What's the 1st thing you should do when you get a used Blazer? Maybe a top 10 list.

A little back story. Almost 2 months ago I recently acquired a 95 4dr, 4wd, 4.3l cpi vin W, LT, 328K. I've changed some but have not check all the vacuum lines. Changed the evap purge valve, pvc valve, air intake hose, air filter, cleaned throttle body as best I could without removing it and replaced gas cap. SEL was on p0440, p0441 dtc when I got it. Made above changes, cleared dtc. No dtcs present currently. I plan on changing rear diff cover due to damage to the bottom of cover causing the leak and change fuel filter because god knows when it was done. My only complaint is the 14mpg I'm getting. Mostly in city.

Previous owner had tranny, rad, brakes done in the fall or 2012, muffler in '08.

I'm low budget right now so the least expensive options first work best for me, as you may see from my above list. I'm not a mechanic by any means but some what mechanically inclined. I bought this truck with doing most of the repairs myself in mind. Any suggestions/guidance?

 

Well,on a blazer,or at least any vehicle. as soon as i buy it i do this.


go to dmv and get all the paperwork crap done.
then,once done. i get a complete tune up. Plugs,wires,rotor,cap,filters,etc.
then i buy brakes,vacuum lines,brake hoses,drum brakes,and change all fluid like rear end,trans pan change,and oil change. and i seafoam the hell out of it. If it needs tires i get em used at like 25 each. i also replace front end parts like idler arm,pittmann,ball joints,centerlink etc.

then i tend to inside stuff...

Basically i set myself a budget of 300.00 towards any car i buy. that way i know whats been done,all maintenance is finished and im good to go. maybe im odc. but at least i know if something fails,its something easy.

 

Good call, chris015... +1 here...

 

Wow. Thats a pretty good list. It gives me a place to start. Thx Chris015

 

yep. weak links of the blazer :

fuel pump
idler arm
squeaky rear hatch
door bushings

do tuneup first though lol make sure you use delphi or ac delco parts. Ngk plugs is welcome though. they are amazing.

 

Related question regarding the Seafoam, Cleans injectors, fuel stabilizer, dries oil and fuel, adds lubricity, frees lifters-rings, carbon cleaner, upper cylinder lube, de-icer and anti-gel. Seen it on youtube, checked out the manufacturer. Is it best to use that first before I change the fuel filter or change the oil for example? When is the best time?

 

eh. depends if you add it to the oil. just add half to oil,and run half of it into the throttle body. have someone rev it to 2k,and hold it to keep it from stalling. suck it in,and before u finish the last quarter have them let off the throttle and dunk the bottle into the tb so it'll die. let it sit for 30 min. start it and drive. change oil after 50 miles.

 

Thanks Guys, I got my work cut out for me.

 

Personal experience from a friend's new/used, CHECK THE COOLANT! We've been flushing what looks like peanut butter out of his cooling system for days haha

 

been there, and it freaking sucks!!