So it is a matter of giving the fuel pump a little time to pressurize the system before trying to crank the motor?

I could see that this could be the case as a block heater only heats the block while the rest of the Blazer's system are still cold; fuel pump, battery, etc. So that with a battery at reduced power output because of the cold, the fuel pump wood not initially be able pressurize the system as quickly. Giving it a few seconds to do its thing compensates for the reduced pumping ability due to reduced electrical power.

If my speculation is correct, is a heater for the battery something worth considering?

 

 

Here in North Idaho, I've only experienced one winter in the last 15 that had me use the block heater so my Blazer has never been as challenged as yours. But as I was thinking about this, I realized I almost always turn the key on the ignition switch to "run" and wait a couple seconds before trying to start the truck. It is just a habit I think. Who knew it might have been avoiding headaches with slow starts on a cold mornings.

 

Christine, my issue was actually with the ignition switch being faulty, but only when it's cold! Trust me, I've played with letting it build pressure for the initial "key on", then gone as far as doing it multiple times to build up pressure, but it didn't help. The issue is if I turn the key all the way forward, I have an intermittent connection in the switch. If I slowly turn the key, when it gets to the spring at the start position, just turn it barely until it kicks the starter in rather than twisting it all the way forward. Starts instantaneous.

I bet. Something to consider if I have further issues, but I think I will be ok with just the block heater here. The worst we usually get down to is -20F with -40 windchills. I always let the fuel pump pressurize it before starting as well. Good practice.

 

An ignitions switch that is only bad when cold is weird! So glad you got it worked out.

 

So the problem is all solved now

 

Blazer has been sitting for a week. Mostly sub-zero. Not plugged in, not touched. Jumped in it last night to run to the parts store for a different project, did the "slow key" turn, and BAM, still starts like a champ.

Next up is the leaky heater core, which is sitting on the shelf ready to be replaced. After that, suspension bumpers, then most likely plan to work on the A/C, then rear wiper motor. After that, I think I'm going to leave it up to the kid to work on.

 

I just finished a lower ball joint and I have to do my rear wiper motor at some point too it works but the gears are stripped.

 

Nice. The rear on this one doesn't work at all. Spent 5 mintues trying to take off the big nut so I could remove it and troubleshoot, but I couldn't get it off and gave up for the time being. Not the most important, so it will happen when it does, ha.