1984 Chevy C-20 350 400 Trans

[scfirefighter3]

Ok, here goes. I have a '84 C20 with a 350. It has about 2000 miles on the motor which was rebuilt by a local engine builder. Around 500 miles ago it started reading high volts (18V), and it burnt the fusible link on the fire wall up which shut the truck down. I replaced it and it ran great after that. The issue is, once the engine gets hot it bogs down and barley runs. I replaced the edlebrock 1406 with a reman. quadrajet, all fuel lines replaced, fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor, altenator, checked grounds and added extras, starter replaced, checked all wires to make sure none are pinched. The truck runs great and is very strong for the first 15 to 20 miles, and then acts like it is starving for fuel. I added a clear filter to make sure it is getting fuel and it is full when this happens. The truck only has 55,000 original miles on it, and there is no rust on the metal lines. It is to the point where I can't drive it, and don't know what else it could be. When It acts like it is starving for fuel if I feather the gas I can keep it running, then drive for around 1/4 mile before it starts again. The volts still read 16 to 18V, I frequently burn bulbs out throughout the truck, and it is running warm around 210. Before all of this it ran around 190. Thanks.

[smokepole]

It still sounds like an alternator problem. A bad voltage regulator or bad ground possible?

[Dead Parrot]

2nd on check the Alt. Normal volts are 14~15. One wire or normal 3 wire Alt? Don't trust the dash gauge, check with a known good hand held voltmeter. Check at output post on Alt and at the junction block. If you have a 3 wire alt, voltage sense wire may have bad connection.

High volts can degrade the ignition module and might be changing your temp gauge reading. If you are blowing bulbs, fix the volt problem first.

[cadillac_al]

I agree, voltage is way too high. Either replace the regulator or the whole alternator. If you really think it is starving for gas, when it dies and the fuel filter is still full, remove the breather and verify your accelerator pump squirt.

[scfirefighter3]

Thanks for replies. I changed the alt. twice, second being a new one. The volts by meter on the back if the alt. and block are 16.9. It is a three wire alt., and grounds appear good, and for good measure I added one to frame to block, block to body. What's the best way to check the exciter wire for the alt, or should I convert it to a one wire? Really, all this starter after the fusible link melted. Then shortly after I carried to a shop who said the distributor was bad and i had them replace it with a new napa one. Is there a good way to check the ignition module?

[Jstock85]

If the accessories are replaced and the problem still exists then it does sound like a wiring issue. Hopefully it'll be something simple like grounds like smoke pole suggested. It may take a while but tracing wires may lead to your problem.