Bad Idle, Smell Gas, Can't read codes

[J Miles]

Got a 6/95 GMC Jimmy w/4.3 Vortex engine w/automatic overdrive transmission.

The other day it just started running like crap. Idle occilates up and down while in park. When I go for a drive I have to keep my foot on the gas even while braking or she wants to die. If I let off the gas while coming to a stop then engine occilates up and down causing a surging and then will die when I get close to a stop.

I get a very stong scent of gas while she is running. When I go for a drive the Service Engine Soon light will come on after about 5 minutes of driving or about 2 miles.

When I have the guy at AutoZone scan for codes it gives a Link Error. No matter how many times he tries to scan it, Link Error everytime.

Someone please give me some advise.

[Bronco2]

Have the A/Z guy run a 96 OBD2 check-generic-and it will probably pull over rich codes.Busted regulator or fuel lines in the intake-visit the S10/Blazer forums on this site and you will get info. and parts availability.

[J Miles]

Originally Posted by Bronco2

Have the A/Z guy run a 96 OBD2 check-generic-and it will probably pull over rich codes.

When I first went inside and asked if they would scan it he asked what year I it was. When I told him 95 he said he may not be able to do it. Then when he was able to install the connector he told me that it was an OBDII 95.

I am not following what you are telling me to do. Is there a difference between scaning for codes and a OBDII check?

[Bronco2]

Same thing.You have the cross over year truck with On Board Diagnostics 1 (OBD) certification with the OBD 2 plug. Look at the emissions label under the hood and it should say OBD 1 compliant. I have a friend with the same setup. Using my scan tool I need to use a 1996 OBD2 application to get data. Anything else won't connect. If the A/Z guy is using a simple code puller you may have to go somewhere else. Another thing you can do is run the truck for a few minutes,remove the plastic cover on the intake that says Vortec, remove the valve under it (2 torx screws) and look in the intake with a flashlite. If you see gas puddeled in the intake that is a sure sign that the regulator or fuel lines are busted. Not a hard job but pretty expensive.

[J Miles]

OK just went out to the truck and it says OBD I certification on a label under the hood and the data plug is OBD II according to the AutoZone guy. The scanner thing that he is using is basically a simple code puller. From what he tells me it is an OBD II compliant tool and will only work on OBD II vehicles and I would guess that is why he is not able to get it to work on my OBD I truck.

Can you tell me what kinda scan tool I would need to use to pull the codes?

[Bronco2]

I use an AutoXray 6000 for home use. I paid about $540 for it so its a little expensive,but a scan tool has become pretty much a required tool. It won,t do near the stuff the MasterTech I use at work will do,but thats a $4000 plus unit. Do some internet research if your thinking of getting one,there are several available.

[J Miles]

I am not trying to buy one, I want to know what kind would read the code since it is such and odd setup

[Bronco2]

The ones I use will and I would think most other brands. But it needs to be a scan tool,not just a code puller.

[J Miles]

ok, thanks

[mjohn]

Bronco2...
I agree with the Vortec 4.3 Wseries...
I have just replced the fuel injection system...321.00 from rockauto.com and now I see I need to replace the internal fuel lines as well...
Will this cure the problem...I sure hope so...

[coronaroma]

check to see if there is gas in the oil if there is gas in the oil your leaking gas in the plentum your fuel injector lines are broken you have to replace the whole fuel injector unit

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by coronaroma

check to see if there is gas in the oil if there is gas in the oil your leaking gas in the plentum your fuel injector lines are broken you have to replace the whole fuel injector unit

Dude, quit answering posts that a a year old.