97 blazer wont start

[Rou]

It drove just fine the day before. I go to start her up and the engine just keeps turning but wont start. It also has been a bit hesistant on take off foe the past week or 2. What do u think it could be. The gas gauge also reads a lil funny but its mostly on the mark just a lil wiggly. Fuel pump, relay, ignition switch?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Rou

It drove just fine the day before. I go to start her up and the engine just keeps turning but wont start. It also has been a bit hesistant on take off foe the past week or 2. What do u think it could be. The gas gauge also reads a lil funny but its mostly on the mark just a lil wiggly. Fuel pump, relay, ignition switch?

FIRST THING TO CHECK IS FOR LOSE OF SPARK OR LOSE OF FUEL PRESSURE.
Post back if you have spark to all plugs and fuel pressure readings.
Also keep in mind 97 is a bad year for ign switches.
Does all dash lights come on key on like normal?
Is it low on gas?

[Rou]

I've checked all spark plugs and they are getting spark. Unfortunately I don't think i have the tools for checking the pressures. I did press in on that valve towards the firewall and gas came out (good thing I suppose). I also hear the fuel pump right before I fully crank the car like its warming up or sending gas. I also hear a click on the fuel pump relay (i think that is what I'm hearing from the glove box) when i turn the engine over.

[Rou]

Oh and yes the lights come on like normal and there is about 1/4 of a tank of gas.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Rou

I've checked all spark plugs and they are getting spark. Unfortunately I don't think i have the tools for checking the pressures. I did press in on that valve towards the firewall and gas came out (good thing I suppose). I also hear the fuel pump right before I fully crank the car like its warming up or sending gas. I also hear a click on the fuel pump relay (i think that is what I'm hearing from the glove box) when i turn the engine over.

Most parts places loan or rent or sell fuel pressure testers.

Is it a 4.3 v6.
If so pressure specs are 60/66 lbs of pressure.

You will need 64-65 lbs of pressure engine cranking to squirt injectors.

A good fuel delivery test is to squirt a little carb cleaner in intake when cranking.

If it fires on carb cleaner then you have a fuel delivery problem.

Also add 5 gals of gas and see if that helps.
That gauge could be off.

[Schrade]

Originally Posted by Rou

Unfortunately I don't think i have the tools for checking the pressures. I did press in on that valve towards the firewall and gas came out (good thing I suppose).

Means absolutely 0. You have to either get a gauge, or go to a shop and get it done.

And most mechanics DON'T know how to properly do STATIC and DYNAMIC F/P tests. Rent one, or buy (eBay), and I can walk you clearly through proper tests.

If you don't do these, there's no reason to do anything else at all. Promise.

[Rou]

Funny. I just went out to the car and it started up like their was nothing ever wrong with. After almost 2 days of pulling my hair out. So may that point even more to the ignition switch?

[Schrade]

Originally Posted by Rou

Funny. I just went out to the car and it started up like their was nothing ever wrong with. After almost 2 days of pulling my hair out. So may that point even more to the ignition switch?

Since it bogs on acceleration, then no, it's not likely ignition switch; rather injectors that aren't atomizing well, which also can leak when mis-functioning, and make for hard starts.

Acceleration calls for EXTRA enrichment. That's what the vacuum on the FPR does. Pedal down, vacuum, EXTRA FUEL. With poor atomization, you get bogging down. Same as a choked carb on a hot motor - No-go.

Get a fuel pressure gauge like MT said, and post back for walk-thru...

Wishing it's a plug n pray repair - swap-a-part just don't happen anymore.