Blazer won't start.....?

Question

I have a '92 Chev. Blazer with a 4.3 (4x4). I used to have problems with it starting the first time,but if I would let it die, it would start right up the second time. Now it won't start at all. I was low on gas and put some in, and still nothing. Starter fluid isn't working. All of the connections appear to be good. Any ideas?

OK now I can start it with starter fluid. Tonight I will replace the fuel filter, according to Advanced Auto there is only one. If that doesn't work do you think it could be the pump then? The truck won't stay running. It dies right away.

Answer 1

If starting fluid isn't working then you probably have no spark. I know you aren't supposed to but if you pull a plug wire and hold it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the engine block you can see if there is spark. If you don't do this very long it won't hurt anything. If you have spark then your pugs may be soaked. If you can smell gas pretty strong it my be flooded (easy to do with FI) Try to crank it for a few minutes and see if it will start, if it won't you may have to let it sit for a while then try it again. Good Luck>

Answer 2

You could have several different problems so you have to eliminate some as best as you can. If you are squirting a starting fluid into the intake's plenum and still get no reaction, I would begin by checking for spark output at the coil tower. Simply remove the coil wire and have someone crank the motor over while you watch, the output should be strong, consistent, able to jump from the tower to a ground, and a blue color. If it is all of this, your coil is probably good. Check all spark plug wire ends and connections for corrosion inside. If all appears okay, reconnect everything except one wire and recheck the coil's output at the plug end. You will have to install a screwdriver or something like that and hold it close to ground. Spark still needs to be strong and consistent, although not as consistent as before as you are now only getting one of six fires. If that is all okay, the ignition system is good. You might have a fuel pump or a central port injector leaking. You will have to install a fuel pressure guage on the fuel rail close to the distributor in behind the intake plenum. These motors need around 55-60 psi to run. If the pressure builds but quickly leaks down, I would suspect a huge internal leak at the CPI which would then need replacement. Just need to take the intake plenum off. If you have no pressure, you either have a fuel pump that is no good, or the wiring to it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Check your fuel pump fuse also it is with the rest of the fuses. I would put another gallon of gas in it before I did anything else. Listen for the FP to run when the ignition is switched on

Symptoms sounds like fuel pump or regulator,filter might help some, my son recently had problem where the fuel pump wire grounded out from rubbing on the engine and it would blow fuses. ..

Answer 4

How old is the fuel filter? And, are you sure you change them all? Some have two, one in the engine compartment and one on the frame, I think it's on the driver's side in front of the rear wheel.

Get a Chilton's or Haynes, do a fuel flow check. Check the air filter. Are the plugs and wires old enough to be a possibility? If it is a stick, can you push start it?

There are several possibilities but there a few things to start with.

Answer 5

it's possible that the battery is run down do to the alternator not charging (as mentioned). if you drive to your local autoparts store to have it checked (most do it for free, just call them prior), you will have to have at least 12.45v on the battery for them to test it correctly. now once the battery is tested, they can check the starter (draw), and the alternator, and give you that information. if you can't start your vehicle, try taking out your battery, and run it up to your autoparts store to test/charge, as need be, then run your vehicle up there. i'd have someone follow you (if you drive it up there), in case the battery needs to be charged, and you don't have to wait around. also, what do the battery cables/connections look like? corroded, clean or what? it does sound like a bad ground, but start with the basics (have things checked). just because it's a new battery, doesn't mean it's good (defects do happen). edit: "look good last test while the car is running remove the red cable from the battery if the car stalls the alt. is not working and needs replaced" <-- disagrees with John T!! (NEVER DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES ON NEWER VEHICLES WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!!) you could cause a voltage spike that can cause damage to your alternator, engine computer, additional onboard electronics, etc., this is an old school check, that should not be done on modern vehicles with todays electronics!!!

Answer 6

I have a 91 Blazer that had a similar problem , check out the Distributor cap for cracks [main tower where coil wire plugs into].This is a electrical problem.If this doesn't work check out the ignition Mogul and pole piece inside dist housing. You are not getting any spark to fire the spark plugs.

Answer 7

Sounds like there is no spark, otherwise it would start up with the starting fluid. Most common on that truck is the ignition module which is located undeneath the distributor cap. Just replace it.....

Answer 8

DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID, I have seen vehicles have severe internal damage, especially if the engine is flooded, (bent the valves on a tractor, learned this the hard way)

Answer 9

did any one put gas in your gas tank if not just turn your key to the on position and listen for your fuel pump to come on if it does just keep turning on and off with out starting it then try it after awhile

Answer 10

Same problem on my fairly new chevy. Check Fuel Pressure regulator. And have injection system thoroghly cleaned.