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1998 CHEVROLET 1500

120,000 MILES • 5.7L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL

THOMASDONACHY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Truck listed above is a 1989 C1500. So, I find this truck in the woods and we pull it out and tow it to my buds house. Needed a new distributor so we put one on and it ran alright but backfired and shot flames out of the intake. Now after about 5 months trying to time it and get it to run right it doesn't want to start and if it does by some miracle it barely runs and definitely does not idle. We replaced spark plugs and wires and a fuel filter. We are getting good gas the fuel pump and pressure regulator work fine. We do not have a air filter or housing but I think it should still run without one. We also cleaned and replaced the gaskets on the fuel injectors and they have a good spray pattern. Starter was also replaced and a new battery was put into it. No clue why it hasn't started but i'm open to all ideas.

Feb 9, 2021 at 10:48 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If it is backfiring through the intake, it could indicate a rich fuel mixture. Have you pulled the spark plugs to see what they look like? If it's getting too much fuel, they may be bad even though they were recently replaced. I would suggest checking fuel pressure to make sure the regulator is working. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Also, take a look through this link related to backfiring issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

One more thing. Could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know if either link helps or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe

Feb 10, 2021 at 11:21 AM

THOMASDONACHY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I will get a video of it cranking over also another thing. The ground from the battery to the engine is a bit loose. Could that maybe be an issue. The engine still cranks but I know the starter is grounded to the bell housing. So maybe it could just be a weak ground. Thoughts?

Feb 10, 2021 at 8:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Anytime there is a loose wire, clean and tighten it. Yes, that certainly could be an issue.

I'm not sure why the starter is has a separate ground to the bell housing. That doesn't make sense because the ground is through the engine block.

Clean and tighten the ground to the block and let me know what happens.

Take care,
Joe

Feb 11, 2021 at 10:32 AM

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