Engine is starting hard?

Tiny
JJNUKNUT
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,500 MILES
When I try to start the vehicle it turns over for a very long time before it tries to start. I have replaced the plugs, cap, rotor, fuel pump and fuel filter. The only way to get it to start is to hold the key so that it turns over for about 5 seconds and then release and try it again for about 4 times. Then it will turn over and run great. After it finally starts it idles great at 900 R.P.M. And runs well. What could be causing this problem.
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 AT 7:33 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
DE772601
  • MEMBER
  • 123 POSTS
Hello check to see if you have a bad fuel presure regulator. Sometimes they will bleed off after the vehicle is shut off for awhile and this will cause a long crank time. These guides will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please run down these guides and report back. I hope this will be of some help to you.
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Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
SHECAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a 1997 chevy blazer 4x4 that started this winter to act up. When temperatures get below 32 the blazer takes forever to start. But when temperatures are above 40 it starts on the first try. Thats the only time I have trouble starting it, please help. Thank you.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
There are a few things that get affected by low temperatures.
First, the battery will not have as many, "Cold Cranking Amps", (CCA), at 30 degrees than it does at 40 degrees. Most batteries give the CCA at a certain temperature for testing purposes to see if the battery is working properly. If your battery is getting near the end of its service life, you might want to take it to a parts store or repair shop and have it tested.
The thickness of oil and how it flows near freezing is also a factor. Using a weight that is above what the manufacturer recommends will lead to hard starting and engine damage as the tolerances are tight in most new engines and weights like 20W50 are seldom used. This is because moving heavy oil around in an engine takes away power and increases fuel consumption. A lot of new cars use 0W5 weight oil with very small and tight bearing tolerances. This means less oil and thin oil, so it allows for less parasitic drag on the motor.
You can get an electric battery blanket and oil heater if you live in a cold climate. They usually have a short electrical cord to make hooking up when parked at home easy.
I hope this information helps.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHECAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've had the battery tested and it is a good battery. I use 10W30 oil when I have my oil changed or put in new. Since the temps have been in the 50's I haven't had any trouble starting it, I just can't understand why its doing it or what is causing it. Thanks for replying to my question.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
You are welcome. If you ever need anything else I will be here.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JWALCZYN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
Interior problem
1997 Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

When starting I have to turn key to on for a couple seconds and I hear the fuel pump working and then try to start, some times it takes several tries. I am not sure if when it does not start aftyer the second try if it floods because then it is difficult to start. Any help would be appreciated
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
You may have a weak fuel pump or a clogged filter/fuel line.

I would check fuel pressure and operation of the fuel pump.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRERBEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 170,000 MILES
The suv ran great for a week, then back to its old tricks, impossible to start. I have replaced the crank sensor (coil pickup), rotor, fuel pressure sensor, fuel filter, fuel pump, battery, spark plugs, and plug wires. It has spark, and holds between 55-60 psi fuel pressure. I simply cannot figure out why this vehicle starts/refuses to start so sporadically. Any 4.3 vortec specialists out there that can give me a clue in the right direction?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure first. Fp should be 60-66 psi so it may be a regulator it should also hold that pressure for 5 minutes after turning key off
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRERBEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If the fuel pressure regulator is a small screen and diaphragm under the throttle body, I have replaced that as well. The list has gotten so long that I forgot to list it above.
The part that absolutely puzzles me is that it refused to start, then ran fine for a week, then refused to start again. Could all of this be attributed to a timing issue?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Do what I suggested first
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKETM3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 131 MILES
When in on position clock lights up and dash lights on 3 seconds later, also once when on freeway electrics went out.

A checklist attached would be very helpful as well but any info. Is appreciated.

Thank you!

Mike
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DWB812
  • MECHANIC
  • 108 POSTS
Hi Mike
First of all I need you to tell me a few things. When you say electrics went out, do you mean the dash went dark or the vehicle went totally dead? Also, your initial complaint was about a cold starting problem and your text indicates a concern over the electrical system in general. Could you be more specific about the starting trouble and are you sure it's only when the vehicle is "cold"? That will help in trying to determine your problem.
Dale
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKETM3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Everything turned off while driving on the freeway the dash and the car, there would be a relay like sound and then both would turn on again. The continuous symptoms are key in on position, clock illuminates, 1 or 2 second delay between clock lighting and the rest of the instrument panel coming to life (along with the main
power to start).

Hopefully that is better info.

MiKE
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IONOSPHEREBLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER
Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

Again with the hard starting, no fuel smells, replaced fuel pressure regulator, runs fine once started. What would be next?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Have you checked fuel pressure? If so, whats your reading
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IONOSPHEREBLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the reply, Getting out the pressure tester now!
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IONOSPHEREBLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
OK the fuel pressure tested at 53 psi.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:45 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBRI0080
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 99,000 MILES
I have trouble starting my 96 blazer in the mornings. Sometimes it will start right up and sometimes it won't start for a while. What is the problem?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SWILLIAMS
  • MECHANIC
  • 597 POSTS
Turn on the key and listen for the fuel pump. It should come on for 2 seconds or so then shut off. If you don't hear it check the relay. Also check the relay connector real close. As the pumps get older they can start drawing more current. That causes problems with the relay socket and the relay itself.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:46 PM (Merged)

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