HELP!!! Truck Problem. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

87gmc · 01-21-2003, 07:41 PM

ok so, i havent been on in a while i have been making serious changes to my truck and engine. Well in case you didnt alreadt know i have had this horrendous problem of my truck wanting to die when i am shifting out of park and into Drive or reverse, and sometime it wants to die when i come to a stoplight. well i have been through it a million times and couldnt find anything wrong. I have changed the iacv, checked egr everyuthing is good. Well on with that. i was told by someone a while ago and saw on a website the the 1987 Distributor were bad and thats was my problem well i check my cap and rotor and didnt notice anything wrong so i didnt replace it. well Last week i ended up getting an MSD ignition setup. And my truck performed outstanding. It no longer would die at stoplights and it got 75% better when shifting out of park but will still die on occasion. So it makes me think the problem was with my distributor. Well enough of the rundown. Yesterday my lights were left on for a while i go out and start my truck starts up fine but can tell by voltmeter bat is low, and then i notice my truck is kinda surging like reving sorta. i figure its just low bat so i run it a while and leave. well im on the hight way and its running like **** like can only go 55MPH. so i stop check it out and everything looks good start it back up and it runs fine for a while but i get back into town where i have to stop and go drive again and it runds like $H!T. so anyone have this probelm im at a loss except replace the Distributor but i dont really want to because thats a 300 dollar part.

LOHRTBT · 01-21-2003, 07:45 PM

Sounds to me like an alternator problem or something related to it whether it be wiring or a battery dead cell.

87gmc · 01-21-2003, 07:50 PM

I just replaced the battery, and the alternators been tested, i havent messed with the voltage regulator, could that be the problem all the wiring was just redone too.

LOHRTBT · 01-21-2003, 08:57 PM

could be the voltage reg...its internal in your alternator right?? But if it was tested it would have shown up...hmm.m..odd one

87gmc · 01-21-2003, 09:01 PM

yeah, i have no idea as to what it could be.

TEXASREBEL · 01-22-2003, 12:06 AM

I may have been up for tooo long but it sounds like you might have a vacuum leak somewhere. that would explain the dying when you put it in gear. it may also be causeing the 'revving' I can't explain why it would change by changing the distributor unless the leak is in that area or more voltage is counter acting it.

BigRed · 01-22-2003, 12:14 AM

I agree with TEXASREBEL. It sounds like a vacuum leak. Maybe a timing problem, but I doubt it.

79BIG10 · 01-22-2003, 07:22 AM

See about getting a distributor from a junkyard to just compare. Then if it works the same then it's not it. Plus it' cheaper. But I also agree check for a vaccuum leak. It sounds like that's the problem.

85Silverado · 01-22-2003, 10:30 AM

Hmmm...does the truck seem like a dog? I had a friend with the same problem in a '87 monte ss and it turned out to be the Torque converter was constantly locked up......just a thought.

Chevy87blazer · 01-22-2003, 01:20 PM

open the distributor and see if it is clean... make sure there isnt anything in there. that happened to me b/c the seal on my distributor is shot or was lol jsut check that out and see how that works out for you. If it does have things in it then spray it out with break cleaner or something of that sort.

good luck!

87gmc · 01-24-2003, 04:38 AM

well i found out some of my problems the surging and loss of power was due to a clogged fuel filter, and i juist installed acells 300+ race wires they helped some but not as much as i hoped the dying has gotten better but its still a problem, how would i check for a vacuum leak?

BigRed · 01-24-2003, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 87gmc
how would i check for a vacuum leak?

Well, the only good way to check for a vacuum leak is to search for any hissing sounds and do a good visual inspection. Look for any hoses or hose barbs that are not connected. Since you have a later model truck, you're going to have fun with that!!

MOUSE · 01-24-2003, 11:15 PM

OK, let me see....In my case, the stock stuff was junk to begin with so i took ALL of it out. All you gotta do is get an aftermarket dist.,which is cheaper than stock, and put in the MSD 6AL ign. set-up. this will not only make it run better, gas mileage AND your driveability will get ALOT better...the price of the dist. and the ign. is a little more than just the stock dist. your call....good luck.

01-21-2003, 07:41 PM	#1
87gmc I Got My Engine!!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palmer, AK Posts: 253	HELP!!! Truck Problem. ok so, i havent been on in a while i have been making serious changes to my truck and engine. Well in case you didnt alreadt know i have had this horrendous problem of my truck wanting to die when i am shifting out of park and into Drive or reverse, and sometime it wants to die when i come to a stoplight. well i have been through it a million times and couldnt find anything wrong. I have changed the iacv, checked egr everyuthing is good. Well on with that. i was told by someone a while ago and saw on a website the the 1987 Distributor were bad and thats was my problem well i check my cap and rotor and didnt notice anything wrong so i didnt replace it. well Last week i ended up getting an MSD ignition setup. And my truck performed outstanding. It no longer would die at stoplights and it got 75% better when shifting out of park but will still die on occasion. So it makes me think the problem was with my distributor. Well enough of the rundown. Yesterday my lights were left on for a while i go out and start my truck starts up fine but can tell by voltmeter bat is low, and then i notice my truck is kinda surging like reving sorta. i figure its just low bat so i run it a while and leave. well im on the hight way and its running like **** like can only go 55MPH. so i stop check it out and everything looks good start it back up and it runs fine for a while but i get back into town where i have to stop and go drive again and it runds like $H!T. so anyone have this probelm im at a loss except replace the Distributor but i dont really want to because thats a 300 dollar part. __________________ F.O.R.D. "F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge" -+-+-+-+Cameron+-+-+-+- 1987 GMC HIGH SIERRA LWB 1500 32X11.50 383 TBI/Vortec Heads/Intake MSD Ignition Dual Exhaust Custom Pinstriping Sweet interior & stereo http://www.cgalvin29.freehomepage.com

01-21-2003, 07:45 PM	#2
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Sounds to me like an alternator problem or something related to it whether it be wiring or a battery dead cell. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

01-21-2003, 07:50 PM	#3
87gmc I Got My Engine!!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palmer, AK Posts: 253	I just replaced the battery, and the alternators been tested, i havent messed with the voltage regulator, could that be the problem all the wiring was just redone too. __________________ F.O.R.D. "F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge" -+-+-+-+Cameron+-+-+-+- 1987 GMC HIGH SIERRA LWB 1500 32X11.50 383 TBI/Vortec Heads/Intake MSD Ignition Dual Exhaust Custom Pinstriping Sweet interior & stereo http://www.cgalvin29.freehomepage.com

01-21-2003, 08:57 PM	#4
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	could be the voltage reg...its internal in your alternator right?? But if it was tested it would have shown up...hmm.m..odd one __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

01-21-2003, 09:01 PM	#5
87gmc I Got My Engine!!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palmer, AK Posts: 253	yeah, i have no idea as to what it could be. __________________ F.O.R.D. "F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge" -+-+-+-+Cameron+-+-+-+- 1987 GMC HIGH SIERRA LWB 1500 32X11.50 383 TBI/Vortec Heads/Intake MSD Ignition Dual Exhaust Custom Pinstriping Sweet interior & stereo http://www.cgalvin29.freehomepage.com

01-22-2003, 12:06 AM	#6
TEXASREBEL Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Corsicana,Texas Posts: 6	I may have been up for tooo long but it sounds like you might have a vacuum leak somewhere. that would explain the dying when you put it in gear. it may also be causeing the 'revving' I can't explain why it would change by changing the distributor unless the leak is in that area or more voltage is counter acting it.

01-22-2003, 12:14 AM	#7
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I agree with TEXASREBEL. It sounds like a vacuum leak. Maybe a timing problem, but I doubt it. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

01-22-2003, 07:22 AM	#8
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	See about getting a distributor from a junkyard to just compare. Then if it works the same then it's not it. Plus it' cheaper. But I also agree check for a vaccuum leak. It sounds like that's the problem. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

01-22-2003, 10:30 AM	#9
85Silverado Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 198	Hmmm...does the truck seem like a dog? I had a friend with the same problem in a '87 monte ss and it turned out to be the Torque converter was constantly locked up......just a thought. __________________ Paul D. '78 C20 Scottsdale 350ci 3 speed with granny gear 14 bolt rearend My trucks are "Car-Guy safe".......which pretty much means death trap in the hands of a normal civilian.

01-22-2003, 01:20 PM	#10
Chevy87blazer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Saginaw, MI Posts: 294	open the distributor and see if it is clean... make sure there isnt anything in there. that happened to me b/c the seal on my distributor is shot or was lol jsut check that out and see how that works out for you. If it does have things in it then spray it out with break cleaner or something of that sort. good luck!

01-24-2003, 04:38 AM	#11
87gmc I Got My Engine!!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palmer, AK Posts: 253	well i found out some of my problems the surging and loss of power was due to a clogged fuel filter, and i juist installed acells 300+ race wires they helped some but not as much as i hoped the dying has gotten better but its still a problem, how would i check for a vacuum leak? __________________ F.O.R.D. "F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge" -+-+-+-+Cameron+-+-+-+- 1987 GMC HIGH SIERRA LWB 1500 32X11.50 383 TBI/Vortec Heads/Intake MSD Ignition Dual Exhaust Custom Pinstriping Sweet interior & stereo http://www.cgalvin29.freehomepage.com

01-24-2003, 11:15 PM	#13
MOUSE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 16	OK, let me see....In my case, the stock stuff was junk to begin with so i took ALL of it out. All you gotta do is get an aftermarket dist.,which is cheaper than stock, and put in the MSD 6AL ign. set-up. this will not only make it run better, gas mileage AND your driveability will get ALOT better...the price of the dist. and the ign. is a little more than just the stock dist. your call....good luck.

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