Hiccup while accelerating

Tiny
CHEVYOFFROAD1990
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 CHEVROLET 2500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
Engine is a 350 TBI. When I attempt to accelerate the engine "hiccups", the RPM's drop, the vehicle jerks forward, and sometimes a light backfire is heard. Basically the more gas needed the more frequent and stronger the hiccups become (hills are the worse).

I have replaced the following since this has started:

Fuel filter.
Spark plugs.
Distributor cap.
Distributor rotor.
MAP sensor.
Ignition control module.
IAC (cleaned not replaced).
Engine coolant temp sensor.

I tested the PCV and found no leaks

Besides making the truck more responsive it did nothing for the actual hiccups. This only happens under load, If I rev the engine while in park it is smooth and sound strong no knocks or bangs. While driving at a constant speed there is no problems (does not matter the speed, only getting to the speed).

Other details:
No check engine light showing and no codes either.
Previous owner removed the catalytic converter.
Attempted to see if there was a change in idle with the O2 sensor unplugged but no change.
Strong smell of raw fuel coming from exhaust.
Tested each spark plug and all were strong.
Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 AT 7:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
To me it sounds like you are having fuel pressure problems. You get enough pressure to start, but the pump cannot maintain the pressure while the engine is running for one reason or another. Here is a general how-to guide on checking fuel pressure: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

While idling, there should be 9-13psi of fuel pressure. Any less indicates a problem with the pump or pressure regulator.

Try that and let us know what you find.
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Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
CHEVYOFFROAD1990
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your quick response. I was fearing that might be the issue. I will test the fuel pressure this weekend and get back to you. Is it possible a vacuum leak can cause this issue too even with a normal idle? I have not done a smoke test so I figured I would ask.
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Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
I have not seen a vacuum leak cause bucking like that, but I suppose it could be possible. I would think it would be a pretty nasty leak though and you would probably have heard a sucking sound going on. Worth checking though. Check out this article: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

It details our way of looking and testing for vacuum leaks.

Also, I noticed that you changed the plugs, but what about the wires? If they are old, they could absolutely be causing this. They were the problem a while back when my 2002 Blazer was doing the same thing as your truck. It idled fine, but under load it would kick, buck, and hesitate. When I started checking them, I looked down the boot and saw that the boots were starting to melt.
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Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 AT 3:49 AM

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