I have an 89' S10 Blazer with a 4.3 and for the past 3 days it has just recently started sputtering really bad (almost to the point where it shuts down) and jerking like no other (serious case of whiplash) now this only happens when I am going uphill or when I try and accelerate and give it gas also there is a very very strong smell of gas when this happens. I have already replaced my fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, and spark plugs trying to diagnose what the problem could be but this one is beyond me can someone please tell me what in the world is wrong with my rig I need help ASAP !!!! this is my daily driver so I can't afford to have it out of commission. Thanks for the help everyone I always appreciate it.

 

When was the last time a full tune up was performed (cap, rotor, & wires)?

 

I have never done a tune up on it and I highly doubt the previous 2 owners did either so I would guess never not really sure?

 

Do you have any codes? I would suspect a fuel injector problem or a fuel pressure problem. The TBI needs to have about 11 psi to run well. Unfortunately there is no easy way to check the fuel pressure on the TBI units. You might be able to get a fuel pressure tester from Auto Zone for TBI. To check you need to put a gauge in the fuel line. I have a TBI tester that I can connect at the fuel lines as they come out of the frame. The fuel pressure is controlled by a pressure regulator that is part of the TBI. If the spring is weak you will not have the proper pressure. You can purchase a TBI rebuild Kit. The kit does include a new spring and diaphram for the regulator. You can visually check the injectors for spray and see if they both spray patters seem equal. You might want to consider taking it to a shop for a diagnosis vice buying parts without knowing the cause.

As a side note , I do have an 89 S15 4.3L that is also a daily driver. I am the original owner. Over the years I rebuilt the TBI unit, replaced the injectors, installed an adjustable pressure regulator and also installed a permanent in line fuel pressure gauge so I can visually check fuel pressure at any time I need to. My gut feeling with your problem is that you have injectors not spraying correctly. But they are expensive to try and not be the root cause for your problem. Last time I purchased two injectors from Advance and I believe they were close to $65 ea. The injectors are easy to install. You will not get any codes for a fuel pressure problem or injectors not spraying correctly. If an injector was not firing it would set a code. A cheap solution that might work would be to try a can of seafoam in the gas tank to clean the fuel system. Good luck and let us know what the problem turned out to be.

 

Okay so I am going to try this seafoam product I read up on it and from what I hear it works wonders lol so I guess I am going to go to my local parts store and pick up a can and see what happens I will keep you all posted on what happens and hopefully I still have a rig after this lol thanks for the advice mr.vls