'91 won't start

hotrodnoj · 10-02-2006, 08:06 AM

I have a 1991 Chev 3/4 ton 4X4 w/ 5.7L 350. This is my plow truck. It sat for too long, and when I went to start it a while ago, it would turn over and fire, but would not run. After pumping the gas, I finally got it running, but it ran like crap. I could not move it more than ten feet. I changed the plugs(carboned up a little)but to no avail. I noticed a leak from the gasket between the throttle body and the intake, so I replaced that but same thing, it will not run, turns over and fires, but wont catch. I called about a throttle body kit and it is only $22.00 so I'll try that too, any ideas??? Winter is coming fast, and I don't feel like trying to shovel 750' of driveway. Thanks for any help.

Blue Bowtie · 10-02-2006, 08:33 AM

How much fuel is in the tank? If it is relatively low, try adding about 5 gallons of the lowest octane gasoline you can find to help increase the volatility and make explosions in the chambers.

hotrodnoj · 10-02-2006, 09:00 AM

I'll give it a shot, Thanks.

alblogg · 10-02-2006, 09:08 AM

Fuel filter might be full of dirt and crap too.

hotrodnoj · 10-13-2006, 07:45 AM

Well, the snow is flying, and still can't get it to run. I tried to get the fuel filter off, rusted on, so I got some rust inhibitor, didn't work(applied twice and waited a while).

Anyways, I had about half a tank in there(15 gal) and added five fresh gallons of gas. It ran great for about 2 minutes, then started missing and sputtering. The check engine light was on while it was running good, then it went out and it started running like crap.????? Is the gas in the tank that bad?? I pulled the plugs again and they were all carboned up. If I need to drain all of the gas, what is the easiest way to do that??? Thanks for any help.

alblogg · 10-13-2006, 12:09 PM

I not sure on a PU because I ave not had to change a fuel pump on one of them yet (knock on wood) but when I had to change it on my '99 Blazer with a full and I mean just came from the station the day before topping it off tank and not having one of the hand crank pumps I took off the big hose that comes from the filler door to tank and got one of those deals that comes with the kerosene heaters hooked some extra hose to it and filled up my 5 gal cans and poured it in all my other cars till she was dry.

fuzzypuppy · 10-13-2006, 07:30 PM

Plugs carbon fouled = running rich, this is to be expected engine is cold.
The fuel filter is the first step, a brake line type boxed wrench and a couple of smacks with a hammer should break the "rustlock".
If the truck is starting but dieing even after the new filter is in it could be the fuel pump is weak, or that the fuel is to far gone that even a little added extra wont help.
I drained my tank use'ing some 5/8 fuel line down the filler neck, garden hose would not go into the tank but the 5/8's did.
If your that rusted up under the truck you might want to start spraying the strap bolts that hold your tank up now just in case you do have to drop the tank, or the bed bolts if you plan on going that route.
You mentioned that you set a code, "engine light" while trying to get it running, did you check for the code? (use paper clip to jumper the two far right terminals of the connector under the left side of dash).

95silverado · 10-15-2006, 09:39 AM

If the truck starts running rich after 2 minutes, it is probably the coolent
temp sensor.

hotrodnoj · 10-23-2006, 08:01 AM

Thank You, Thank You!!!!! I finally got a chance to check and do all of the things you guys mentioned. I syphoned out the gas(yuck), pu ten new gallons in, changed the plugs, and tryed to change that dang fuel filter. Still couldn't get it off. Well, it ended up being the coolant temp sensor. I replaced it this weekend and shes' a runnin'!!!! Needs a good tune up, but it is due anyhow. Thanks again! Plus, we got our first little bit of snow last night.

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