Tune up (or what?) Suggestions...

[Zilverado]

Okay, so I posted a starting problem on Friday. I got home that afternoon and managed to get the truck started, but there is definitely something going on. She's running rough (even stalling at lights) and the exhaust is black and smelling rich. This even happens with the engine hot - choke is open. At driving speeds, she seems to run fine.

So, I'm gonna start with a long overdue tune-up (plugs, wires, filters, etc.) and see how she performs then.

My question is - - are there any particular things I should be looking at? Does it sound like anything specific? I realize the symptoms could probably be anything, but I thought I would ask.

Thanks in advance.

[Srubydo1986]

After putting my truck together had the same problem tuned out at idle i was a little low on carb adjustment and i had the truck to retarted. After tuneing and doing some disributor turning she runs great. Dont know if it would help to fix your but that what i did.

[Zilverado]

Gotta love our trucks...

Went to my local parts store for the basic tune-up parts and spent a total of $112.20 plus taxes (remember this is in Canadian $$$).

Dist. cap and rotor kit: $30.99
Ignition wires (Bosch): 39.19 (onsale - regular price 48.99)
Plugs (NGK) 4 x 6.99: 27.96
Air filter: 5.85
Fuel filter: 2.27
Air breather: 2.99
PCV valve: 2.95

So, I'll get it all installed and see if she runs any better. If not, at least I know I've done "the basics" and at least I didn't have to spend huge $$$.

[bowtiecb]

sound like the carb loading up but i hope the tune up works. You only bought 4 plugs y

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by bowtiecb

sound like the carb loading up but i hope the tune up works. You only bought 4 plugs y

Ah yes - - plugs were 6.99/pair.

When you say "...carb is loading up..." what exactly does that mean? Running rich? Is that just a carb adjustment?

I am still planning to replace the tune-up parts, so I have a "newer" engine to work with, but if it is carb issues, I'll likely need more input.

Thanks.

[WorkinLonghorn]

If you've got black exhaust there is no question that the carb is way rich.If it's definitely not the choke,then the next thing to check is the float and the needle valve that it controls. I'd say that is 95% chance of fixing it. NOT a difficult procedure at all.
>>Of course if you are running with a totally loaded up air-cleaner you may get the same black smoke.

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

If you've got black exhaust there is no question that the carb is way rich.If it's definitely not the choke,then the next thing to check is the float and the needle valve that it controls. I'd say that is 95% chance of fixing it. NOT a difficult procedure at all.
>>Of course if you are running with a totally loaded up air-cleaner you may get the same black smoke.

Thanks Man - I'm curious to see what will happen when I replace the easy stuff first.

How tough is a carb rebuild project on these trucks? It's been about 20+ years since I did a carb rebuild on my 77 Chrysler (318). Ran great after. I assume this baby would be a similar amout of work?

I actually have the original Chevy Factory Service Manuals (incl. a component repair manual) for the truck, so I should have good reference, but there's nothing like personal exprience/advice.

[WorkinLonghorn]

It's a piece off cake really. A big plus though is having an air-compressor with the rubber tipped hand nozzle thing for blowing out all the little passageways.Detailed instructions usually come with the kit. In your case,if time is tight,or you just want to go the easy route,just take off the carb top (without dropping the little front screws into the manifold!) and check/replace the float,clean out the bowl,check/replace the needle and seat and be done with it without even having to remove it.

[Zilverado]

Thanks Man - maybe I'll give that a try.