1997 blazer wont start

[jsteezy1290]

ok i bought a 97 blazer lt 4x4 not running. but i have seen it run. anyways it has spark and tries to fire but wont with starter fluid. so i checked the fuel pressure and it was in the 50's and then i try to start it and it fires right up, so i take the tester off and try to fire it thinking its gonna start and it doesnt. is this a regulator problem or pump? it only starts when the tester is on it

[jsteezy1290]

when i turn the key on i can hear the fuel pump kick on so the pump is working

[crazys182003]

your fuel pressure needs to be around 60. seems like you need a new fuel pump.

[ricksza]

Or the regulator is bad. Carefully restrict the return line back to the tank. When you turn on the pump, watch the pressure gage. If it hits 70psi, releive the restriction or chance blowing out some of the fuel system. It is capable of 100psi.

[jsteezy1290]

when key is on psi is 55 when crank its 63psi, then goes back to 55 psi

[ricksza]

The pressure is a little low (specs call for 60-66psi). Does the fuel pressure hold steady after the key is turned off? How long will it run with the tester on it. Or does it stay running as long as it's held into the crank position? The tester is a regular fuel pressure gage? Is the tester screwed onto the schraider valve on the fuel line? I can't see how the tester changes whether it will run unless the position of the tester is moving a connector or harness.

[jsteezy1290]

yea the pressure tester is screwed in the valve. the psi is 63 when cranking and when you quit cranking it drops to 53 psi. it wont start anymore with the tester on, just a one time thing, just cranks. i bought a fuel pump today and im gonna install it tonight

[roesrat67]

i have a 98 s10 blazer was getting pour gas mileage and hard 2 start would crank over awhile before starting then idled rough i finally took off the upper manifold and seen that it was all black inside i replaced the fuel regulator first now it starts right up and idles smooth 4.3 vortec has around 150k miles this is the best it has run since ive had it .

[BlazerLT]

Also, try squirting some gas into the throttle body and if it will start, you know you have a fuel issue.

If not, it is a 1997, you have a bad ignition module which could be causing other problems.

[jsteezy1290]

yea its not the fuel pump, cause i drove it yesterday now it going back to the same old thing

[BlazerLT]

Ignition switch.

[jsteezy1290]

why do you say its a switch?, the plugs are wet with gas

[BlazerLT]

Because you have a 1997 which is plagued with the same trouble many other 1997 owners have had and it was fixed with a new switch.

[jsteezy1290]

why do say its ignition switch when the key is on and cranking it fouls the plugs out, and why couldnt it be a regulator problem ( diaphram problem?

[BlazerLT]

Because the ignition switch controls the ignition and spark, you aren't getting the spark for the fuel, hence the wet plugs full of fuel.