98 Blazer Wont Start!

[Mrryencoke]

SOS! My 98 Blazer 4.3 Vortec wont start.. While driving the other night I had a bit of a misfire. Check engine light would flash then stay on.... After driving approx another 5 miles it died completely. I noticed some smoke and investigated. After looking undernath I noticed that the cat was glowing cherry red. I let it cool down and managed to limp it home. Next day the truck was a no start at all. Following day the truck would start and idle rough but with any throttle would die out. I removed the catalytic to check if it was plugged and tried to start again..... a couple of fires but no start. I even tryed ether but still nothing. Plugs are all wet, and getting spark...... Just wont start! Any suggestions?

[bigj-dog]

I can't remember for sure, but if your blazer has a cap and rotor, I'd start there. The Vortecs are famous, especially if you live in an area where they use salt on the roads, caps corroding. Usually it'll give you a little notice by misfiring or starting hard after it's rainy or if the atmosphere is moist. It'll only cost you $15 and take about 15 minutes, so it's worth a shot.

[G.A.S.]

the converter glowing tells me that it needs to be replaced. As for the plugs being wet and having spark, You may have fouled the plugs with the cat. situation.
The cap and rotor issue is fact, pull that sucker off at least three times a year and check it. I have a 99 zr2 and the cap just collects moisture for some unknown reason.
anyways, change your plugs and see what you have.

[someguy000001]

The other day I had a similar problem and it turned out that all I had to do was reset the computer. Sounds stupid, I know.
Also my ignition coil went bad a while back and it gave me a spark but no start condition. The coil tested within specs with a meter but I changed it on a hunch and it ran great ever since.

[Mrryencoke]

I picked up new plugs, direct fit catalytic converter, cap/rotor tonight..... wires should be in stock tomorrow... Ill try unplugging the battery for the night for the computer reset and Ill be back online to update as soon as its all in! Thanks for the suggestions and any new ones would also be appreciated in the meantime!

[16th hippy]

if you have an A/C line running right above distributor, get some rubber conduit and a couple zip ties, and put that on...helps in summer for moisture getting into cap. as far as winter, may have to wait for global warming to get rid of some moisture in the air....lol.

[Mrryencoke]

Just a little follow up... sorry about the delay! I removed the cat and it was plugged solid! It looked like the inside was injected into place with a caulking gun it was so melted! I used a pry bar to break it up and hollow the cat out and reinstalled it. Still no start. I then replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor (extremely fouled up!) Note... from the previous attempts to start it I completely flooded the thing out so I used a barbeque lighter to dry out the cylinders when I had the plugs out. I dont recommend or take any responsibility for anyone trying this. DO NOT USE A BIC!!!! Stay well away from the cylinder when it flares out! I didnt want to take any chances that the gas leaked into the oil pan and thinned the oil out so I changed the oil too. The truck started fine after all this. I did have an engine code come up.... it was left bank oxygen sensor. After replacing it and clearing the code, no new codes came up even with the cat hallowed out. I do have a new replacement cat to go back in just before its next emission test. Hope this can be of some help. Thanks for the input gents!

[Gabe25]

Originally Posted by Mrryencoke

Just a little follow up... sorry about the delay! I removed the cat and it was plugged solid! It looked like the inside was injected into place with a caulking gun it was so melted! I used a pry bar to break it up and hollow the cat out and reinstalled it. Still no start. I then replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor (extremely fouled up!) Note... from the previous attempts to start it I completely flooded the thing out so I used a barbeque lighter to dry out the cylinders when I had the plugs out. I dont recommend or take any responsibility for anyone trying this. DO NOT USE A BIC!!!! Stay well away from the cylinder when it flares out! I didnt want to take any chances that the gas leaked into the oil pan and thinned the oil out so I changed the oil too. The truck started fine after all this. I did have an engine code come up.... it was left bank oxygen sensor. After replacing it and clearing the code, no new codes came up even with the cat hallowed out. I do have a new replacement cat to go back in just before its next emission test. Hope this can be of some help. Thanks for the input gents!

Just remember that the 4.3 motors do require so much back pressure from the exhaust system. When the CAT is hollowed out. Your exhaust system mite not provide enough back pressure and cause you to lose in low horse power, which could also effect your gas mileage.