1990 c1500 starting to be a money pit

Asked by terrible2sdaddy Mar 04, 2014 at 05:59 PM about the Chevrolet C/K 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1990 c1500 w/ 5.7l tbi. It started running very rough a few weeks ago until
finally leaving me stranded on the side of the road. I brought it home on a trailer and it
would run fine just setting in the driveway. After warming it up and driving for 10 or 15
mins. it started  surging and popping and cracking, until finally dying.  After letting it set
for 30 mins. it fired right back up. I thought ignition module and coil, so I went all out
coil module cap rotor wires and plugs. Now it wont start at all. I've checked the timing
at tdc and its very close without hearing the motor run. Fuel pressure is at about 12 psi
when cranking on the engine. Ive replaced the coolant temp sensor and fuel filter to no
avail. I'm now at a complete loss. Any one with similar problems and solutions would be
greatly appreciated

3 Answers
30,495

yetilikesbeer answered 10 years ago

How did the pick-up coil look in the dist. If it's the original or older it may be the issue. Do the injectors spray fuel while you turn it over? If the ECM doesn't see ~400RPM or more from the pick-up via the ICM it won't fire the injectors. If your spraying I would re-check the timing. Your TDC compression or Exhaust/Intake. I usually pull the valve cover and watch the intake valve close then bring it up to TDC

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Orlando answered 10 years ago

With this experience I will say it will be the pick up coil . Make sure to mark the position of the rotor and mark the position of the dist I would just buy the complete assembly. Place motor at tdc and adjust dist . Make sure to unplug the retard wire before adjusting timing. This will allow for you to adjust to 0 and will adjust self after wire is plugged giving a perfect sound and excel.

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60,305

Andrew answered 10 years ago

make sure the injectors are spraying and spraying in a good cone spray while turning over the engine with the starter. Also make sure your wires are in the correct order. Have a parts store or someone test the ign module, parts stores get bad ones from time to time. I know my autozone can test them

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