I have a '99 Blazer 4dr with the 4.3 and well I have had an recurring engine overheating problem. I had noticed my coolant was low, and was not aware as to the cause. I had been directed to look for an intake manifold gasket leak (a common issue i'm told) and think that there is one at the back of the manifold. This is due to the smell of burning coolant and boiling noises coming from the back upper engine. Today the engine temp skyrocketed and then went as far as the gauge could go, then went to zero and my SES light turned on. I had stopped the car in a lot and then when trying to restart the engine would crank but not fire, what could cause that? A failsafe? or just the engine not starting due to the intense heat? I had the car towed, but the man who towed it said it started, I confirmed this later. I feel that mabye this could be coincidental with a fuel system problem, since this is another common issue on these vehicles. I had bought a fuel filter for a possible easy fix, but found out quickly I lack the proper wrenches sadly enough. The engine later today had problems restarting after a short drive, by which the engine temp had also skyrocketed prompting me to put more coolant in and now wont start.


Synopsis: Can overheating due to lack of coolant cause the engine not to start? Is there a failsafe in the car to do this? Should I investigate a possible fuel system problem?

 

I am unaware of any failsafe system to shut down the engine due to temperature. Have you taken a look at your engine oil? If the dipstick shows a milky looking oil, you have coolant getting into your crankcase and this is a serious problem since bearings don't do well with coolant washing them. If the oil looks good, you probably just have an external coolant leak, but you should get the leak repaired as soon as practical.
As for the possibility of a fuel supply issue, connect a fuel pressure gauge to the schraeder valve on the fuel supply line at the top rear of the intake manifold, turn the key on but don't start the engine, and see what the pressure is. It should read 50-65 psi. Turn the key off and see if the pressure drops more than ~5psi. If either of these situations are true, you have either a bad fuel pump or a bad fuel pressure regulator.

 

Well its going into the shop tommorrow cause I am not too keen on replacing this gasket myself. I hope they do not find a fuel system problem.

 

i just had the intake gasket replaced on thurs. by my mecanic it ran about 350+ and im guessing you fuel filter or pump is begining to go that is what happened to me on other GMs

 

well its in the shop, the gasket is blown, coolant in the oil, and my alternator is blown