Gremlins in my 1989 C1500 - 350 5.7
Issue #1 – I have an electrical short somewhere and I think it is in the steering column. One of the symptoms is the speedometer works sporadically. About 40% of the time the gauge does not function until a rap to the plastic face of the gauge panel is applied. The second symptom is significantly more worrisome. While driving (at random times, seemingly when I hit a bump but not definitely) the entire system shorts out for a second or two. The engine stalls (SES, Brake, Seat Belt lights go on), the radio shuts off, A/C or Heater shuts off and anything else electrical that happens to be on shuts off. Everything resumes normal operation after the short hesitation, but it is weird. It is starting to happen more & more frequently. Any ideas?
Issue #2 – I recently blew a head gasket in the same vehicle. After replacing both heads (due to cracking), putting new head gaskets, new plugs/wires/distributor cap, new thermostat, new hoses, adjusting the rockers and setting the timing something is still not right. The truck runs nice at idle, but as RPM’s increase things begin to happen. Under acceleration I hear a ticking noise that sounds like an exhaust leak but I have checked all exhaust connections and can’t find any. The only thing I have not done is lay under my truck and have my wife blip the throttle to check the Y-pipe connections. The truck vibrates slightly indication a rough condition and feels like a dead spot in the firing order at higher RPM’s. At approximately 45-55 MPH another phenomenon occurs. It feels almost like a surging effect, with a fairly noticeable thud tied to the surge. Coupled with all this is terrible gas mileage (roughly 8 MPG vs. 13-15 that it was). I have pulled all the plugs and they are all dry and a light brown, which I think is normal. Compression is 165-170 on the driver side head and 170-175 on the passenger side head. A visual inspection of the wires has revealed nothing obvious. I am not loosing any coolant as far as I can tell. There is no water in the oil or oil in the water. I am not sure what to check and need help. Should I pay a mechanic to do a diagnostic check on the truck?
I don’t know if these two are kinked or separate so I put them together. Sorry for the length…..
Dave
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