00 Blazer Questions

I just bought a 2000 Blazer 2 door 4wd with the 4.3/auto. It runs great but once in a while I have to crank it for like 5 seconds or so before it will start. I want to do a tune up on it but I have some questions.

I am going to do the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. I looked in the engine compartment and noticed the spark plugs appear impossible to get to from the top. Am I supposed to change them from underneath or through the fenderwells? What is the best way to do this?

I am going to also replace the fuel filter and PCV. Where are these items located on this truck?

The blazer has 67k on it and is in great shape. I got for $5000 (wholesale price through a family member who is a dealer). I am the second owner and it has just about everything. It needs a few minor things fixed (stereo knob, center caps, door pin bushings, tune up) but it was a great deal.

Thanks for the help.

Bob

you should be able to reach the spark plugs through the fenderwell and up top. you will have a problem with the center one on the drivers side. you have to move the boot on the stearing colum and turn the wheeles till the flat part is on top then it should come out with ease. make sure to have extentions because they help a ton. the fuel filter should be on the frame right around the drivers door. the pcv is on the valve cover near the firewall.

Thanks. I am going to be attempting to get all the parts tomorrow and then doing all the work Monday morning after I get out of work.

Bob

The hard starting problem your having sounds like a similar problem I had. Having to crank the engine for 5 seconds to get it started. Try hooking a fuel pressure guage to the shrader valve (drivers side behind rear of upper plenumn) and turn the ignition on. The fuel pressure should come up and hold. Chances are yours will come up and then drop down to nothing. Your fuel injection harness or fuel connector harness is leaking. If you take off the upper plenumn you will see "clean" areas in the valley where the fuel has been leaking and has "washed" that particular area. This "clean" area should help you pinpoint the area of the harness that is leaking. There is a TSB (technical service bullitin) on this from GM called an "extended cranck condition". Good luck.

I would also take your truck in and have the battery, starter, and alternator tested. It can be done while they are in the vehicle, and some places don't charge for it.

Has this issue been resolved. My 2002 Blazer is having the same problem.

Yep. It was the fuel spider. I replaced it with the MFI unit and it runs great. I had to get the unit, bracket, and gaskets all of which cost me less than $250 from GM parts direct. I had to disassemble most of the stuff attached to the upper plenum but none of it is hard to do. You have to tap the old unit out with a hammer and use a lot of oil on the new one to get it in but that's it.

Good Luck.

Bob

Ok, So i am guessing i need to check the fuel pressure first to make sure this is my problem. Is there a certain fuel pressure gauge I need or will just anyone do.

I didn't use one but IIRC you need one that will connect it to the valve on the fuel line behind the driver's side of the manifold. It looks like a bicycle tube valve and it has a black cap on it. I think it's supposed to have 60psi.


Good luck.