2000 Blazer 4.3L 4x4
134,000 miles
Background: Last winter my Blazer had a difficult time starting on cold nights (around 30 degrees). After five or six attempts, raising the hood and playing with the throddle cable, after turning the ignition to on, it would crank up. After I run the car for awhile it starts up fine. At first I would move the Blazer to a sunny spot in the driveway. When the temperature rises to 40 or 45 or when i move it into the sun it starts. Last year I poured fuel injector cleaner / water ease in the gas tank and I changed the fuel filter. For the other 9 months out of the year it starts and runs like a champ. It seems like I have to heat the car (sun) to get it to start on a cold day.

Parts Replaced over time (some may not be related)
4x4 switch (40,000 miles) - Battery (50,000.00) - Alternator (55,000) - Gas fuel guage (80,000 miles) - Fuel Filter (120,000 miles) - Spark Plugs (120,000) - Starter (115,000.00) - Flush all oils as needed

 

Looks like the battery and alternator have been in there awhile since they were replaced. Have you had them tested?

 

I am going to test those tonight and I will get back to you in the morning on the results.

 

Battery and Alternator were tested tonight and they are fine.

 

well my thoughts would have been a battery, check to see what the cold cranking amps are for the battery. It should be higher than 650cca. Also with that many miles on the battery, depending on the number of years old it is, it might be worthwhile to replace it. Also check to see what your antifreeze concentration is (should be minimum of 50/50 antifreeze and water).

 

The anti-freeze concentration is definately 50/50. I am going to buy a new battery this weekend. The troubling thing is this has been going on for a year only during the cold days (November thru February). Is there anything else this could be. Some people are saying new fuel pump. How do I get the Pounds of fuel tested? Someone else said spider injectors? Both of these are 900.00 dollars to install. That makes me want to park it for the winter and buy a beater to scoot around in. I really don't like buying new/used cars.

 

It could be a fuel pump. The way to test is to attach the fuel pressure gauge to the test port found on the fuel rail near the intake manifold. Backside of the top of the motor. Attach it fuel pressure tester there and start it up I think. The autoparts store should be able to rent/borrow you a tester and tell you how to properly test for it. Otherwise run a search on here for it. Hope this helps.

 

After you have connected the gauge (which goes for ~$30 at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool), turn the key on but don't start the engine. You want 55-65psi, any less and you have a bad pump. Turn the key off and watch the pressure. It should not drop more than ~3psi or you have a bad regulator. If these are the problem it seems that they would be giving you trouble regardless of the temperature.

 

If I take the Blazer to Chevy will they be able to tell what is wrong using a computer or will they stick it to me at this point?