hadmatter

My truck runs well if I'm doing over 20mph, but at lower speeds (and idle) it just chokes out (if it runs at all, it's rough, hesitates, and often stalls at stops). Recently I have changed: plugs/wires, fuel pump/filter, air filter, pcv valve, oil/filter. The problem originated after I changed the fuel line from the pump to the carburetor...I used rubber hosing because the pipe bends were impossibly difficult to achieve on brake line. I then noticed hesitation in my acceleration. After replacing the fuel pump there was no improvement. I moved on to the plugs and wires. The pcv, air and fuel filters were just regular maintenance before the problem. I have played with idle speed adjustments on the carburetor, but my Chilton's isn't detailed enough for my idiocy. I have been unable to locate a replacement evaporative emissions canister, but the one i have seems to be in good condition. My next venture will probably be the oxygen sensor, followed by a carb rebuild. I would really like to avoid the latter unless required. I can provide (low quality) pictures via internet or whatever. PLEASE HELP
~Jim~

JoeBobE218

We have a 80 c20 that was doing the exact samething. We bought a carb rebuild kit from napa for like $25 and rebuilt the carb in 3 hours (its not hard at all and comes with detailed instructions) and that fixed the stalling and it still runs strong today.

hadmatter

so do you think I should try the rebuild kit before the O2 sensor? cause they cost about the same

JoeBobE218

I am almost positive that its the carb. If it was me i would rebuild the carb. Maybe someone else has an idea.

JoeBobE218

did 83 trucks even have o2 sensors?? My 86 suburban doesn't have one that i know of. maybe it does idk

hadmatter

This is truck met California standards in 1989 (if they even existed - i was 11) 1983 was the first year they did this...I have the ECM due to Rochester E4ME carburetor (i'm only assuming this was for emission purposes). So yeah, I have one...but I'm not real sure how it's failure would affect my engine idle. The rebuild sounds like a good idea but with it's electronic controls I'm not sure I want to bother the hornets nest underneath it.