joke !!

Anyways, i've been driving it the way it is, and it runs down the road great. I have plenty of power when I step into it to pass some one, so I know it's getting enough fuel.

I'm thinking about trading it in next spring, so if it holds out till then I will be happy.

[JoulesWinfield]

Try Rockauto dot com if you can wait for shipping. They save me tons of cash on oem parts.

[skooterbum]

Hey JoulesWinfield, Thanks for the lead !! I'll put them in my list of go to shops for my auto needs !!