97 wont start, but runs great after primed with gas
 

hi guys,
new to this forum. i just picked up a 97 blazer for real cheap money to drive for the winter. it wont start on its own, but if i pull the intake off, drop just a tiny bit of gas on top of the throttle body it starts just fine. and once i get it to start, the car runs perfect. i had a 50-60 mile drive with it yesterday, and it ran 100% perfect the whole way. my original thought was that the fuel pump was gone, but im not so sure anymore seeing as it ran so perfect on the way home. i figured it wouldve broken up, been a little rough, especially going up hills and stuff, but no problem at all. if anyone had any clue id really appreciate it, thanks a lot

RE: 97 wont start, but runs great after primed with gas
 

What engine do you have in that? if it is the 4.3, there is a special fitting built into the fuel line at the rear of the air intake plenum that is used to relieve pressure, if that is the case let the vehicle sit for a bit, or maybe overnight, and check the pressure in the system with a fuel pressure gauge equipped with a bleed-off valve connected to the fitting. you can also use a screwdriver to depress the valve and see if your system is pressurized. Im guessing that it probably isn't, so you probably have a fuel line that has a leak in it somewhere that is letting the pressure out slowly. while you are driving, the leak isn't slow enough to let the pressure out because the pump is constantly pumping, but when it is sitting for an extended period, the pressure goes bye-bye. I hope this has helped a little bit....get a haynes manual and look up the exact procedure for the pressure relief etc.....that way you have a reference to go by.
See you on the road!
Ryan

RE: 97 wont start, but runs great after primed with gas
 

The fuel systems in the Blazers need more fuel pressure to start than to run. I would check fuel pressure with an accurate gauge and go from there. Hope this helps, Korey.

RE: 97 wont start, but runs great after primed with gas
 

Even though it runs fine after priming with fuel down the TB the fuel pump might still need to be replaced. There is supposed to be a pressure valve in the fuel pump for the tank and evaporative emissions and it can leak off pressure sometimes...

Could also be the Fuel Pressure Regulator inside the upper plenum on the spider unit...these are replaceable

RE: 97 wont start, but runs great after primed with gas
 

Clogged fuel filter? Maybe there's a block in the line. Since it will start after fuel is poured in then you might have a suction problem.