90 S-10 4.3L auto won't start

MR-SCOTT

MEMBER
1990 CHEVROLET S-10

90 S10 4.3l V6 auto 88K
Truck won't start. Starter spins engine, spark is there, injectors fire 1 time on fuel pump prime. Ign. Control mod in distr. Cap tested good at local shop. 12v recv'd at injector plugs. NOID light test, works once, then failed? Bypass Ign Ctrl mod, 12v to purple wire on ICM, causes ECM to pulse injectors. Fuel pump tested, working within spec @ 11psi. Changed fuel filter & Rebuilt fuel press reg. Tested fuel pump relay, found good. Tested pickup on distr. Found 1500 Ohm resistance to body grnd, infinite resistance across terminals. HELP.I'm at wits end. What else would make this baby turn over, but not allow the fuel to be shot in to get her running? ALSO. ECM reports error code 12, all OK.

1 Reply

MR-SCOTT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Techman1 - Thanks. That was the problem I found. That pickup coil of had a broken bit on it. I replaced it, and spent several hours putting it all back together. She's running like a top again.

This should be a handy bit of info for all of those who have been driving down the road when the thing just stops dead and won't start again. Its a pain to have to pull the distributor, knock out the keeper pin, and replace that $10 part. Way-to-go GM !

For others - A quick test for that pickup coil, use an OHM meter. It should have 500 - 1500 ohm from either terminal to the distributor or other ground. MAKE SURE you move the green/white wires around a bit. Mine were cracked on the underside. 2nd, turn the key to ON, then wiggle (up / down / sideways) the distributor shaft, (w/distributor cap off and coil grounded to block). You should see the injectors pump fuel. If you've grounded the coil to the block, you can see the spark there as well. If you get both, the pickup should be working fine.