Interesting '71 issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bears63 · 11-21-2009, 07:07 PM

Because this issue was very interesting and caused much hair pulling and gnashing of teeth, I thought I would share it. This was bar none the strangest thing I have ever experienced.

The Truck - 1971 C10 Cheyenne w/ a 350, 600 cfm Edelbrock carb, HEI, but otherwise stock.

The Conditions - Temps were in the 50's with a very strong South wind. It was blowing about 25-35 mph. Yes, this is important

The Symptoms - The truck started out running just fine. I drove for 3 miles with no issues. Then I turned East onto the highway and started having problems. The engine was cutting out at various speeds and throttle positions. It quit 3 times in one mile but would start right back up. I stopped on an approach and turned around to drive home to work on it. When I headed West the problems stopped and the truck ran fine. If I drove South or North the truck ran fine. But, if I drove East the engine would cut out again. Only when I was driving East did this happen, any other direction the truck ran fine. No, I'm not crazy

. My dad rode with me and was witness to this madness.

The Fix - I ruled out any fuel flow issues, it was not anything to do with being under load since I could put the engine under load in any direction except East and not have any problems. So, I started to look at electrical issues. I looked at wiring in the engine compartment and found that the power wire for the distributor had an exposed splice that was behind the engine. What was happening was when driving East the turbulent air flow was causing the wire to move and short against the engine killing it. I taped up the exposed splice and then went on a 50 mile drive to the East with absolutely no problems. This was one of those deals where the weather pointed out an issue. I hope someone can get a chuckle out of this because I thought it was hilarious.

BigRed Beast · 11-21-2009, 07:43 PM

The best part about your story had to be the process of troubleshooting, or eliminating the obvious...the "what ifs..."

Thanks for sharing...

unclewatts · 11-21-2009, 10:16 PM

In the future, keep an eye on that tape. Better yet use shrink tube.

Bears63 · 11-21-2009, 11:05 PM

I'll keep an eye on it, but in the end the whole harness is going to be replaced. My winter project is making new wiring harnesses for my truck to avoid just this sort of issue again.

unclewatts · 11-23-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bears63

I'll keep an eye on it, but in the end the whole harness is going to be replaced. My winter project is making new wiring harnesses for my truck to avoid just this sort of issue again.

Excellent idea.

11-21-2009, 07:07 PM	#1
Bears63 ...just another truck junkie.. Join Date: May 2009 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 698	Interesting '71 issue Because this issue was very interesting and caused much hair pulling and gnashing of teeth, I thought I would share it. This was bar none the strangest thing I have ever experienced. The Truck - 1971 C10 Cheyenne w/ a 350, 600 cfm Edelbrock carb, HEI, but otherwise stock. The Conditions - Temps were in the 50's with a very strong South wind. It was blowing about 25-35 mph. Yes, this is important The Symptoms - The truck started out running just fine. I drove for 3 miles with no issues. Then I turned East onto the highway and started having problems. The engine was cutting out at various speeds and throttle positions. It quit 3 times in one mile but would start right back up. I stopped on an approach and turned around to drive home to work on it. When I headed West the problems stopped and the truck ran fine. If I drove South or North the truck ran fine. But, if I drove East the engine would cut out again. Only when I was driving East did this happen, any other direction the truck ran fine. No, I'm not crazy . My dad rode with me and was witness to this madness. The Fix - I ruled out any fuel flow issues, it was not anything to do with being under load since I could put the engine under load in any direction except East and not have any problems. So, I started to look at electrical issues. I looked at wiring in the engine compartment and found that the power wire for the distributor had an exposed splice that was behind the engine. What was happening was when driving East the turbulent air flow was causing the wire to move and short against the engine killing it. I taped up the exposed splice and then went on a 50 mile drive to the East with absolutely no problems. This was one of those deals where the weather pointed out an issue. I hope someone can get a chuckle out of this because I thought it was hilarious. __________________ Mike "Bear" Shea

11-21-2009, 07:43 PM	#2
BigRed Beast Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 140	Re: Interesting '71 issue The best part about your story had to be the process of troubleshooting, or eliminating the obvious...the "what ifs..." Thanks for sharing... __________________ Big Red Beast 1972 Blazer CST AC/Auto/4x4 "Project" 1997 F 350 CC Powerstroke "The Great White"

11-21-2009, 10:16 PM	#3
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Interesting '71 issue In the future, keep an eye on that tape. Better yet use shrink tube. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

11-21-2009, 11:05 PM	#4
Bears63 ...just another truck junkie.. Join Date: May 2009 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 698	Re: Interesting '71 issue I'll keep an eye on it, but in the end the whole harness is going to be replaced. My winter project is making new wiring harnesses for my truck to avoid just this sort of issue again. __________________ Mike "Bear" Shea



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