Newb to forum w/ 82 gmc C1500

[Space Monkey]

Firstly, hello! I can tell from the pics I've seen that I'm in the right place. I'm new to not only this truck but automotive work as a whole so I'll be asking tons of dumb questions. Be gentle.

I just bought a 1982 gmc c1500 with a 305. It's got what I believe is a k1500 front end. When I bought it it was having overheating issues. The radiator is full of muddy water so I figure that's a factor. I replaced the thermostat and it ran. Got down the road and it threw the alternator drive belt. Will be replacing that tonight. I'm thinking if the belt throws again it come be the pulley or the harmonic balancer?



I can't figure out how to post pics from my phone.. pics to come.
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[Eyegore]

First welcome and when you can, post pics,(sorry I cannot help in that area). Also there are no dumb questions, and if the radiator has rusted water inside then the belts may need replacing since they are old, not usally the balancer.

Welcome.

Tom

[Space Monkey]

I'm hoping its as simple as that. I'll def post pics after I get off work. Interested in what yall can tell me about the truck. Maybe you could even help me name her
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[silvereagle07]

Welcome! The muddy water is a factor. Hopefully someone didn't install stop leak. That stuff wreaks havoc on a cooling system. You may need to flush the system and refill with 50/50 coolant and distilled water. Check the adjustment on the alternator. Sometime they can move if not locked down properly.

[Space Monkey]

Ok, so here's my truck!

[Space Monkey]

Originally Posted by silvereagle07

Welcome! The muddy water is a factor. Hopefully someone didn't install stop leak. That stuff wreaks havoc on a cooling system. You may need to flush the system and refill with 50/50 coolant and distilled water. Check the adjustment on the alternator. Sometime they can move if not locked down properly.

I'm definitely going to flush it. It looks like the radiator is full of weak coffee.

[Eyegore]

Nice looking rig
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[Zane M]

Lots of potential in that one!

[cmyc5575]

Originally Posted by Zane M

Lots of potential in that one!

Yeah I like it alot.

[Space Monkey]

I'm pretty excited about it. It's got a 305 with a granny 4 speed. Thinking about going automatic but idk... It's got bs cherry bombs on it now and it's LOUD. I'll replace those with straight pipes probably. I'll post engine pics in a little bit. It's definitely in need of some love but man it's got potential.

My wife was pretty mad when I bought it but I couldn't resist it.

[Space Monkey]

So when I try to start it it runs rough when my foots on the gas and dies the second I take my foot off. Lots of exhaust that stinks of gas. Carb adjustment? Fuel filter?

[Space Monkey]

Here's the engine compartment. Anyone know what carb that is?

[b454rat]

I wouldn't replace the current exhaust with straight pipes, it's just as loud. I have straight pipes on my truck, idling it's not bad, but even just a little rev it's friggin loud....nice truck btw....Carb is an Edelbrock, part number is on the bottom left, 1406 I'm guessing, popular one....

[silvereagle07]

Man that thing looks like a beast! I like it.

[Space Monkey]

Originally Posted by b454rat

I wouldn't replace the current exhaust with straight pipes, it's just as loud. I have straight pipes on my truck, idling it's not bad, but even just a little rev it's friggin loud....nice truck btw....Carb is an Edelbrock, part number is on the bottom left, 1406 I'm guessing, popular one....

Thanks! I've wanted one forever. Really stoked to have one, just gotta get it up and running. It's a project for sure.

Cool, thanks. I googled and found the 1406 but like I said I'm a noob lol.

I don't mind the loud so much but I don't care for the brutality of the cherry bombs. Plus they're directly under the cab so I'm sucking fumes constantly.

[bucannon]

sounds like its running rich, but i cant tell without actually hearing and seeing it run. maybe its just been sitting for a while and the carb jets are dirty, get some seafoam and put it in the gas tank and just drive and drive

i would recommend just running exhaust pipes off the cherrybombs to the rear bumper to eliminate breathing exhaust fumes in the cab

those axles are 8 lug? thats 3/4 ton, and tough

[bilfman]

Looks like a great start. Your stalling issue could be a simple idle adjustment, or timimg adjustment. Idle on those carbs are on the front drivers side. Here is a great youtube link for adjusting those carbs, there are several short segments from troubleshooting to adjustment. Try those, also wouldnt hurt to check the timing. These 2 things are quick and easy starting points.

Edelbrock Carburetor Installation and...

[Space Monkey]

Well, I was going to play with my truck tonight but my wife's crappy little Dodge Nitro decided to die on the side of the highway. Thermostat. So I ended up just getting home and I'll be spending my day fixing that tomorrow since Dodge put the thermostat on the front of the engine under everything.

*sigh*

[Space Monkey]

Ok, got to work on the truck some. Still won't start. It's trying to start and the carb is popping. I tried tightening the mixture screws all the way, backing them off 1 1/2 turns, 2, 2 1/2, 3. Nada. Poured gas in the carb, replaced fuel filter, checked firing order, nothing. Tries to start, sputters, and dies.

Timing? Timing chain?

I'm going to go through the whole TDC process tomorrow. Can't work on it at night because it's too dang loud. lol.

Any tips/tricks y'all can give me? Something I missed?

[b454rat]

Give it a tune up, new plugs wires can n' rotor. While you got the cap off, turn the engine so that the rotor is pointing at #1 cylinder, make sure it's on TDC, the timing marks should line up on the balancer/timing tab. Tune up isn't that expensive, this way it's done and know it will last a while, also eliminate any possible spark problems with old crusty wires.

Also might need to adjust the float. I have this carb on my car and it floods a little every time I shut it off. Read on here that Edelbrock carbs are sensitive to fuel pressure, and too much it will push past the needle/seat. It's not hard to do, just intimidating if yah never done it.

[Restrorob]

Welcome Aboard !

Originally Posted by b454rat

Give it a tune up, new plugs

Having been run rich and now popping/no start...^^^^^^^ Good sign of fouled plugs.....

[Space Monkey]

Ok. I changed the cap n rotor yesterday too. So pretty good chance its the plugs, eh?

I don't really understand the tdc thing. Am I turning the ignition? I read somewhere I need a flywheel tool? Very confused about this process.
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[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by Space Monkey

So pretty good chance its the plugs, eh?

Yep !

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=570191

[Space Monkey]

I'm gonna go pull my plugs and see.

Thanks for your help, I hope you're right!

[bilfman]

With the popping sounds like timing, these things rarely foul enough plugs not to run. Take no. 1 cylinder to tdc compression stroke, then pull your cap and make sure it is pointing to no. 1 Cylinder on your cap. That is what I would check first .
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