1989 Blazer stalls when put in gear

[blacksmith76]

My 89 s-10 Blazer, 4.3L, Z just had a new intake manifold gaskets installed, new distributor, rotor and cap also. So, when we went to start it, it idled fine but then the when put in gear, the idle slowed and the engine killed. Now it is hard to restart, but will eventually turn over. Still dies whenever we put it in gear. Could it be a sensor? Please help...any ideas are greatly appreciated!!!
(just a bit more history : although it is fuel injected, we have always had to hit the gas a few times to start and keep it running to warm up- and has died in gear when engine was cold)

[BlazerLT]

Check timing with the timing wire disconnected from the ECM.

[blacksmith76]

Thanks BlazerLt. My friend and I have already tried
that. Any other advice?

[blacksmith76]

Could it possibly be the Throttle Position Sensor?

[BlazerLT]

I would check the IAC valve next to make sure it is clean and working properly.

Clean the hole it inserts into also.

[blacksmith76]

I'm updating for my husband, as the Blazer is my truck.... We got it going and it seemed to run great until the running temp got to about 200 degrees. At stops, the idle would drop and the truck would vibrate. We got it home and disconnected the air cleaner system and took a look. Our neighbor pulled up and said to check the idle screw (which is supposedly un-adjustable) but is obviously not the original part. So, we got a torque screwdriver and upped the idle and although we haven't driven it yet (car repairs require beer!!) , it seems to be idling where it should be. I'm a bit skeptical that it is fixed, but hubby is bouncing off the wall in happiness. I hope this is the problem!!! Thanx so much BlazerLT for your advice. Appreciated SOOOOOOOOOO much!!!

[BlazerLT]

You didn't adjust the proper valve, you need to remove the IAC valve and make sure from the end of the pintle to the valve flange it is 1.1 inches.

[blacksmith76]

BlazerLT, where is the IAC valve???? We took this into consideration, but not being of mechanical minds, have not been able to locate it. Thanx again for your help.

[BlazerLT]

should be near where the intake connects to the engine.

Round valve with an electrical connection.

Take a picture of your engine and I will tell you.

[blacksmith76]

can't post a picture (sorry my scanner is broken) However this truck is purring like a kitten for having 160,000+ miles engine block is full of sludge I will replace engine if need be, All I need this truck to do is take my wife and family back and forth to the grocery store. So I am happy!!!!!!!!

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by blacksmith76

can't post a picture (sorry my scanner is broken) However this truck is purring like a kitten for having 160,000+ miles engine block is full of sludge I will replace engine if need be, All I need this truck to do is take my wife and family back and forth to the grocery store. So I am happy!!!!!!!!

www.auto-rx.com

How about doing a tuneup then.

[blacksmith76]

A tune up??!! Sounds great but I am afraid touch that truck. Spark plugs look fairly new and very hard to get to! Thank you BlazerLt for helping!!!!
My knowledge of vehicles is not great so any future help would be very appreciated.

[s10blazerman4x4]

Just jack up the front end and take your tire off to get at the drivers side. All you will need is a long extension and maybe a swivel piece for it and you should be good.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by blacksmith76

A tune up??!! Sounds great but I am afraid touch that truck. Spark plugs look fairly new and very hard to get to! Thank you BlazerLt for helping!!!!
My knowledge of vehicles is not great so any future help would be very appreciated.

You need to do a tuneup.

Spark plugs are only one part of a tuneup.