Engine Problems with my '87 V10

[Wertzy]

Well, this has lately gotten much worse. I'll try to explain this the best I can. Here is my problem...

I go outside before school to start my truck to let it warm up. It starts up fine and idle's fine. I let it warm up for usually 10 minutes. I then leave my house but the darn thing will NOT move. I mean, it moves, but at a brisk pace of 15mph...25 mph tops. If I go anymore then 1/4 throttle, it starts to bog down and almost die unless I let off the gas and go back to idle. Even after driving a while to get it warmed up more, it still does this. As I am driving to school, I am TRYING to get up the hill (my HS is on the top of the biggest hill in town) and it stalls on me halfway up the hill. I stop, park it, restarts fine. I attempt it again, can't go over barely 1/4 throttle or it will die again. So I have to keep pumping the gas to get up this hill. Finally after 8 minutes of climbing, which should only take like 2 or 3 minutes, I get to the parking lot.

Now, I get out of school, go to start it, starts fine again and I let it warm for about 5 minutes. Going down the hill is no problem, just let it coast. LOL. So I get to the bottom at an intersection. I hit the gas to go and it stalls on me right in the middle of the intersection. I start it again and off I go at a heart racing 25 mph.

Sorry for the long story, but would anyone know what the problem would be? I'm already starting out with small things like new fuel filter, plugs, and wires. My truck is an '87 V10 Silverado 4x4 with a 305ci 5.0L V8.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[MSL]

Check your timing. let us know what thats doing. maybe try a fuel pressure test.

[mitch1965]

Look at your exhaust system for any restrictions. My brother once went for 3 weeks troubleshooting his car, with similar symptoms, before finding he had run over something that crimped his tail pipe. Good Luck.

[C-10volvo]

i had this same problem with my 305. the fuel pump was slowly going out.

[magnethead]

fuel delivery system.

[Russell]

I've got a used TBI pump you could have for 40 bucks shipped if you are interested. I pulled it out of a fuel tank that I pulled from a running 91 Suburban with a 350. Replaced it with a TPI pump for my TPI setup.

[ponchodoc]

Originally Posted by Russell

I've got a used TBI pump you could have for 40 bucks shipped if you are interested. I pulled it out of a fuel tank that I pulled from a running 91 Suburban with a 350. Replaced it with a TPI pump for my TPI setup.

Autozone gots em too!
FUEL PUMP for a
1987 CHEVROLET TRUCK V10 1/2 TON P/U 4WD
Normal Stock
Special Order
Not Available



Item Part
No.
Warranty Core
Value Unit
Price Availability
Store Web
MASTER E3902 LLT $38.99
*** CAUTION ***
A FUEL PUMP IS MORE LIKELY TO FAIL IF INSTALLED
WITHOUT A NEW STRAINER AND FILTER. (MORE...)

AC-DELCO
CAN ALSO BE USED EP386 1 YR $44.99

AC-DELCO EP382 1 YR $59.99

[Wertzy]

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions guys! This really helps. I'll let you guys know if I find the problem.

[Captkaos]

Have you replace the fuel filter on it yet?

[76HighSierra]

Check the filter, before you go buying an expensive fuel pump. Sounds like a clogged filter, to me.

*EDIT* Captkaos beat me to it!

[Wertzy]

Ok cool. I found a fuel filter at autozone. However I do have another question. Where is the fuel filter located? I'm assuming its on the left frame rail but I'm not positive. Please let me know. Thanks.

[magnethead]

if it's a dual tank, i dont know for sure, otherwise it should be the left frame rail somewhere around the centerline of the door if i remember right.

[Wertzy]

It is a dual tank.

[Jason Spears]

The fuel filter is on the passenger side frame rail. It will be up beside your transfer case. It is kind of a PITA to get out, especially if it is seized. Make sure you use line wrenches so you don't round off the fittings. It is very easy to do, especially if you are in an awkward position. Good luck.

[Wertzy]

Would I have to worry about releasing any pressure in the fuel lines? If so, how would I go about doing so?

[Russell]

There should be a little vent up beside the throttle body, looks a bit like a fitting you'd use to blow a tire up. Be careful with this those, while there should not be a major about of fuel in the line (it does have a return for excess pressure) it would really hurt to get gasoline vapour in your eyes / mouth or something

[Wertzy]

Ok cool. Thanks for all the help everyone.

[Jason Spears]

There will be no pressure in the fuel lines as long as the key is not in the run position. There is an pressure bleed off in the pressure regulator which releases fuel pressure after the pump turns off. (Its really just a very small bypass around the regulator) This does not mean that you don't have to be careful. Try putting a rag over the connection you are going to disconnect.