Hello,
Not an active forum member but you guys have helped me in the past. Thank you!
1998 Chevy Blazer, 4x4 - 4.3 Vortec - 102,000miles.
I have searched the forums already and have many options from what I have read, just wanted to post the specific symptoms and see what you guys think again. Issue is this: Changed fuel pump about a month ago, old one was bad. Changed the fuel filter as well. Car now runs but is getting horrible gas mileage, like 5 and a lot of exhaust/gas smell from the exhaust. So bad I can smell it in the house when my wife leaves the driveway. New issue started the other day where upon accelerating at around 35mph - 1800-2000rpm the engine/exhaust/under the car starts popping - kind of like back firing but not exactly. The car at times also does the traditional loud backfire when starting. Car has always been hard to start since I bought 3 years ago - crank for about 5 seconds for it to start.
So......that's it - biggest issue I have is money for parts. I don't have a code or computer to plug but I am working on it. Is there one or two areas/parts/components that you guys would look at first as the being the problem? We live in Hawaii - rural Hawaii, parts are hard to get and expensive. I did ok purchasing the wheel bearing and fuel pump on-line but parts/help is not easy/cheap to get. I have time and I think most tools.

Sorry so long - wanted to try and explain the issue and my predicament.

Thank you - any and all suggestions are welcome.

 

Could be multiple issues going on. First thing is check the fuel delivery system to be sure it's doing what it's supposed to. You'll need a fuel pressure tester, most auto parts stores rent/loan or sell them. Connect it to the service port near the distributor. In the underhood fuse panel on your 98, there is a vacant terminal that runs directly to the fuel pump, and is called the "pump prime" terminal. Install a jumper wire from battery positive to the terminal:



When the fuel pressure stabilizes on the tester, make a note of it. Must be 60psi to 66psi. Remove the jumper wire. Check fuel pressure 10 minutes after removing the jumper wire and make a note of it. Must be above 55psi. Post the results.

 

Ok - I will need to get ahold of pressure tester - I will check with the NAPA store here.
Thank you! - it may be a few days before I can post results.