96 Blazer. It's turning over, so I don't think it's the battery or the alternator. The starter is fine because it's not making any strange noises and is actually really trying to get the engine going. It's coming real close, but just not getting it started. It's been hard to start for about a week now. Once it gets started, no problems whatsoever. The longer I let it sit, the harder it is to start. If it's only been a few hours, it starts right up. If it's been overnight (like this morning) it won't start. All the gauges are fine except for the 'check engine' light. Could it be a fuel line or something? R2K? codell? Anyone?
It still could be the battery. Anyway, just get a new car....live the American dream. There's a BMW with your name on it at the dealership. Come on....do it!! Then move to Dallas.
I'd try jumping off the battery first to see if that helps. If it doesn't, then you might have some fouled up plugs or injectors. IMA, I know a good electrical shop not too far from your parents place if you want their name and #.
Still need drivers...don't forget to mention that part okay...you could have left him out in the dark.
99% chance it's the battery. If it's turning over & staying on, then the starter + alternator are prolly fine. If it's an older battery with a hatch, open it & check the water level. If there's no water, put a bit in there. Otherwise, hit O'Reilly's...
Sounds like a fuel issue ~ 1st check (replace) fuel filter -- 2nd check fuel pump (shop). ________ Also, which direction are you turning the key when it doesn't start?
definitely fuel related. check the usual suspects...fuel pump being the most likely. What it seems like to me is that the reason why it takes a long time to start is cause the fuel pump is weak...and it takes some time for it to get enough fuel to the engine for it to start...and once it does the system has enough to continue running...then the longer it sits...the more of the fuel drains back to the tank...and the more the pump has to work to refill it. it also wouldnt hurt to check the filter(tho if it is the filter, problems would still occur after it finally starts)...ditto with the plugs.
If this just appeared out of the blue, I've gotta go for the fuel filter. It's cheap and you can do it yourself.
but it didnt...he said it had been taking longer and longer to start in the near past...but it would run fine once it startd...which negates the filter diagnosis
Always start with the fuel filter (cheap/easy) before you get into the fuel pump or injectors/carburetor etc.
My friend had the same problem last week. It turned out he was way low on water in his battery. Refilling with distilled water allowed it to start without needing a jump start.
but it takes time to do....and when working on customers cars...the last thing they want to see is you replacing many parts before finding the one that is bad...it just doesnt make you look good in their eyes to not be able to logically diagnose the problem. to a random guy workingon his car in his driveway...sure...do the quick and easy thing to take it out of the equation....but when you are a working mechanic...you cant do that. You must be able to look at the problem and determine the most logical solution...like I did a couple of posts up.
This sounds like exactly the problem I've been having for the last week or so. It's just been getting progressively worse every day until today when it wouldn't start at all. Again, if it's only been an hour or 2, no problem. Just when it sits overnight. I'll try the battery, then the fuel filter, and if that doesn't work I'm sure it's the fuel pump. Hopefully not too expensive. Maybe I can download one.
Well obviously you replace the fuel filter yourself... Most logical or most expensive? A magic piece of 'crud' in the fuel filter will cause similar symptoms ----> start small work your way up... ______ A new fuel pump will be about 500 bucks.
depends on if it is internal tank pump or engine mounted. GM V8 pumps were only about 40-50 bucks last time I replaced one..but...I hvaent actually been a working mechanic this century.. funny thing...it turns out I HATE working on cars..wish I would have figgered that out before I devoted 10 years doing it. btw....logical...there may be guys that try to make you replace the expensive part...but that wasnt me...I try to get it right the first time...then I dont have to jack with it anymore....if you just start replacing parts without thought...you end up doing a lot more work than you have to.
