i have a 99 blazer 4.3. about a week ago it started to get hard to start. i would have to crank it..?

Question

about 3 times at first then it just keep takeing longer to start entill about 3 days ago it finally wouldnt start at all i've changed so many parts i dont know what to do now???
if any one has any advice please let me know..

Answer 1

First thing to do - try to jump-start it off another car. The battery might be drained from trying to crank it.

If it starts slower and slower each time you try to crank it (i.e. it seems "sluggish"), it's the starter. It's not that expensive of a part to replace, but if you do it yourself, remember to disconnect the negative battery cable so you don't shock yourself.

If it just doesn't crank, it can be anything - plugs, fuel delivery, or air. Most likely it's one of the first two. Make sure the spark plug wires don't have burnt spots and make sure the plugs are clean on the ends.

If it's the fuel, you can try replacing the fuel filter (a few dollars from any auto store, located in front of the rear wheel on the driver's side against the frame - at least on my Blazer.) If this doesn't work, don't sweat it - it's good to replace it anyway.

Check your battery charge. When on, the needle should be pointing right in the middle of the gauge. If it's low, it could be that your alternator is going bad and isn't charging the battery like it's supposed to.

Lastly, when you last drove it, try to remember if it was sputtering or skipping at low RPM's. If so, it could be the fuel pump (located inside the gas tank) that's gone bad.

If you can crank it, take it to an auto store and have them look at it if none of this works. Go with a friend and have them wait with the car while it's running - you don't want to risk it not starting again somewhere away from your home.

Answer 2

The time to diagnose this is when the motor is doing what you are complaining about. As far as I can tell the motor cranks, but won't fire or start. You have to go to the basics. When it cranks and doesn't start, check for spark outputs at the spark plug end. It must be strong and consistent at all times. Install a fuel pressure tester onto the fuel rail at the back and left or the intake plenum and check fuel pressure when the ignition is turned on and when the motor is being cranked. You need around 55 psi to get the motor started. If you have less, you either have an internal leak or a fuel pump that will not produce enough pressure. These had that type of problem and also had internal leakage at the fuel pressure regulator inside the plenum. I would also check the PCM data and codes as this might give some clues.

Answer 3

could be the ignition control module, it controls everything between the computer and the sensors (spark, fuel, speed, idle,etc) it failing makes it harder to start, then it goes out completely, take it off, take it to autozone they can check it for you. my 5.7 pickup sputtered for a few days, after it started to get hard to start, then boom i was stuck 45 miles from home. I took it out, check it and it was bad, changed it now it starts right up. I now try to keep a spare in the glove box(from the junk yard/had it checked at autozone too) so if it happens again i can just change it and boogie on

check here for more info

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/18/ba/42/0900823d8018ba42/repairInfoPages.htm

Answer 4

make sure the injectors are not leaking down, also check for proper fuel pressure. Did you check for spark? If so, how strong is it? With a fuel pressure gauge, how much pressure do you have with the key on and engine off? Does it maintain at least 40 - 60 p.s.i. ? If you have the vortec 4.3 M.P.F.I., They are famous for bad injectors manifold assemblies. This is a possible cause.

Answer 5

did you replace your fuel pump, alot of times they get clogged with dirty fuel. check to see if you have two of them. one can be in the right rear undercarriage, just follow the fuel line from the gas tank.

Answer 6

what happens when you try to crank it ?