OK so I just got a 2000 zr2 Blazer with a list of things that were done about 3000 miles ago. Tune up, rotors, brakes all that stuff but no specifics on what they used.
My first issue is the gas gauge that jumps around the top half of the gauge after I drive and little and burn some gas.

It also doesn't have the pickup from a stop I would expect based on driving s 89 Blazer.
Without giving it at least half throttle.

Also my first time putting gas in her was disappointing. It was almost solid half and half highway and town driving. My mathematical skills told me up got a little more then 12 miles to the gallon.

I'm more of a carbureted SBC 350 normally so are lot of this is new to me. What are my potential problems and how in layman's terms do I check them?

I really appreciate the help, I love the truck but I would love to get a better MPG reading so I can drive her more.

 

Also it doesn't always start right away sometimes it cranks a few times before starting.

 

start here with the fuel pump

Check fuel pressure and leakdown first. It's quick, easy and cheap, and it tells you the overall condition of the fuel delivery system. Most auto parts stores rent & sell fuel pressure testers. If you're planning on keeping this vehicle for a while, consider spending the $40 to put a necessary tool in your tool box. You'll use it more than you think

Ignition ON, engine OFF, fuel pump running: Pressure must be 60psi to 66psi and must remain above 55psi for at least 10 minutes after the pump shuts off. If it fails any part of this test, further diagnosis is necessary to pinpoint the problem in the fuel delivery system.

 

Thanks I will start there. Is this something up can check myself? I have a little bit of mechanical know how but I'm certainly not a mechanic lol.

 

So I read a little bit on checking the fuel pressure and leakdown. Honestly I don't understand how to test it, lol.

Where can I buy the tool that lets me test it?
And where do I hook it up?
Then what should I see?

Thanks

 

On the motor near the distributor cap is a valve that looks like a bike vavle. Thats where the pressure guage goes. turn key on but dont start it, for a few seconds then turn key off. check the pressure on the gauge, should be around 65lbs, wait 10 min. check the gauge again, shouldnt drop below 55lbs. If so you have a leak some where

 

Awesome thanks. Is this fuel pressure tester something I can buy?

 

Yes some places loan them out

Buy Actron Fuel Pressure Tester Kit CP7818 at Advance Auto Parts

 

Thanks, went to AAP and bought the tester tonight, tomorrow if its not pouring I'm going to see if I can work it out lol.

I don't mind spending some money on the truck to get it working right, just need to figure out what the problem is, and if its the fuel pump it is a pretty big PITA to change from what I've come across, lol.

 

So I hooked up the tester, turned the key pon, turned the key off a few seconds later, it read 56 psi and after about ten minutes (give or take) it dropped to around 40, that I assume is not good? What should I be looking at as the problem?