HELP!!! Truck quit - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chucks70 · 06-10-2002, 10:13 PM

Coming home from work tonight I shamefully turned my truck into a Found On Road Dead. It backfired 4 or 5 times and just quit. It gets gas in the carb., turns over easily, doesn't seem to get any spark. Was getting dark so I couldn't see very well. Couldn't smell any burnt wires. Maybe the distributer arcing inside or the coil pack?? Hopefully it will be there in the AM so I can see what I'm doing. What should I take with me besides tools and extra wire?

PanelDeland · 06-10-2002, 10:19 PM

More info!! Answer these for better help.
1) How many miles?
2)What engine?
3) Electronic ignition or points?
4)How much $$$ do you have?

From the info you gave I would guess points/module,coil, coil wiring,or timing chain.

lukecp · 06-10-2002, 10:24 PM

Take off a spark plug wire at the plug, stick the business end of a screwdriver in it, hold on the the insulated handle on the screwdriver, and hold the metal part of the screwdriver about 1/16"-1/8" away from the end of the plug, and see if a little blue spark jumps from the screwdriver to the plug, while someone is cranking the engine. If so, your igniton system is fine. If not, i would think it would be the coil, or the module if you are running HEI. Also check to see if you have power going to the distriubtor.

chucks70 · 06-10-2002, 10:34 PM

Ok, more info. Engine is a 350, been converted to HEI by PO. Mileage is a big question, but has good compression and doesn't leave a cloud of smoke behind it. Will have to check for spark in the AM. Had absolutely no trouble with it until tonight. I know that a '78 I had long ago did something similar and it was carbon in the distributer cap causing arcing inside. Could see the burn lines.

*Randy70C-10* · 06-10-2002, 10:39 PM

I know this sounds like a dumb question, but is your distributor tight?

68 with 350 TPI · 06-10-2002, 10:44 PM

if you have HEI you may have had the module go bad.
They dont even try when they die their just dead.
Make sure if you chage it to get some eletric grease.

Don Smith · 06-10-2002, 10:45 PM

It's the module in your HEI same thing happened to me two days ago.

chucks70 · 06-10-2002, 10:49 PM

Yeh Randy the distributer was tight, I was dumb enough not to tighten one on a Pont. 389 before and wondered why I had no power. This was after I had to redo the plug wires from putting them on one post out. Duh!! That was 25 years ago though. Thanks for the replies guys, looks like I'll get a module before I go get it. Didn't want to leave it, didn't want the 2 mile walk to a phone either. Ahh who says you don't get exercise owning one of these trucks.

71GMC_3/4T · 06-10-2002, 11:57 PM

In case it isn't the ignition module, take a case of beer, a timing chain and gears, a big bucket of tools and a gasket set with you. If the module fixes it you can do a dance in the road and drink the beers! If it's the chain, see if you can get someone to tow you home for a case of beer. If you can't, well, I guess you got a long day ahead of you... I'm hoping it's the ignition module.

bobs409 · 06-11-2002, 07:42 AM

If your going to have HEI, carry a spare module! When these go, they go. Your left with your thumb in an unmentionable place by the side of the road. LOL

Carry tools to install it too. And always put the grease on the metal side that comes with them which helps transfer heat away from the module. Without that, they don't last long.

Huck · 06-11-2002, 08:32 AM

Bet the module for all the above reasons. They are cheap and easy to swap out. Keep a spare. If the problem is moisture related--also swap out that little condenser as I had that little dude trick me more then once. Good luck and let us know how it works out---Huck

71GMC_3/4T · 06-11-2002, 10:05 AM

Oh yeah, that little condenser! I had a friend whose truck would stumble when he accelerated. We finally found that the wire had broken from flexing when the vacuum advance moved. I found it by pulling on the wire and the insulation stretched indicating that the wire inside was broken.
There are two (at least) different modules for the HEI. If in doubt, buy both and return one.

Southpa · 06-11-2002, 10:44 AM

It happened to me last fall. I had extreme backfiring under load but I managed to creep it home. The center contact in the HEI distributer cap was busted up.

chucks70 · 06-11-2002, 12:22 PM

Ok guys got it running. Stopped at advance auto and got a module then went to the truck. No spark. Took off the cap and a surprise. Somehow the rotor had taken out 4 of the 8 contacts to the wire towers and of course the rotor was busted. The cap was on solid, I had trouble getting the tiedowns to be able to remove the cap. Cap was seated well, did not move. Grabbed the distributer shaft, no play there either. Replaced the module, went back and got new cap and rotor, fired right up. Drove the 5 miles home with no problem. Any ideas what happened? I could see if I was 4 wheeling and the cap hit the firewall, but I was on I 470 going up hill...smooth road. Checked engine mounts and they aren't broke. Not great looking but not broken.. Thanks for your help and ideas. Oh and when I told my 12 yr old daughter that I was going to get a few parts and go fix my truck this morning, she said "Oh! is it time to replace a few paper clips and rubber bands?" smart a$$ kids LOL!!! Duct tape and bailing wire maybe.

06-10-2002, 10:13 PM	#1
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	HELP!!! Truck quit Coming home from work tonight I shamefully turned my truck into a Found On Road Dead. It backfired 4 or 5 times and just quit. It gets gas in the carb., turns over easily, doesn't seem to get any spark. Was getting dark so I couldn't see very well. Couldn't smell any burnt wires. Maybe the distributer arcing inside or the coil pack?? Hopefully it will be there in the AM so I can see what I'm doing. What should I take with me besides tools and extra wire?

06-10-2002, 10:19 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	More info!! Answer these for better help. 1) How many miles? 2)What engine? 3) Electronic ignition or points? 4)How much $$$ do you have? From the info you gave I would guess points/module,coil, coil wiring,or timing chain. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-10-2002, 10:24 PM	#3
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Take off a spark plug wire at the plug, stick the business end of a screwdriver in it, hold on the the insulated handle on the screwdriver, and hold the metal part of the screwdriver about 1/16"-1/8" away from the end of the plug, and see if a little blue spark jumps from the screwdriver to the plug, while someone is cranking the engine. If so, your igniton system is fine. If not, i would think it would be the coil, or the module if you are running HEI. Also check to see if you have power going to the distriubtor. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

06-10-2002, 10:44 PM	#6
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	if you have HEI you may have had the module go bad. They dont even try when they die their just dead. Make sure if you chage it to get some eletric grease. __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

06-10-2002, 10:45 PM	#7
Don Smith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Hampton, Ga, USA Posts: 217	It's the module in your HEI same thing happened to me two days ago. __________________ 68 Short Stepside, 350, quadrajet, 700r4, 3:73 posi, power front discs, HEI, Factory Air, Tilt, Tach, accelerator cable instead of rod, sway bar. 96 Impala SS 97 Monte Carlo

06-10-2002, 10:34 PM	#4
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	Ok, more info. Engine is a 350, been converted to HEI by PO. Mileage is a big question, but has good compression and doesn't leave a cloud of smoke behind it. Will have to check for spark in the AM. Had absolutely no trouble with it until tonight. I know that a '78 I had long ago did something similar and it was carbon in the distributer cap causing arcing inside. Could see the burn lines.

06-10-2002, 10:39 PM	#5
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I know this sounds like a dumb question, but is your distributor tight?

06-10-2002, 10:49 PM	#8
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	Yeh Randy the distributer was tight, I was dumb enough not to tighten one on a Pont. 389 before and wondered why I had no power. This was after I had to redo the plug wires from putting them on one post out. Duh!! That was 25 years ago though. Thanks for the replies guys, looks like I'll get a module before I go get it. Didn't want to leave it, didn't want the 2 mile walk to a phone either. Ahh who says you don't get exercise owning one of these trucks. Last edited by chucks70; 06-10-2002 at 10:55 PM.

06-10-2002, 11:57 PM	#9
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	In case it isn't the ignition module, take a case of beer, a timing chain and gears, a big bucket of tools and a gasket set with you. If the module fixes it you can do a dance in the road and drink the beers! If it's the chain, see if you can get someone to tow you home for a case of beer. If you can't, well, I guess you got a long day ahead of you... I'm hoping it's the ignition module. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO

06-11-2002, 07:42 AM	#10
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	If your going to have HEI, carry a spare module! When these go, they go. Your left with your thumb in an unmentionable place by the side of the road. LOL Carry tools to install it too. And always put the grease on the metal side that comes with them which helps transfer heat away from the module. Without that, they don't last long. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

06-11-2002, 08:32 AM	#11
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Bet the module for all the above reasons. They are cheap and easy to swap out. Keep a spare. If the problem is moisture related--also swap out that little condenser as I had that little dude trick me more then once. Good luck and let us know how it works out---Huck

06-11-2002, 10:05 AM	#12
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	Oh yeah, that little condenser! I had a friend whose truck would stumble when he accelerated. We finally found that the wire had broken from flexing when the vacuum advance moved. I found it by pulling on the wire and the insulation stretched indicating that the wire inside was broken. There are two (at least) different modules for the HEI. If in doubt, buy both and return one. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO

06-11-2002, 10:44 AM	#13
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	It happened to me last fall. I had extreme backfiring under load but I managed to creep it home. The center contact in the HEI distributer cap was busted up. __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

06-11-2002, 12:22 PM	#14
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	Ok guys got it running. Stopped at advance auto and got a module then went to the truck. No spark. Took off the cap and a surprise. Somehow the rotor had taken out 4 of the 8 contacts to the wire towers and of course the rotor was busted. The cap was on solid, I had trouble getting the tiedowns to be able to remove the cap. Cap was seated well, did not move. Grabbed the distributer shaft, no play there either. Replaced the module, went back and got new cap and rotor, fired right up. Drove the 5 miles home with no problem. Any ideas what happened? I could see if I was 4 wheeling and the cap hit the firewall, but I was on I 470 going up hill...smooth road. Checked engine mounts and they aren't broke. Not great looking but not broken.. Thanks for your help and ideas. Oh and when I told my 12 yr old daughter that I was going to get a few parts and go fix my truck this morning, she said "Oh! is it time to replace a few paper clips and rubber bands?" smart a$$ kids LOL!!! Duct tape and bailing wire maybe. __________________ 68 1 ton dually 292, 2001 Sebring, 2004 Trailblazer, 11 Camaro Convertible. Last edited by chucks70; 06-11-2002 at 12:26 PM.



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