Engine cutting out

Calling all Mechanical gurus:

Although I have no problem starting my Cheny S-10 (4.3l, manual trans), it cuts out--bucks and sputters--until I get it out on the highway; then its fine.

I have changed the fuel filter, tested the distributor components; I changed the plugs and wires last year and visually inspecting them shows no unusal firing or wear.

Is it my fuel filter? Fuel regulator?

Any help in diagnosing the problem is appreciated?

Joe

what year? did you have this problem before you changed plugs last?
got a few ideas but need to know the year so i know what you have under the hood(w or z).

Hey, JackAss#1:

Thanks for getting back to me on my rough running engine post. I have a 1990 Chevey S-10.

As a matter of fact, it was missing last fall in a similar manner when I replaced the plugs, wires, distributor components, etc.

Now it's doing it again, but again the plugs appear fine.

Here's an additional detail: When I first start the engine, after about 3-5 seconds, the engine will labor down and will die unless I give it the accelarator pedal. But that passes. It then just sputters and bucks until I get it out on the road.

Any help is appreciated. I'm thinking it is the fuel pump or regulator.

Newbie

try cleaning the throttle body. a gasket kit at autozone is only about $8. its easy and cheap to do. hows you charging system. that could also cause the problem?
autozone will test it free of charge. might also have a fuel pressure check done aswell. i had a problem similar
to yours and it grew worse no matter what i did. finally i bought a fuel pump(even though i didnt think that was it) and it turned out to be the fix i needed.
check your coil out too.
ive got the exact set up as you do in my 91, so im giving you the cheapest and easiest ideas from my own experience.
hope i helped a little good luck.

Thanks again, Jackass#1. Will give'er a go....

Jackass raises some good points, I would also check and if needed replace the EGR (Cheap for you engine) This can cause the symptoms you're having. Also check the spray pattern on your injectors. If they are dripping what so ever they need replaced. They should be spraying a nice cone shape.

When was the last time you put in a new fuel filter? Have you checked the timing lately?