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Crank and performance?

Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1983 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
Hey y'all.

The truck listed above has had a vacuum leak for a while, but I've been able to drive her still. Today she started acting up. She was running high on the way to the store which concerned me a little. But on my way back from the store she started shaking then turned off. I couldn't get her to turn over when I cranked, so I pushed her off the side of the road. If I press the fuel pedal it's very loud, almost gear grinding, but when I go without pressing the gas it catches then slips just making a flywheel whirring sound. Once I finally got her running, I was going down a road that is 40 MPH and my engine was revving like it was trying to pump more gas through the fuel lines but when it's about to die I have to press the gas a little harder to keep her running.
The gas is just wanting to cut out while driving or if I'm stopped at a red light, as well as not wanting to turn over.
Any thoughts?
Edit: I've replaced the brake booster, vacuum lines, carburetor gasket, alternator, battery, cap and rotor, plugs and wires.
The carburetor will need to be replaced soon because the choke is broken but for now, I wired it open but other being old it looks fine.
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Monday, April 3rd, 2023 AT 6:27 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

When you say it was running high, do you mean the engine was revving higher than normal before it stalled? Also, how long did it take for it to restart finally?

One other question. Is the transmission acting up as well? You indicated a grinding type of sound when pressing the throttle.

Let me know. BTW, one of my favorite vehicles was an 83 S-10 Blazer with a 5-speed. I wish I still had it. LOL

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, April 3rd, 2023 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hey Joe thank you for the response, oh yes, I think I forgot to mention She's an automatic transmission not a manual.

While I was driving it sounded like the idol was louder than usual, same with the driving sound, almost like the engine was trying to work too hard, and that was on the way to the store.
When I left it sounded relatively normal but when I got to the stoplight it just died it didn't sputter or anything, I was at the stoplight for about 3 minutes it feels like maybe even longer and cars are starting to come up behind me and they were getting mad because I couldn't move so I put it in neutral and pushed it off the side of the road, I was sitting there for about 10 minutes trying to get her started and some nice guys stopped off to help and they sprayed starter fluid in my carburetor so that I could be behind the wheel and he said I might have flooded my engine so he told me to hold the pedal to the floor instead of pumping the gas and crank at the same time, it took a couple tries but then she turned over now whenever I am able to get her to start she makes a very harsh grinding sound and it's like the entire engine is shaking but when it gets to a certain sound I give it a little more gas because it sounds like the starter is about to catch and needs a little bit more of a push to turn over.
I had a slight problem with the transmission all this time, she doesn't really like to go very fast, it seems like she will go into gear, but it sounds like it has to rev to a high RPM in order to do so.
Granted, this vehicle does not have a tachometer so I can't see what RPM she's putting out
The most odd thing that I've been having with this truck consistently is that none of the problems that I have are consistent, it will run and drive like a dream most days but then out of nowhere I have the same problems if not different problems that relate to the same issues so it makes it harder to diagnose what's wrong.
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Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I agree. An intermittent problem makes it much harder. By any chance, could you record the noise (grinding) sound you hear? Could it be the starter motor isn't disengaging? Or does it seem more like the sound of a jet engine which could indicate the radiator cooling fan?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Once it gets light out and a little warmer to melt the snow, I will record a video, I'm in Utah and we just got more snow last night.
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I'm in PA and it's normally still cold. This year, however, we had basically no snow and today it reached 82 degrees. I have no idea what is happening.

Regardless, whenever you have a chance, let me know.

Take care and have fun with the snow. I didn't miss it at all this year. LOL

Joe
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So here's trying to turn it on and keep it running.
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Short drive around the block.
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 7:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I did hear it, but not the grinding. Listening to how it is starting, I would first start by checking for engine vacuum leaks.

Here is a link that shows how to locate and repair a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Additionally, here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Next, has anyone checked the choke to make sure it is operating properly? If it is not properly opening or isn't closing enough, it will cause stalling issues.

One other check is to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored in the computer. Here is a link that explains how to retrieve them. All you will need is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip:

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

I've given you a lot, sorry. The more I think about it, since the weather isn't favorable for you, start with scanning the computer to see if any codes are stored. At least you can do it inside the vehicle rather than working under the hood. LOL

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Here's initial start up.
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

First, the Bendix on the starter is failing. That is why it will engage sometimes and not others.

Next, the air filter cover needs to be flipped. There is a heat riser on the truck that helps warm the air entering the carb. There should be a tube between the exhaust manifold and the air filter housing. In the housing is a vacuum-operated flap that stays closed until heated air isn't needed and then opens to draw fresh air in. Having the lid flipped eliminates that from helping.

Once the vehicle started, it sounded great. When you try starting this cold, do you press the throttle pedal to the floor one time and then try starting it?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
JESSEMACMAIDEN
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The heat riser isn't president, the new carb gasket didn't come with it because that gasket was too expensive at the time.
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Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 10:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Were you able to see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes stored? See link above. Also, I reviewed the drive around the block again. Do you ever notice dark smoke from the exhaust or does the exhaust have an odd smell?

Keep in mind, there is an adjustment on the carb for idle speed. It shouldn't require adjustment, but anything is possible.

Below, I attached pics and directions for adjusting idle speed. Take note to the heading. I'm not sure if you have factory AC or not and there are differences.

Before you jump into idle speed, make sure the carb is tight on the intake. Check vacuum hoses for leaks specifically the PCV and brake booster. I attached directions above, so take a look. It is actually very helpful.

Do this first. If there is nothing found, then see if you are able to adjust the idle speed.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below
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Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 10:13 PM

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