COMMON S10 PROBLEMS (late 80's-97)

[sirroberts1288]

Any used truck can have problems. The more thoroughly you check a potential purchase, the less likely you are to get a lemon. A second opinion from a knowledgeable friend is always good. If you really want to be safe, have the truck inspected by a professional mechanic.

There have been a few factory recalls, but the S-10 series isn't plagued by problems. There isn't room in an overview like this to list everything. The following items can help you be aware of problems that have been experienced by other S-10 owners. Technical Service Bulletins don't always cover every model year affected by a problem. That's especially true of the older trucks. Some problems, such as bad paint, can affect many years and models, whereas other problems can only be found on a single model year with very specific equipment.

Oil leaks: A tough-to-find leak is located in the oil filter adapter on V-6 engines. The solution is a new O-ring, but access is difficult. High-mileage 2.8L V-6 engines can leak badly at the front of the intake manifold. New gaskets are the proper fix, and silicone sealant is the quick fix. Early '80s trucks had some rear main seal leaks. The solution is to replace the two-piece seal with a one-piece seal.

Engine knock: The 4.3L V-6 can have knock (especially at startup) that's eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. Severe knock requires a revised PROM for the computer.

Hard start: Some '94 TBI-equipped engines may be difficult to start when very hot.

Exhaust valve noise: Some '96 4.3L V-6 engines consume excess oil and have valvetrain noise from lack of lubrication and poor valve guide seals on the exhaust valves.

Loose fan: Several different engines with and without A/C had recalls for poor fan blade rivets.

Misfire, rough idle: Carbon buildup can cause the EGR valve to stick in open position and cause a rough idle.

Serpentine belt squeal: V-6 engines with the serpentine belt system can squeal loudly due to a worn idler pulley or tensioner. A new pulley and belt should fix the problem.

Trans leak: '95-'96 trucks with 4L60E automatics can leak due to a poorly fitted pump bushing in the trans valve body.

Late upshifts: The 700-R4 trans in '90-'94s may shift late or not upshift at all due to a stuck throttle valve inside the trans.

Gear hunting: Some early overdrive automatics upshift and downshift rapidly around 55 mph, especially on hills. Trans were improved in later models.

Insufficient lubrication: Early five-speed trucks were recalled due to trans lubrication problems that could cause rear wheels to lock. The solution is new, blended trans fluid.

Brake line failure: There was a recall for a possible rear axle brake line fatigue fracture on '98 S-10 and Blazer.

Brake line friction: There was a recall for front brake lines on '96-'97 4.3L V-6 trucks. The line could wear from contact with the oil pan.

Fuel sender seal: There was a recall for a bad fuel tank sender seal, which could cause gas leaks.

Brake noise: '89-and-earlier front brake noise such as clicking, popping, and squealing can be caused by insufficiently clinched outboard brake pad tabs. The pad shouldn't move when it's pushed. If it does, the pad tab needs to be tightened.

Rear axle chatter: '82-'91 trucks with the G80 locking differential can experience rear axle chatter, especially when you're turning a corner from a stop. The clutches alternately engage and disengage. The cause is contaminated gear lube. The solution is to replace the old lube with new 80W-90 without additives.

Power door lock failure: If a rubber bumper falls off the actuator arm of '97 trucks, the power door locks may not work.

Seatbelt problems: There were recalls for '91-'93 rear seatbelt defects, such as sticky latches. Some '94-'97 webbing was substandard.

Dashboard lights: The early electronic dashboards had a variety of problems with reliability and inaccurate oil pressure readings on '90-'93 models.

Wind noise: '83-'91 models can experience excess wind noise around the doors. The problem is a protruding door seal along the top edge of the door and A-pillar. The replacement seal has been redesigned.

Peeling paint: Pickups and Blazers (late '80s) built in the Shreveport, Louisiana, plant (plant code 8) exhibited problems with peeling paint due to continued ultraviolet (sun) exposure. All affected areas with the problem color need to be refinished. The problem is most often associated with blue and gray colors.

reproduced frm:www.sporttrucks.com