truck quitting? 350 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hooker · 03-20-2007, 04:53 PM

I have an early 70s 350 in a 69 chevy c10. Here is my problem. I get it started and less then 2 mins later it dies... this started about 2 weeks ago after i changed my headgasket. i let it run after doing that for about 30 mins and it was fine so i took it for a drive for about 5 miles and as soon as i got it home it died and will now only run for about 2 mins then just dies... i try to restart and it will die.... do u guys think i tightened the rockers too much? or what could it be?
thanks in advance

cdowns · 03-20-2007, 05:00 PM

have you changed your fuel filter lately?? is the gas pump pumping it could be a clogged strainer in the tank what is the condition of your sparkplugs?

Hooker · 03-20-2007, 05:20 PM

new filter... new plugs..... it ran really well then all the sudden quit ... another note... i filled up the fuel tank after being almost empty for about 2 yrs

**oldgold70c10** · 03-20-2007, 05:44 PM

Sounds like a fuel filter to me. If there is junk in the tank it will plug them up fast.

Get a helper and take your tank out, drain it, and get as much rust out as you can. When I did this, I had what looked like ground coffee come out, and enough for a couple coffee cans. Be sure to strain the gas you drained out before putting it in the tank, or better yet, use it for yard equipment.

Until you can get your tank cleaned, try not to go below 1/4 tank, it will lenghten your fuel filter's life a little.

cdowns · 03-20-2007, 06:20 PM

sounds like the tank strainer is plugged with crap// i second the tank cleanup route

Hooker · 03-20-2007, 07:10 PM

i know that there is fuel going to the carb.... the fuel filter is a glass one that i can see the fuel in!

ghackett1 · 03-20-2007, 08:36 PM

Sounds like junk might have already got into the carb. The dirt (or whatever it is) will move around inside the bowls until it gets stuck and then the truck will die. When you restart it then it will move around again and start all over till it gets stuck. You need to remove the carb and clean it.

PanelDeland · 03-20-2007, 08:33 PM

Just because you see fuel in the filter doesn't mean it's flowing.If no fuel is coming from the tank then there is nothing to push that fuel from the filter into the carb.Take the fuel line loose from the carb and crank it over to see if fuel is really being pumped.Use a coffee can or something to catch the fuel.There may be enough pressure to let a little fuel dribble thru to the carb then when you start the truck it burns the fuel faster than it can dribble thru.

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 03-20-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooker

I have an early 70s 350 in a 69 chevy c10. Here is my problem. I get it started and less then 2 mins later it dies... this started about 2 weeks ago after i changed my headgasket. i let it run after doing that for about 30 mins and it was fine so i took it for a drive for about 5 miles and as soon as i got it home it died and will now only run for about 2 mins then just dies... i try to restart and it will die.... do u guys think i tightened the rockers too much? or what could it be?
thanks in advance

**********************************************************

I would be inclined to look towards the dist. as this happened to me. How old is the dist? My elec. modual is what went on mine. I was running my truck in the driveway just warming it up as it was off the road at the time and it would stop running. Every thing seemed to be normal and like you I had just done a tune up. I was told that the elec. moduals never go but not so grass hopper. For some reason and this makes no sense at all it was intermittent and did this for a week or so before not running at all. I swaped the elec. modual from from another dist. that I had and it's been fine ever sinse. I hope this helps, one other thing your air cleaner is new??

esll.

Shyguy · 03-20-2007, 10:22 PM

I had a similar problem with my 71 C-10.

When it died after only running a few minutes I sprayed starting fluid in the carb, then it would start and die.

I checked the fuel line from the tank to the fuel pump and found that the fuel pump rubber suction hose was collapsing.

I replaced it and it ran fine for a few days, then started dying again. This time spraying starting fluid in the carb did no good.

I checked the distributor and found that the rotor and cap were bad. After replacing them both it has been running ok.

Danny - SEMO

chevy_632 · 03-20-2007, 10:27 PM

igniton module or cap and rotor have a build up on them would be my guess.you running HEI style distributer?..

Longhorn Man · 03-20-2007, 11:06 PM

I don't think it's a fuel problem, if it was, the problem woulda showed up when he was driving it for 5 min... not at an idle.

crm318 · 03-20-2007, 11:42 PM

i had the same problem on a 71 cutlass i had. it would run for a little bit and then die. i was the ignition module. it would let the car start and run untill the module got to operating temp and then die. i had a bad module. you can get them tested for free at a local auto parts store.

Hooker · 03-21-2007, 08:52 AM

That all seems a little weird to me..... if the module went bad then the truck would not start at all right?

RACINJASON22 · 03-21-2007, 09:05 AM

Most of the time that is the case but, not always. The control modual controls many facets of the ignition system low speed idle high speed idle and a few others so they can fail in different ways. I'd say your best bet would be to have it tested as stated above. Some times it is very hard to tell the difference between fuel and ignition problems but, my but educated guess would be electrical IMHO. RJ22

Hooker · 03-21-2007, 10:09 AM

so do i just pull the dist and take it to autozone and get it tested?

Blue'72 · 03-21-2007, 10:13 AM

You can just the module in and they can test it.
My vote is that the module is bad.

03-20-2007, 04:53 PM	#1
Hooker aka TEX-TOY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	truck quitting? 350 I have an early 70s 350 in a 69 chevy c10. Here is my problem. I get it started and less then 2 mins later it dies... this started about 2 weeks ago after i changed my headgasket. i let it run after doing that for about 30 mins and it was fine so i took it for a drive for about 5 miles and as soon as i got it home it died and will now only run for about 2 mins then just dies... i try to restart and it will die.... do u guys think i tightened the rockers too much? or what could it be? thanks in advance __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 SWB w/ disk brakes and soon to be lowered with spindles and springs!!!! Getting a paint job like a Army Chinook Helicopter!!!! HOOKERS RULE!! BRAND NEW WIFE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT!!! SHE IS THE BOMB!!!!!!

03-20-2007, 05:00 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: truck quitting? 350 have you changed your fuel filter lately?? is the gas pump pumping it could be a clogged strainer in the tank what is the condition of your sparkplugs? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-20-2007, 05:20 PM	#3
Hooker aka TEX-TOY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: truck quitting? 350 new filter... new plugs..... it ran really well then all the sudden quit ... another note... i filled up the fuel tank after being almost empty for about 2 yrs __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 SWB w/ disk brakes and soon to be lowered with spindles and springs!!!! Getting a paint job like a Army Chinook Helicopter!!!! HOOKERS RULE!! BRAND NEW WIFE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT!!! SHE IS THE BOMB!!!!!!

03-20-2007, 05:44 PM	#4
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: truck quitting? 350 Sounds like a fuel filter to me. If there is junk in the tank it will plug them up fast. Get a helper and take your tank out, drain it, and get as much rust out as you can. When I did this, I had what looked like ground coffee come out, and enough for a couple coffee cans. Be sure to strain the gas you drained out before putting it in the tank, or better yet, use it for yard equipment. Until you can get your tank cleaned, try not to go below 1/4 tank, it will lenghten your fuel filter's life a little. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

03-20-2007, 06:20 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: truck quitting? 350 sounds like the tank strainer is plugged with crap// i second the tank cleanup route __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-20-2007, 07:10 PM	#6
Hooker aka TEX-TOY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: truck quitting? 350 i know that there is fuel going to the carb.... the fuel filter is a glass one that i can see the fuel in! __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 SWB w/ disk brakes and soon to be lowered with spindles and springs!!!! Getting a paint job like a Army Chinook Helicopter!!!! HOOKERS RULE!! BRAND NEW WIFE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT!!! SHE IS THE BOMB!!!!!!

03-20-2007, 08:36 PM	#7
ghackett1 68 C10 Longbed Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 518	Re: truck quitting? 350 Sounds like junk might have already got into the carb. The dirt (or whatever it is) will move around inside the bowls until it gets stuck and then the truck will die. When you restart it then it will move around again and start all over till it gets stuck. You need to remove the carb and clean it.

03-20-2007, 08:33 PM	#8
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: truck quitting? 350 Just because you see fuel in the filter doesn't mean it's flowing.If no fuel is coming from the tank then there is nothing to push that fuel from the filter into the carb.Take the fuel line loose from the carb and crank it over to see if fuel is really being pumped.Use a coffee can or something to catch the fuel.There may be enough pressure to let a little fuel dribble thru to the carb then when you start the truck it burns the fuel faster than it can dribble thru. __________________ 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"

03-20-2007, 10:22 PM	#10
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: truck quitting? 350 I had a similar problem with my 71 C-10. When it died after only running a few minutes I sprayed starting fluid in the carb, then it would start and die. I checked the fuel line from the tank to the fuel pump and found that the fuel pump rubber suction hose was collapsing. I replaced it and it ran fine for a few days, then started dying again. This time spraying starting fluid in the carb did no good. I checked the distributor and found that the rotor and cap were bad. After replacing them both it has been running ok. Danny - SEMO

03-20-2007, 10:27 PM	#11
chevy_632 chevy_632 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: kelowna BC Posts: 104	Re: truck quitting? 350 igniton module or cap and rotor have a build up on them would be my guess.you running HEI style distributer?..

03-20-2007, 11:06 PM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: truck quitting? 350 I don't think it's a fuel problem, if it was, the problem woulda showed up when he was driving it for 5 min... not at an idle.

03-20-2007, 11:42 PM	#13
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: truck quitting? 350 i had the same problem on a 71 cutlass i had. it would run for a little bit and then die. i was the ignition module. it would let the car start and run untill the module got to operating temp and then die. i had a bad module. you can get them tested for free at a local auto parts store. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

03-21-2007, 08:52 AM	#14
Hooker aka TEX-TOY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: truck quitting? 350 That all seems a little weird to me..... if the module went bad then the truck would not start at all right? __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 SWB w/ disk brakes and soon to be lowered with spindles and springs!!!! Getting a paint job like a Army Chinook Helicopter!!!! HOOKERS RULE!! BRAND NEW WIFE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT!!! SHE IS THE BOMB!!!!!!

03-21-2007, 09:05 AM	#15
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: truck quitting? 350 Most of the time that is the case but, not always. The control modual controls many facets of the ignition system low speed idle high speed idle and a few others so they can fail in different ways. I'd say your best bet would be to have it tested as stated above. Some times it is very hard to tell the difference between fuel and ignition problems but, my but educated guess would be electrical IMHO. RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-21-2007, 10:09 AM	#16
Hooker aka TEX-TOY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: truck quitting? 350 so do i just pull the dist and take it to autozone and get it tested? __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 SWB w/ disk brakes and soon to be lowered with spindles and springs!!!! Getting a paint job like a Army Chinook Helicopter!!!! HOOKERS RULE!! BRAND NEW WIFE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT!!! SHE IS THE BOMB!!!!!!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-21-2007, 10:13 AM	#17
Blue'72 Skinned knuckles Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longview, Washington Posts: 1,126	Re: truck quitting? 350 You can just the module in and they can test it. My vote is that the module is bad. __________________ '72 C-10 longbox soon to be short step! '72 Chevelle (sold in January) '07 Sebring '01 Ranger (I've gotta long commute..) If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? My build thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=276904

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.