'87 GMC Sierra, needs work but I'm broke...any suggestions?

[skitzo42701]

Just bought this truck from my dad after my piece of **** ford got smashed by a tree (justice was served). Split window sticks, needs new interior, body work, paint job, and quite a bit of mechanical work too. It runs...but the belts are squalling like a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin' chairs, try to take off too fast and it hesitates and tries to die on ya. Wish I had the money to pour into it so that it would get the respect it deserves...but I don't. Therefore, if there's anyone out there that lives near Elizabethtown Kentucky...and willing to do a good deed (for DIRT CHEAP or FREE) just to help out a fellow Chevy/GMC Lover, Feel free to let me know!

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum skitzo42701. I'll give you the same advice I just offered Business Professor in aother thread. Start by making alist. Looks at what you "want" to fix/replace vs what "needs" to be fixed/replaced.

Make a "to do " list, and get back with us. We might be able to help you with advice, and that's something you can afford.

Oh by the way, we like pictures....

[kelsfine69]

Yea fix what you need, someone told me a long time ago.." You cant drive looks" and he was right

[72lb4x4]

Tighten the belts to see if that works, or replace them.
Run some carb cleaner through it and/or put a kit on the carb.

Both are pretty cheap and worth the effort for a start.

[flamingbig10]

I agree to 72, and also check your vacuum lines, even if it doesn't sound like the problem

[66truckin]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

Tighten the belts to see if that works, or replace them.
Run some carb cleaner through it and/or put a kit on the carb.

Both are pretty cheap and worth the effort for a start.

87 should be fuel injected. seafoam works well in fuel injection systems but I would trouble shoot what the real problem is first.

[84 400]

Start with the basics like fuel pressure good plugs so on. Welcome to the forum lotta good people on here who can really help you out

[79blazer]

Confirm TBI or carb?

I would spend an afternoon going over it. Get to know it.

Check the plugs (gap and condition, color)
wires (resistance)
check cap
Adjust timing
look and listen for vacuum leaks,
check and tighten belts (they probably a little dry-rotted and cracked, a little cracked is ok, they seem to crack mid-life)
slipping belts can quickly break.
Check condition of all fluids, if old/dirty, keep in mind to change sometime soon.
Check brake pad wear, adjust rears. Bleed brakes.
Clean throttle blades and bores.
Check Pcv valve, clean or replace.
AFTER fixing problem, Adjust transmission linkage slightly if it shifts to hard/soft, early/late.

If carb a carb kit/carb dip will help it. Mine likes it every two years.

If TBI, clean IAC, rebuild/dip it. Problem might be caused by TPS or MAP. I'd post in the 88-98 forum for Engine stuff, because they have a lot more TBI motors.

Either fuel system, Berrymans B12 or Seafoam in the gas tank *might help,but won't fix the problem if it's something else. I am leery of most "magic" products, but these seem to be the only ones that work.

All of the stuff listed above are free or cheap, and may remedy you problem. They should be gone over once in a while anyway.

[mainermikeyd]

Welcome to the forum for men with real trucks, like 79 blazer advised there are alot of things yo can do with out spending a dime, an there are some where you mite spend a couple dollars. Make sure to add some new fuel, LOF(lube, oil, filters) everyone else pretty much covered everything else, take your time inspect EVERYTHING, vaccum line especially, an if its affordable for you just for piece of mind get NEW plugs, I spent 2 weeks chasing a problem, that just came down to the simple spark plugs!!!! Good luck an keep us posted

[skitzo42701]

All of that sounds like good advice...but as ashamed as I am to admit it, I know very little about working on vehicles.

[AceX]

Take it one step at a time.

Start with something simple and then get slowly more complicated with the jobs.

Don't dive into an engine overhaul, just start with a few parts changes and go from there.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by skitzo42701

All of that sounds like good advice...but as ashamed as I am to admit it, I know very little about working on vehicles.

Welcome to the board first off !

Wouldn't you like to learn so you wouldn't have to pay others for minor repairs ?

Google is your friend, You can find all sorts of repair articles covering just about any repair. Here is one example;

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm

Also, You are a member here now. So should you get stuck understanding a certain repair all you have to do is shout, I'm sure someone would chime in to lend a hand.

Best of luck getting your GMC graciously motoring continuously again.

[Damien]

Buy a Hanes Manual. They are cheap and will get you started. They show you how to do the simple stuff like change spart plugs. They have pictures and specs too. Check the stuff these guys suggested.