Need help. Can't keep truck running. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigRed · 06-18-2003, 12:49 AM

Here's some history on the problem:

My truck has been dying every once in a while lately. Most of the time it happens when I have been accelerating and then need to take a turn or make a stop.

Tonight, it died about 5 times on my way home from a Softball game. I could start it back up, but it would run really rough. Got it home and started looking at it. Seems like the timing was off so I adjusted that.

It's now doing something weird. It will run fine for about 45 seconds, and then the idle slows way down and almost dies and then it gets going again (this is just sitting in my driveway in Park). What can be causing this? Someone please help. I need to get to work in the morning.

Here's my setup --> 350/TH350/Carter 625 (carb has been on there about 2 weeks but was not brand new)

houston6 · 06-18-2003, 05:57 AM

How was it running two weeks ago before you changed the carb?
you said that it isnt new?how long had the carb sat before you put it on your truck?I would start there.has the carb been adjusted since you put it on the truck.maybe its too rich maybe fouled the plugs.but odds are its in that darn carb try adj. it
good luck

BigRed · 06-18-2003, 08:30 AM

It was running like crap before I changed the carb. But, it was doing different things. It was stalling on hard stops. Not sure how long the carb had been sitting up. I replaced the plugs this past weekend, so they're not fouled. I'm going to work on adjusting it. Not to comfortable but will be learning today.

Thanks.

**old Rusty C10** · 06-18-2003, 10:00 AM

#1 check the fuel filter
#2 gumout the hell outta that carb
#3 m,ake sure the spark is good
#4see if ya can find a carb that is just off a car to see if that helps
this seems to be fuel fromt he limited info ya have but id also be concerned with the HEI and pickup coil if cleaning and checking the carb dont work

BigRed · 06-18-2003, 11:43 AM

Thanks Bob. The spark is good, I tested that this morning. Filter is new, but I guess I can throw a new cartridge in there and see if that helps. Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend.

gldevall · 06-18-2003, 11:48 AM

Does it have cats on it? Maybe be plugging up.

BigRed · 06-18-2003, 11:49 AM

Nope, no cats. Just headers and mufflers.

Txstruck · 06-19-2003, 03:15 AM

Vaccuum leak maybe? Clogged fuel filter going into carb? Float on carb stuck? Just some ideas....

apstguy · 06-19-2003, 04:19 AM

Frequently people forget there is a grate in the fuel tanks that keep dirt & debris out of the lines. If you replace the fuel filter & still don't get enough fuel, check this or the fuel pump next.

BigRed · 06-19-2003, 08:26 AM

I took the carb off and apart last night. I cleaned everything and inspected it. It was pretty clean which is consistent with how old the previous owner told me it was. I adjusted the floats to 7/16 and then put it back on with a new base gasket. Was still having some problems. I think it's now and adjustment problem. I need to get a vacuum guage and a dwell meter to get this thing right now. I tried to do it by ear but have had problems. I was able to get it going this morning by tweaking the adjustment screws slightly and bumping the idle screw high. Guess I'll play with it a little more this weekend. Thanks guys!!

79BIG10 · 06-19-2003, 11:42 PM

Strange thought but have you set the choke yet? Also make sure you have good power source and ground.

06-18-2003, 11:43 AM	#5
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Thanks Bob. The spark is good, I tested that this morning. Filter is new, but I guess I can throw a new cartridge in there and see if that helps. Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

06-18-2003, 11:48 AM	#6
gldevall Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 2,925	Does it have cats on it? Maybe be plugging up. __________________ Gary -1986 SWB: lowered 4/6, SOLD!!! -Best 1/4 mile: 14.51 @ 91.01 MPH -2001 Pewter Tahoe, billet grill, Corsa Sport Cat-back, K&N FIPK SOLD!!! -2004 Z-71 Extended cab with a flowmaster, BDS 6.5", 3" BL, 35x12.5x18 Trail Grapplers on Pro-Comp 18x9 wheels

06-18-2003, 11:49 AM	#7
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Nope, no cats. Just headers and mufflers. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

06-19-2003, 03:15 AM	#8
Txstruck Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Dallas Posts: 459	Vaccuum leak maybe? Clogged fuel filter going into carb? Float on carb stuck? Just some ideas.... __________________ Steve 86 K30 4x4 6.2L Diesel\TH400\NP208 - 14bolt FF rear w/detroit locker and Dana60 front w/detroit locker- both with 4.56 gears "Runs on Mud"

06-19-2003, 04:19 AM	#9
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	Frequently people forget there is a grate in the fuel tanks that keep dirt & debris out of the lines. If you replace the fuel filter & still don't get enough fuel, check this or the fuel pump next. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

06-18-2003, 12:49 AM	#1
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Need help. Can't keep truck running. Here's some history on the problem: My truck has been dying every once in a while lately. Most of the time it happens when I have been accelerating and then need to take a turn or make a stop. Tonight, it died about 5 times on my way home from a Softball game. I could start it back up, but it would run really rough. Got it home and started looking at it. Seems like the timing was off so I adjusted that. It's now doing something weird. It will run fine for about 45 seconds, and then the idle slows way down and almost dies and then it gets going again (this is just sitting in my driveway in Park). What can be causing this? Someone please help. I need to get to work in the morning. Here's my setup --> 350/TH350/Carter 625 (carb has been on there about 2 weeks but was not brand new) __________________ Scott Shelbourne

06-18-2003, 05:57 AM	#2
houston6 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: north wilkesboro nc Posts: 221	wont run How was it running two weeks ago before you changed the carb? you said that it isnt new?how long had the carb sat before you put it on your truck?I would start there.has the carb been adjusted since you put it on the truck.maybe its too rich maybe fouled the plugs.but odds are its in that darn carb try adj. it good luck __________________ Scott

06-18-2003, 08:30 AM	#3
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	It was running like crap before I changed the carb. But, it was doing different things. It was stalling on hard stops. Not sure how long the carb had been sitting up. I replaced the plugs this past weekend, so they're not fouled. I'm going to work on adjusting it. Not to comfortable but will be learning today. Thanks. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

06-18-2003, 10:00 AM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,316	#1 check the fuel filter #2 gumout the hell outta that carb #3 m,ake sure the spark is good #4see if ya can find a carb that is just off a car to see if that helps this seems to be fuel fromt he limited info ya have but id also be concerned with the HEI and pickup coil if cleaning and checking the carb dont work __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

06-19-2003, 08:26 AM	#10
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I took the carb off and apart last night. I cleaned everything and inspected it. It was pretty clean which is consistent with how old the previous owner told me it was. I adjusted the floats to 7/16 and then put it back on with a new base gasket. Was still having some problems. I think it's now and adjustment problem. I need to get a vacuum guage and a dwell meter to get this thing right now. I tried to do it by ear but have had problems. I was able to get it going this morning by tweaking the adjustment screws slightly and bumping the idle screw high. Guess I'll play with it a little more this weekend. Thanks guys!! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

06-19-2003, 11:42 PM	#11
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Strange thought but have you set the choke yet? Also make sure you have good power source and ground. __________________ 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

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