87 TBI 350 won't start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

calvin78612 · 12-06-2015, 10:43 PM

One week ago I changed the timing chain & oil pan gasket as well as install a sleeve on the harmonic balancer. Cranked and ran fine, drove it about 10 miles. This past week I went back to an electric oil pressure gage ,so I had the cluster out to install the gage and paint the needles. Hooked the battery back up, cranked it and it started but only ran for a few seconds. I should add that the oil pressure gage went to 60 psi while it was running. Turned it over again and nothing. I can smell fuel so I don't think it is the pump. Checked the wiring on distributor found a the pink ign. wire loose in a crimped connector and fixed that, Next I pulled the wire on the coil and it was crusty to say the least so put a new coil on and still no luck. Ran out of daylight so hear I am. Any suggestions in which direction would be great. I will check dist. cap and components in the morning, but anything else I should look at ? P.S.The vss is hooked up but i don't think that would be it.

KrazyRay · 12-06-2015, 11:49 PM

Try the module in the dist. I had a crusty coil wire in my 88 tbi and changed it thinking it was the problem. I think a bad coil wire can wipe out the module.

calvin78612 · 12-06-2015, 11:58 PM

Thanks Ray, i'll try it.

UATahoe · 12-07-2015, 10:48 AM

Ignition control module. They are horrible on these TBI trucks. I just finished running this circus on my 87. Had to replace the coil as well. Make sure your grounds are all making good contact and that you have solid grounds to the firewall and engine block. I had some grounding issues as well that were making the problem worse. Would bet money on the ignition control module though. Probably a good idea to keep a spare in the truck as well.

I went through a couple of house brand name modules until finally pulling the trigger on a delco module. Been good since.

calvin78612 · 12-07-2015, 12:11 PM

It was the ICM, changed it, the cap & rotor, and coil. Fired right up. They didn't have an AC Delco but I will get one for sure and keep it in the truck. Thanks for every ones help. Now for a quick wash and drive it to work this evening. Oh my speedo cable is making noise so I will have to reconnect it.

12-06-2015, 10:43 PM	#1
calvin78612 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Aledo, Texas Posts: 803	87 TBI 350 won't start One week ago I changed the timing chain & oil pan gasket as well as install a sleeve on the harmonic balancer. Cranked and ran fine, drove it about 10 miles. This past week I went back to an electric oil pressure gage ,so I had the cluster out to install the gage and paint the needles. Hooked the battery back up, cranked it and it started but only ran for a few seconds. I should add that the oil pressure gage went to 60 psi while it was running. Turned it over again and nothing. I can smell fuel so I don't think it is the pump. Checked the wiring on distributor found a the pink ign. wire loose in a crimped connector and fixed that, Next I pulled the wire on the coil and it was crusty to say the least so put a new coil on and still no luck. Ran out of daylight so hear I am. Any suggestions in which direction would be great. I will check dist. cap and components in the morning, but anything else I should look at ? P.S.The vss is hooked up but i don't think that would be it. __________________ 84 step side 87 swb

12-06-2015, 11:49 PM	#2
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: 87 TBI 350 won't start Try the module in the dist. I had a crusty coil wire in my 88 tbi and changed it thinking it was the problem. I think a bad coil wire can wipe out the module.

12-06-2015, 11:58 PM	#3
calvin78612 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Aledo, Texas Posts: 803	Re: 87 TBI 350 won't start Thanks Ray, i'll try it. __________________ 84 step side 87 swb

12-07-2015, 10:48 AM	#4
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: 87 TBI 350 won't start Ignition control module. They are horrible on these TBI trucks. I just finished running this circus on my 87. Had to replace the coil as well. Make sure your grounds are all making good contact and that you have solid grounds to the firewall and engine block. I had some grounding issues as well that were making the problem worse. Would bet money on the ignition control module though. Probably a good idea to keep a spare in the truck as well. I went through a couple of house brand name modules until finally pulling the trigger on a delco module. Been good since.

12-07-2015, 12:11 PM	#5
calvin78612 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Aledo, Texas Posts: 803	Re: 87 TBI 350 won't start It was the ICM, changed it, the cap & rotor, and coil. Fired right up. They didn't have an AC Delco but I will get one for sure and keep it in the truck. Thanks for every ones help. Now for a quick wash and drive it to work this evening. Oh my speedo cable is making noise so I will have to reconnect it. __________________ 84 step side 87 swb



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