Expert: Robert Summers - 7/15/2009

Question
HI I have a 2002 blazer with a vortex 4.3 in it. The engine cranks over but it will not start. i checked for spark and it has spark at the spark plugs and when i spray starting fluid in it, it does nothing. I think it has a throttle body, it doesn't have one injector per cylinder.
I checked the codes and nothing came up.
What can i do or what can i try?
Thanks Branon

Answer
Hi Brandon... if it's 2002 4.3 L engine it has direct injection. You could have a simple problem or a tough one... first we will try simple one... find and unplug fuel pump relay. pull spark plugs one at a time and clean and dry... with relay unpluged after cleaning plugs try to start. if engine starts and dies then re connect fuel pump relay and start again... you would have had a flood problem...if that doesn't help then you may need to enlist the help of someone that has worked on these vortec engines...make sure that you still have spark and fuel pressure. check for spark in more than one cyl. make sure that you don't have a flood problem. make sure fuel pump comes on and runs for 3 seconds make sure that you have proper fuel pressure... if you have all that it should run... these engine have a known problem in the lower intake (engine sucking air) gaskets, make sure you don't have a problem there... Hope  this helps