Blazer starting problem

[alesha183]

I have a 97 chevy blazer 4WD and for the past couple of months it has slowly gotten more difficult to start. I replaced the battery and had the connections cleaned. I believe it's either a starter or fuel pump. I checked to see if the engine is getting fuel when I have he starting problems and it is. When I have the problems starting, it will actually start if I only turn the ignition slightly a few times. If I try to turn the key like I would on a normal car, I would be there all day. It's turning over it's just not starting. When I do the little starting trick where I only turn it over a tad bit, the whole car kind of shutters and trys to start, I do that about 10 times and then it will start? Please help!!

[alesha183]

No one seems to want to respond to my blazer problem. I was reading the other threads and now I'm wondering if it could be an ignition switch. The car runs fine and starts great if I don't let it sit more then a couple of hours!
Anyone have a suggestion?

[blazee]

I would start by checking the fuel pressure. Your engine needs a minimum of 60 psi for a cold start. If the pump is getting weak, or the fuel filter partially clogged then the pump won't be able to achieve 60 psi during the 2 second prime cycle when the key is turned on. Cycling the key on and off makes the pump run a couple more times, which allows it to slowly achieve the proper pressure.

[alesha183]

Does that mean I need to replace the filter or the pump? I just had the starter checked and there is nothing wrong there. I got a pump priced and before labor it's gonna cost me 340.00.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by alesha183

Does that mean I need to replace the filter or the pump? I just had the starter checked and there is nothing wrong there. I got a pump priced and before labor it's gonna cost me 340.00.

No what Blazee said is to check them.

Can you hear the fuel pump prime up when you turn the key on?

The fuel filter you can remove and try blowing threw it for a check on it.

On fuel pressure check here is some guide lines.

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.

Also check out that switch.
If you have to play with ir or turn it a certain way someting is not right there.

[alesha183]

thanks- I don't have the equipment to do that at my house, but I am having some work done by a friend on it tomorrow- so I am gonna have them change out the filter since it's only 11 dollars, just maybe.... maybe that will help the problem. If not them I'm probably looking at a pump. I need the filter changed anyway, so either way I guess it's worth a try.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by alesha183

thanks- I don't have the equipment to do that at my house, but I am having some work done by a friend on it tomorrow- so I am gonna have them change out the filter since it's only 11 dollars, just maybe.... maybe that will help the problem. If not them I'm probably looking at a pump. I need the filter changed anyway, so either way I guess it's worth a try.

Just remember proper testing before replacing.
Good luck and let us kbnow how it goes.

[alesha183]

Thanks for all your help. If I can't get this piece of crap fixed for a reasonable price then I'm heading to the dealership to trade it in. I have never had more trouble with a car in all my life. The blazers have so many little things in general that go wrong with them. They are little lemons!!!