P0303 Engine Shut down, Won't Start

[sock_s]

I have read for an hour or so of other related threads, but still never really got an answer, so here it goes...

Recently engine check light started to come on with P0303. Went to autozone to find it was a misfire in cylinder 3. Changed spark plugs and wires. Ran the car with super unleaded, light went away.

Recently engine light came on, same problem. Today while driving, the car just shut off. Will not start.Checked battery-normal. Checked electrical- spark strong. Fuel pump buzzes away as normal on startup.

Put carberator cleaner in throttle, wants to start up. Seems like fuel starvation. Going to check fuel pressure tomorrow and replace fuel filter Would the injector problem P0303 cause the car to shut down and not start up? Also, anyone know where to connect fuel pressure gauge on 97 chevy blazer V6 Vortex 4.3L 4WD 4door?

Thanks for your help.

[old_master]

P0303 will not cause a no start condition. Most likely a stuck poppet in #3 nozzle. Fuel pressure test port is located near the rear of the throttle body. There are two test ports relatively close to each other. One of them has a green tag on it and that one is for the EVAP system. The fuel lines are clearly marked as such.

[MT-2500]

You did not say what year or engine.
Check for spark to all spark plugs first. If OK the move on to fuel pressure check.
But here is the fuel pressure specs on later 4.3 v6 w engines.
Hard to start cold.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak.
Post back fuel pressure readings.
MT

[sock_s]

Thanks for the input. I will check the fuel pressure tomorrow and post my findings.

Thanks

[sock_s]

In case I do need to purchase a fuel pump(second one is 13 months) is there a brand people would suggest. I have seen Carters and Masters in my area. Masters is offered at Autozone, but has other people had problems with this brand.

What is it about the 97 Blazer that causes these pumps to go out. The original factory pump I had lasted 7 years. Is the wiring harness to blame? Any ideas would be appreciated as I am thinking of selling my Blazer if every year and 1/2 or so I have to replace the pump at a cost of $290 or so. Thanks for your input.

[Jeremy Fitch]

Originally Posted by sock_s

In case I do need to purchase a fuel pump(second one is 13 months) is there a brand people would suggest. I have seen Carters and Masters in my area. Masters is offered at Autozone, but has other people had problems with this brand.

What is it about the 97 Blazer that causes these pumps to go out. The original factory pump I had lasted 7 years. Is the wiring harness to blame? Any ideas would be appreciated as I am thinking of selling my Blazer if every year and 1/2 or so I have to replace the pump at a cost of $290 or so. Thanks for your input.

I would get the genuine GM Delphi pump from here:

http://store.getgmparts.com/fuel-pumps.html

[BlazerLT]

Ignition switch.

1997's have a bad switch and I bet you that is the cause.

It is in the steering column.

Do a search for ignition switch.