88 s-10 with 4.3 tbi won't turn over

[naturegirl]

This is an on going problem that I posted on here a few weeks ago that I still have not isolated the problem. My truck would start up fine with no problem then at other several times times it wouldn't crank at all as if it was the starter. I would have all my accessories but it wouldn't attempt to crank at all. I would get a jump and it would immediately start. Twice when there was noone around to give me a jump I had to leave the vehicle and when I returned it would start right up. The selinoid is making the clicking noise so that seems fine. Of course I started with the cheepest course of action first and had the battery checked but that checked out fine at the auto store. My battery cables were bad so I changed them. I also checked my alternator and that is fine as well. I have replaced my rotor, distributor cap, spark plugs, map sensor, fuel filter within the last 4 mos. before this problem started. Now in the last 2 days the problem has worsened and as I was coming home it cut out and I couldn't get it started then I got a jump and it started right up then about 17 miles later as I was slowing for a turn it cut out again and wouldn't start so I had to walk home and by the time I got back with someone to give me a jump it was about 40 mins and I tried before we jumped it and it started immediately without a jump. I started to think about the ignition switch or the ignition module so I called a mechanic I turn to when at a loss and he also suggested ignition module. So I called Auto Zone and spoke with someone that I know and have very good repore with and trust to know what he's talking about and he agreed and said that he'd often seen where the ignition module gets too hot and shuts the vehicle off as if someone had turned the key off, which is like what it's doing, and that it can be an intermittent problem such as I'm having. So I got the part and it cut out again on the way home so I changed it there and now it won't turn over at all and sounds really bad as it's trying. I don't know how to explain it except to say it sounds like it's miss firing really bad at one point it backfired out the tbi. I checked all the connections on the ignition module and all the spark plug wires to make sure they were secure and anything else that could have gotten bumped. I didn't remove any of the spark plug wires when I removed the distributor cap to get to the module but just pulled the cap with them on so there's no chance that the spark plug wires got mixed up. Could the timing have gotten knocked out? ok now the other problem and please try not to be too harsh. A big problem also is that a screw broke in half and the broken half is still in the distributor therefore I can not tighten it down on the driver side. The truck has been "chugging" and lacks compression for few couple weeks. I have not had a chance to get it out because I can't get a grip on the bottom of the screw, although it's sticking out so I can turn it the rest of the way out, therefore I need to remove a few things that are in the way. Now comes the bad part...It rained just about non-stop since this problem began...I live out in the country in a very remote neighborhood and live alone. I have to haul water here. So every time it stopped raining I had to use the truck, although it's been running bad, to get water and go shopping because of being low on supplies due to being flooded in alot during this time, etc....I know better than to be driving my vehicle in this condition but had no choice. My concern is whether it could have ruined my distributor driving it like this. I did put a tie down on it to try to keep it from moving until I could get the screw out but I live on a dirt road with 6 miles of washboard and I couldn't get it tight enough to prevent all movement. I bought a new rotor intending to get to the distributor screw as soon as I got home .The rotor has burn marks on it although it was changed only 2 mos. ago so I changed that again just hoping to get her home but it still won't turn over. Why would it not turn over after replacing the ignition module when it would at least start with a jump or after sitting before? My other concern after reading some of the other posts is the fuel filter in the gas tank which I had thought about but decided it was probably electrical but I read what was written about letting your fuel run out and/or letting it get below 1/4 tank both of which I've done. Also due to the wet weather we've had this year water got in my fuel so I added the water remover (heet) and replaced the in-line fuel filter. If it were my fuel pump in the gas tank, could it be intermittent? I don't think so but I could be wrong. The coil is another option. I can understand the ignition module not fixing the problem but why did it get worse and decide to fail all the way right after replacing the module? I'm at a loss and need help desperately. I can't afford to turn to a mechanic and have to have this truck running very quickly! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Phunyguy]

well if your engine won't turn over then yes it was an ignition switch problem. you must have put the distributor cap back on wrong or slightly out of whack for it to be backfiring... fired out the TB because the spark plug sparked when the intake valves were open and it ignited all the incoming fuel. that means your ignition was a bit retarded. i would also check the thing that turns the car over.... you know... the STARTER :-P sounds like the starter motor is going bad... beware though - they are a pain to install. i would take care of the distributor issues, install a new or rebuilt starter, doublecheck all the wiring - including the wiring going to the starter. you should be good to go.

[naturegirl]

Thank you for answering. I had already tried repositioning the distributor cap as soon as it backfired but it still did the same thing so I'm going to replace the cap again. What you said makes sense. I still wonder if the timing got knocked out though. I don't have a timing light but if nothing else works I'll see if I can borrow one and check that. As for the starter that would not explain why it is cutting out as I'm driving. I did check all the connections and there was nothing loose there or any other wiring that I can find. All electrical connections are secure. Not to rule out that I could have several things going out at once.

[youngvr4]

if this isnt about a 3000gt, your question would be better asked elsewhere

there's a board for S-10's

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...play.php?f=121