Ive got a 93 blazer with a 4.3 w series vortec motor. It started starting hard. Had a friend check the fuel pressure, everything checked out had 55psi and held after shut off. We came to the conclusion that the idle control valve motor was bad it was hanging up when the key was turned on. I change that out and still had the problem. It starts a little easier but still has to crank for a while. Before it started acting up it always fired right up. Not sure what else it might be. It doesnt throw any codes out so Im kind of lost right now. It runs fine after it is started and will usually start right back up after shutting off. Just after it sits a while is when it starts hard.

 

Spark pulgs could be fouled or old dist could be advances or retared. Ignition or starter what does it do when you try to crank it sound wise? Is it slow or fast any grinding?

 

trying changing the fuel filter, 55psi is barely enough psi for it to start, you usually need closer to 58-60psi. so the filter could be clogged and isnt allowing enough fuel to pass for it to start on its own. How old is your fuel pump? If thats orginal that could also be dying on you slowly. I had the same problem, wouldnt start, needed to spray starting fluid to get it started. Changed pumps and its a brand new truck again.

 

I just changed the spark plugs the same day that I changed the IAC valve. the fuel pump and the filter were changed a year ago. When i turn it over it sounds fine just always takes a while to start and it sputters a little when it does and usually smells like gas out the exhast. But it always starts and then runs just fine after it starts. Thanks.

 

ok, the next thing would be take the plenum off and make sure you dont have an small and slow internal fuel leak. the inside of the plenum should be a nice dirty carbon black, but its clean and has a golden yellow area that means your leaking fuel around there. the FPR are know for going bad and so are the fuel lines(nut kit) that go and out of the syder. i only suggest this since you said you can smell gas from the exhaust, that excess gas is leaking into your cylinders and not getting burned off.

 

Thanks Ill look into it this weekend and see what ive got going on in there. Thanks.

 

check out the thread of "4.3 W, process of replacing the Spyder", it was about 10 threads down from this one on page 1. it has some good pics of the plenum and the insides and what to look for.