86 sierra poor starting prob.

[jlwggns]

greetings.

i'm trying to help a couple and the husband is disabled so i said i'd see what i could do for them.

i did a google search for sierra forums and i found this site.

here's the problem as the Mrs. explained to me.

1986 sierra 350 v8 auto tranny non FI

won't start very good when cold or wet.
after started when placed in gear truck dies and will at times after the motor is warmed up.
truck has a dead spot on accelaration.


i know this isn't much info but i'm not sure what all to ask her in order to try to have a idea sight unseen of the truck as to what's wrong.

i do not own a sierra and the truck is 100 miles from me so i'm trying to get a game plan going so i don't waste a trip down there.

when i get in touch with them again i'll check when they had a tuneup last, but i was wondering if some of you could give me some ideas as to what i should be asking the lady about the truck and some ideas as to the problem till i can get more info posted here.

thank you

[horse482]

Welcome to the forum. Tune up would be good, including a gas filter. The problem with cold/wet could be a couple of things, one could be the choke thermostat is not working or there is moisture in there, the choke could be sticking, or not working at all. If there is a crack in the dist. cap that will cause problems especially on a wet day. The carb may just need rebuilt. As far as the stalling after put in gear, if the choke pull of is not working or the choke is stuck then that could cause the problem. Also if the truck as a lockup touque converter and that is sticking that will cause the truck to stall. Hope this helps.