Inconsistent starting in 85 c 10

[b1v3r]

1985 Chevrolet CK pickup

Replaced Items:

Ignition switch on steering column above brake pedal
Ignition module (twice)
Spark plugs and wires
Fuel pump and filters (filters twice)
Battery and alternator
New gas (added SEAFOAM to get any residue water out)

Starter turns fine
Gets plenty of gas
Battery is fully charged.

Scenario:

Starts inconsistently. Rain or shine, day or night, first time or after several starts. If it starts, it runs like a new truck. When it doesn’t start, you can use gas in carb, starting fluid, etc but it will not start. When it doesn’t start, there is no spark, but does get gas.
Have distributor from another running truck, but am unable to install it. I was told the cam sensor was inside the distributor. I was also told there was a crank sensor, but I was also told there wasn’t one on this truck.

Would like to get truck fixed as I can’t afford car payments, at this time, and I need dependable transportation for both daily driving and trips to SA and back. If possible, would like someone to repair it and allow me to make payments, if necessary.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[Srubydo1986]

first welcome to the board
2nd i have never heard of a cam or crank sensor.

Is the truck is carberated right? if that the case then there really isnt any real sensor on that truck should be like my 86. If anything its in the distributor in the modual or in the cap and rotor. shouldnt have to replace distributor completely just the parts that make it work. such as modual, cap, and rotor. hope this helps

[krue]

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! First, there are no crank or cam sensors on your truck. Second, pull the distributor cap and remove the ignition module (will have wires plugged into either end of it). Take it to any chain parts store and have it tested. I've not heard of one working intermittently, usually they either work or they don't. If it's not that, then I wont be able to help.

[knightlife]

its a bad coil pack... thats what it sounds like anyway. had one of those pull into the shop few years back prior to my joining the air force. same stats. we changed the coil pack on the dist, never saw the truck broke down again

[pilotj]

I tend to agree that it's probably the coil. I had a similar problem on mine a few years back. Mine wouldn't start after I shut it off when the engine got to operating temp. All the coils i've had in the past have just died instantly when they went bad, so I never suspected it. Then one day it wouldn't start at all(no spark). I replaced the coil and had no starting problems at all after that(engine hot or cold)

[SmittySmith]

Welcome to the forum.

I would bet the next paycheck it is the coil, I had the same described problem and once I replaced the distributor with an ACCEL Billetproof with the high performance coil, I've NEVER had another starting problem. Best money I've spent on the truck in years.

~ Smitty