|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Jun 10, 2004 20:57:38 GMT -5
The stock engines in these trucks where far from powerhouses but did serve their purpose well. If maintained properly can last for a long time. The biggest problem now is you can not go to the dealership and buy one of these trucks brand new. With that being said unless you bought the truck new and kept it ever since, you don't know the full history of the engine in your truck. There are a few ways to check your engine to see what kind of shape it is in. One way is with a compression test. This will tell how much compression is left in the engine, not to be confused with compression ratio. The higher the compression during a test the better the shape of the engine. Another test is to check the timing chain the easy way. If you have a computer controlled distibutor it will need to be disconnected for this test. Disconnect the vaccum advance and block the line to prevent vaccum leak, hook up a timing light and watch the timing mark on the harmonic balancer. If the timing mark appears to be staying in the same spot the your in good shape, but if the timing mark appears to be bouncing back and forth then its time to change the timing chain. Another test is to check the amount of vaccum. If the engine has a stock cam your engine should be able to pull atleast 15 inches of vaccum. This test is only accurute is the carberator and timing is set properly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Missgoodwrench on Aug 9, 2004 0:24:57 GMT -5
Here is my problem. I have a 85 full size K10. To my knowledge it still has the stock motor in it. The guy I bought it from thought chrome would make it run better and so he has everything removed rebuilt and added anything chrome he could. The only problem is now I have to figure out where all the vacuum lines and electrical goes. I was able to find a semi complete motor to use as a guide but there is still one plug I cannot identify. From what I have found it lookes like it is located on a small bracket thats bolts on top of the passenger side valve cover. The plug itself is a black plug with a blue rubber seal. It is only about a half on an inch wide. I have gone to dealership after dealership trying to identify what this sensor is. Any idea? The manuals don't really help seeings how he had painted over the wires so everything is black. The other loose plugs were the purge silinoid on the charcol canister, and the plug that connects with the smog pump. which there aagain my smog pump has no external plug. Is that even neccessary? Please help if you can. If you need more info let me know and I will try my best. Thank You!
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 9, 2004 0:53:08 GMT -5
This is an electrical plug you are talking about on the valve cover? I don't know of one there. If possible take a picture of it and email me. I will post in on the site to try to get some answers for ya.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nathan on Aug 9, 2004 12:31:39 GMT -5
Only thing I can think of is the MAP Sensor.
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 9, 2004 13:27:06 GMT -5
85 shouldn't have a map sensor.
|
|
|
|
Post by Missgoodwrench on Aug 12, 2004 22:39:52 GMT -5
See that's the problem. No one seems to know what it is. It isn't on the valve cover itself, there is a bracket that bolts onto one of the valve cover bolts that holds the sensor. It sits almost up to the choke. Still trying to find a picture of one so i can post it. Unfortunately mine didn't have one at all. I have even gone to a mechanic and they all say bring the old one in. Duh! people don't have the old one or i could identify it. LOL!
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 13, 2004 1:22:05 GMT -5
I am sorry I can't identify it but if you can find a picture of it then maybe we can. If your truck is an 85 and emissions aren't as strict as California is then I wouldn't worry with it if it still runs good.
|
|
|
|
Post by Missgoodwrench on Aug 14, 2004 1:34:37 GMT -5
I knew you were going to say that. I live in cali.  I was able to find a detailed pic of an engine from an 85, but after enlarging it and looking closely there is no plug. Not even the bracket that the sensor is mounted to. I am about ready to give up and give in to the mechanic's shop. I think this plug is the only thing that is keeping the check engine light on. Oh yeah and I am having a hard time finding the smog tubes for the exhaust manifold. The ones on mine are broken off. I also need to re-route my dipstick. The hole sits behind the manifold and the idiot I bought it from didn't put a stick back in it. Any suggestions? |
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 14, 2004 1:58:47 GMT -5
Headers will fix the dipstick problem and give some hp in return. I will try to do some searching to find a pic of an 85 Cali engine to see if I can find the sensor you are talking about.
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 16, 2004 18:39:26 GMT -5
Did your truck come from the factory with throttle body fuel injection? I know other trucks didn't but not sure about the California versions. If they did then I can help you figure out what sensor it is. If not then I am lost.
|
|
|
|
Post by Missgoodwrench on Aug 17, 2004 12:25:07 GMT -5
No the stupid thind has a carb. I am begining to wonder if that harness is universal and that plug doesn't apply to my vehicle. I will have to get a pic of the motor so i can post it. This thing is a mess and becoming a really big headache. Of course out here people charge and arm, leg, and your first born to even look at it. I have to change my exhaust anyways and I though about headers, but wasn't sure. I also need to do some body work so the electrical has been put on hold till I can find some answers. My problem is trying to get a real mechanic to help me; here it is next to impossible because they talk to me like I'm an idiot because I'm female. I really appreciate all your help.
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 17, 2004 17:04:42 GMT -5
Some men don't see women as being mechanically inclined, I personally think it's awsome that you like working on your own vehicles. And not that your a woman but times like these make me wish you was closer so I could drive over and help you out. Chevyheaven, another member here lives close to me and we get together all the time helping each other out on our vehicles. If you could get a picture posted or email it to me and I can host and post it for you, it might help out on this. I looked through my Haynes manual and any eletrical hook ups it shows are for tbi systems. Thats why I aske if it was factory equiped with it and then later swapped to a carb.
|
|
|
|
Post by Missgoodwrench on Aug 21, 2004 0:48:18 GMT -5
Good News!!! I found the sensor. I was at a tow yard looking at dirt bikes and there it was waiting for me on the work bench out back. The bracket has three sensors; the MAP sensor, the ignition modulator, and the sensor for the smog pump. Once I had identified the sensors I called the parts house and they wanted almost $300 for the three. the guy at the tow yard sold me the bracket and all three plugs for $14. Talk about good luck. So now I just ahve to install them and run all of the vacuum lines. Any ideas on where I could find a set of smog tubes for the exhaust? Mine were covered in rust and had alot of holes. Thank you so much for all of your help. This is one of the most knowledgable and helpfull sites I have found yet!
|
|
|
|
Post by 19_Chevelle_69 on Aug 21, 2004 8:13:54 GMT -5
You may be surprised at the old stock that GM has. Why not try your local dealer? These stainless A.I.R. injection manifolds can be pricey though.
|
|
|
|
Post by BowtieGuy on Aug 21, 2004 9:30:59 GMT -5
I am very glad to hear you found out. Sometimes after market headers are cheaper than trying to get the factory stuff. There are some out there that have the smog tubes. Just an idea. You can always cheak a local salvage yard for the stockers. Just check their condition good before paying. Thanks for the comment about the site, we try to help as much as possible. Thats what it's here for. :drive: :givebeer:
|
|
