1988 chevy 1500 5.7 not running right please help

[ChevHead77]

ok so i bought this truck about a week ago and have been reading this site ever since and love it... my truck is a 2wd automatic 5.7 i have replaced the plugs wire cap and button o2 sensor top radiator hose.... all yeah its a 1988 sorry... when i baby the truck it seems to run fine sometimes when i gas it it bogs out and the check engine light comes on and the truck has no power if i stop shut the truck off and restart it it seems to run ok again till i hit the gas about 1/2 way down then the same problem.. the egr valve is pluged wondering if this could cause the problem i also removed the cat on it b/c i thought that was the problem sorry i dont know the ses light codes yet not til sunday thanks n e help would be greatly appericated thanks justin i belive the truck is all stock also

[TennesseeZ]

Here's how to read the codes, and what they mean.

The codes flash three times each.

The first one should be "12" ie: one flash, long pause, flash, short pause, flash, long pause, same thing 2 more times. Like one, one two...............One, one two........... This tells you the diagnostic system is working correctly.

Then the trouble codes will flash, same as above, and 3 times each. Write them down.

When it's finished it goes back to code 12, and will flash that till you turn the key off.

Post back what you find.

[ChevHead77]

Ok i just did didnt really understand all the flashing im getting ready to leave for work i willl try again tonight thanks tho

[TennesseeZ]

By the way, to the board!!

[88K2500]

Welcome to the board. Seems like there is alot of 88's around here.

The symptoms that you described sound like an esc issue and your truck is going into limp mode until you shut it off. Restart the truck and the light is off. My guess is that you will pull a code 43 which is a timing issue(just a guess).

Definetely buy a Chilton or Haynes manual if you don't already have one. Make sure that your timing is set at 0* with the est wire unplugged.

Also check all of your wiring for damage etc... These trucks are getting older and the wiring connectors are getting brittle and easily damaged from age. Post up your trouble code when you get it. Lots of people here are willing to help you figure it out. Good luck.

[ChevHead77]

would it run normal tho when im easy on the gas i drove it all the way easy on the gas tonight no problems just when i try to accelerate fast ....... bogs check engine light and then dont want to run.... my egr valve is also pluged if i buy i new one you think that will help than=ks