My 95 Blazer (130K) just started having difficulty starting. Here are the specifics:

Engine cranks great

Will start every time with starter fluid.

Once running, runs real smooth/great and doesn't stall or anything.

I can hear fuel pump prime system for 2-3 second when I turn the ignition.

Disconnected fuel filter and confirmed fuel is being pumped initially for 2 or so seconds and when I crank it over there is a steady stream being pumped.

Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[sm=welcomesign.gif]to the Forum.
Easy tests first.
Check the fuel pressure as described in this thread.
Let us know what you get and we'll go from there.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I can't find the Schroeder valve. I removed the plastic 'Vortec' cover from atop the intake manifold but I can't see the valve anywhere at the top/rear. I believe the distributor is at the rear of the intake manifold and down.

 

Are all fuses good? Mainly the ECM fuses?

 

Found the Schroeder valve. Just another note: Earlier today I replaced the fuel filter (looked like the original), added some injector cleaner to the gas tank and let the thing run for a couple hours and drove it out on the highway. It is starting up fine now. I'm going to go with this for now because obviously if I can get away with this little bit of cash, all the better.

If it starts acting up again, I'll purchase the fuel pressure gauge (30 bucks/autozone) and post back to this site.

Thanks for the pressure checking instructions and advise on the fuses.

 

Unfortunately this problem has returned =(. I'm on my way to buy a fuel pressure gauge from auto zone and perform the tests. I'll post here when I have the results. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

OK, here goes. I connected a fuel pressure gauge and turned the ignition on. The first attempt produced 56 psi which dropped 6 psi to 50 psi in 3 minutes when I turned the ignition off. The second attempt produced 57 psi, dropped 2 psi to 54 and held indefinitely.

After this test, I hooked everything back up and tried to start the engine at first it wouldn't start but after several tries and pumps of the accelerator pedal it finally started.

Thanks

 

It seems like these readings are pretty good (please correct me if I'm wrong). Part of the diagnosing problem here is that the issue is not constant. Sometimes it will start right up and other times not. If things happen like they did the first time, the issue will get progressively worse. Also, a new fuel filter and a couple of bottles of injector cleaner seemed to fix the issue for a little over 2 weeks. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

If you know your air intake is good, your fuel pressure is good, and the distributor, ignition switch, spark plugs and wires are good, then that pretty much leaves yourstarter as the culprit.

The Haynes manual for our trucks tellsyou howto check the starter's voltage.But if you've checked all of the above, then this is probably what it is.

The starter is VERY easy to replace. Just pop off the front passenger wheel (DISCONNECT THE BATTERY and USE JACKSTANDS). It's right behind the wheel well and is held on by two large bolts that connect vertically upwards. Disconnect the two electrical connectors, and then you rotate it out. It may take a few tries --but just have a little patience, and it will come out.

Hope this helps.

P.S. My starter and fuel pump both died within two months of each other-- first the starter, then the fuel pump. It's important that you make sure you rule out the fuel pump, as that's the more expensive (and tedious) of the two repairs.

The required fuel pressure for Blazers varies from year to year, so you really should consult the Haynes manual to find out exactly where yours should be. On my '96,it's supposedto be at 56-61 psi to start properly, but if yours has a throttle body intake, it's different. However, mine dropped significantly below55 psibefore it was completely unable to start. It was a gradual process. That's why you really should make sure the fuel pump's not the problem by doing the proper pressure test. If it's above the required psi minimumevery time you test it, then it's safe to say that the pump's not done. If it ever testsless than that,it's probably on its way out.

 

My 95 Blazer is experiencing the same problems. I changed the fuel filter, then it just quit starting. It will start when I put gas into it directly and will stay running until I let it sit overnight. It is like the the fuel pressure drops. I will be watching this forum to see how you make out. I have mine at a mechanic until in the morning. He also does not have a clue about what is going wrong. Everything checks out ok until the fuel gets to the injectors. I will let you know if he comes up with anything. If anyone else has any more suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks