Cold start issue along with a loud vacuum sound?

Tiny
FGR8FRK
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
When first starting injectors make a spitting sound along with a loud vacuum sound, it does this off and on and then calms down once it warms up, then it's fine.

History: Just had the motor rebuilt, injectors new 2023, replaced the Throttle Position, Idle Control, and Temperature Sensors this week.
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 AT 2:49 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,596 POSTS
I have seen the gasket under the throttle body give out and cause a huge vacuum leak which sounds like what has happened or the wrong gasket is installed. I would remove the throttle body and check it out. If the gasket is okay lets run the codes to see if any are stored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Thursday, February 6th, 2025 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
FGR8FRK
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Gasket is fine and no codes are stored using jumper wire. I ordered the adapter shown.
I am installing a new map sensor today.
Is it possible the computer is failing? The reason I ask is that before the engine rebuild, I was having an issue with the EGR valve opening at the wrong time. Replaced the valve and the EGR control module and it still opens randomly at idle, I witnessed this again yesterday with this other issue, so I just plugged the EGR vacuum port. But I'm confused why it's fine after it warms up.
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Thursday, February 6th, 2025 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, it could be the ECM. Can I ask if it runs normally if the EGR is unplugged, also are there any codes?
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Friday, February 7th, 2025 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
FGR8FRK
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Runs fine with EGR vacuum unplugged, no codes. Replaced the MAP sensor and started, this time I hooked up the timing light because it seemed like it was retarding the timing. When it started to act up the timing started to jump around and it started to dump fuel so much it ruined the motor, when it stalled the injectors kept spraying fuel, unplugged the injectors and there was an audible fast ticking that seemed to be coming from the distributor. Started back up with injectors unplugged to clean the motor out, then plugged them back in and it went back to the way it was in the video. I've ordered a ECM without a prom which is supposed to arrive on Monday. With the issue I was having with the EGR long before the rebuild I'm hoping replacing the ECU fixes it, that is if the prom is okay.
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Saturday, February 8th, 2025 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is what I would do next as well, please let me know what happens.
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Sunday, February 9th, 2025 AT 9:24 AM
Tiny
FGR8FRK
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Update, still fighting demons. Have tried 4 different ECU's with the same service number (which I've read are used in geo's to heavy trucks) using my original prom, the main issue stopped but even though the ECU's have the same service number each one acted a little different, found a prom on eBay with the same 4 letter broadcast code but still having issue with shifting and stumbling. A friend advised me to go back through and check all my grounds. So today I went through and tested all the grounds, body to frame, body to engine, and battery ground to body and motor, all checked okay.

Reinstalled the original ECU and prom. After starting and running about a minute it started acting up, I made it keep running by idling up and noticed the check engine light flash during it acting up and going out when it ran normal. Checked for codes and it showed 33 which says "33 - MAP Sensor Circuit Error (Signal High Indicating Low Vacuum)".

Pulled back wire lume a little to check wires and no issues were exposed.

Decided to unplug sensor and start, it runs as it should but as soon as you plug in the MAP sensor it acts up and dies.
MAP sensor is new but did the same thing with the original one.

At a loss and don't want to spend $300 on a programmed to my vin ECU with EPROM, I wish there was someplace that could test my ECU and tell me it's bad, tired of throwing money at it.
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Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I am wondering if you have a clogged cat causing the low vacuum? I would loosen the head pipes and try again. Let me know.
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Thursday, March 27th, 2025 AT 8:37 AM

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