1988 K1500 5.7 won't start, again!

[cpjonesman]

Info' so far:
200,000 miles; New fuel pump (and filter), new fuel pump relay, fuel pump fuse OK = sufficient fuel to rebuilt TBI; power on one side of each injector with switch on but no power/pulse when engine turned over so ECM replaced; initially engine would not start (no fuel at injectors) but engine finally started after several tries but one injector not operating, ie, spraying maximum fuel and flooding even when unplugged, other injector spraying OK. Returned rebuilt TBI and exchanged for another one; Installed TBI but will not start; again power on one side of each injector with switch on but no power/pulse when engine turns over. Many attempts made to crank but no luck. All connections to ECM and TBI rechecked and ignition switch connections checked. Still will not start. Any help appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Ignition module and pick up in dist. signal ecm to trigger injectors, next stop in diagnostics.

[cpjonesman]

Thanks for the information!! I know that the ignition module comes out fairly easy but does the distributor need to be removed and disassembled to remove the coil pick up? If so, do you (or anyone on this forum)have an illustrated diagram of the distributor that you can post? My repair manual is very limited in that regard.

[maxwedge]

Try autozone.com/repairinfo, enter truck info then go to repair info for online shop manual.

[richtazz]

The distributor has to be removed to replace the pick-up coil. Test the resistance across the two wires, if it's not between 500-1500 ohms, it's bad. Make sure you wiggle the wires while testing, in case there is an internal break. Once you pull the distributor out, drive the roll pin out that holds the distributor gear on and the shaft will slide out the top.

[cpjonesman]

Thanks for the additional info'!!! I have been pricing pick up coils, modules, and parts kits for rebuilding the distributor. All of these would run me around $85.00. A rebuilt distributor with the module @ O'Reilly's, Auto Zone, and/or Advanced cost around $95.00 with LLT warranty. New ones run between $200.00 and $475.00. Any ideas or suggestions? I'm leaning toward the rebuilt distributor. I rebuilt the distributor on my '52 8N tractor with good success but that was a big headache. I had to drill out the pins on the shaft and replace them (too old and seized, could not drift them out). I assume that my truck distributor being 36 years newer may not be as much trouble. In any case, thanks again for the info!!!!

[cpjonesman]

Richtazz and Maxwedge: thanks for the help!!! My 350 is running smooth and strong, exept for high idle (more on that below). I ended up replacing the distributor. I bought the module and coil pick up to replace them but I ran into a little trouble. The drive gear pin came out very easily but the distributor shaft would not slide out the top bushing. I tried some penetrating oil but it would not budge. I polished the 3/4's of the shaft that did slide through and was able to get it to slide back into the distributor body after I tapped it a few times with a rubber hammer. After several tries, it finally came out. But in examining the top bushing, I found a crack. So I reassembled and exchanged the new parts and a little more cash for the rebuild. Now another question: the idle is too high. How long does it take for the computer to reset? I've only driven it down the road for less than five miles and maybe a total of 15 minutes running time. I wanted to be sure before I attempted to adjust the idle screw on the new throttle body. I have no vacuum leaks. The rebuilt TBI has an additional vacuum port that was not on the original so I plugged it. And, again, thanks for your help.

[horse482]

Try disconnecting the battery, wait a min. the connect, it that doesn't fix it then drive it for 5 miles at 40 mph, shut it off then check the idle.

[2000CAYukon]

I would also add that you should have disconnected the EST wire when you set the timing and you should set the timing when the engine is fully warmed up. Zero degrees with EST disconnected.

//2000CAYukon