1984 S10, a few questions (Page 1/2)
mkiker2089 DEC 20, 06:02 PM


I've spent a fortune on this and have two problems to nail down. May be related. Short version, do coils go bad? It's a 2.8 if it makes a difference.

Longer version

If I turn it off and try to start it again within a minute or so it doesn't want to fire. It acts like the battery is weak and it's flooded at the same time. Reading online someone said the plugs or the coil could be to blame. I was advised to "floor it" and see how it runs. As predicted it sputtered until it reached speed rather than taking off. It used to take off.

Anyway, being that it's the factory coil I ordered a new one, AC Delco. Rock Auto had two at different prices so I ordered the most expensive hoping there is a reason it cost more. I also ordered a new distributor cap, rotor, plug wires, and iridium spark plugs. I realize I didn't need iridium plugs but I want the longevity they offer and don't mind spending the money if it helps. Did I miss anything? Hopefully this tune up will help. I'm also going to put those plastic looms over the plug wires because I've seen it prevent shorts over time. Running them carefully is the fist line of defense of course.

[This message has been edited by mkiker2089 (edited 12-20-2012).]

mkiker2089 DEC 20, 06:04 PM
jaskispyder DEC 20, 07:34 PM
TBI? a leaky injector causing the engine to flood? Just a guess.
mkiker2089 DEC 20, 07:41 PM
It has a carb. The battery acts weak at the same time only so I'm guessing it isn't the carb. Its rare that it acts up because I rarely need to restart right away.
Tony Kania DEC 20, 07:41 PM
IMHO use AC Delco plugs. I too have spent a lifetime of trying out the "next big thing", and found that the ACs work best in my 2.8.

Yes, coils definitely go bad.
mkiker2089 DEC 20, 07:46 PM
I should have gotten ac plugs but bought NGK instead on a whim. I know NGK does well in other cars. Everything else is ac delco. I've had great luck with that brand.
Tony Kania DEC 20, 07:58 PM
I will say this, NGK is reputable. It is what I run in my small engines. I do not believe I have ever used them in an automobile? Hmmm?
weaselbeak DEC 20, 08:48 PM
If the battery acts weak on a warmed up engine with a carb, it is lean. Pump it a couple times before cranking, it will then roll over once weakly, then take off OK. I'd just about bet on it, seen it way too often.
mkiker2089 DEC 20, 09:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by weaselbeak:

If the battery acts weak on a warmed up engine with a carb, it is lean. Pump it a couple times before cranking, it will then roll over once weakly, then take off OK. I'd just about bet on it, seen it way too often.



The carb is set too lean? Hadn't considered that. Would a lean carb cause any other symptoms or problems. It can be a bit rough on cold mornings but otherwise runs fine except full throttle which I never use anyway.

The truck will self choke if left empty in the morning. As in it runs rough, smooths out, the picks up rpms a bit until I hit the gas. Is that normal? I rarely let it run unattended so I can't be too sure on this one.
weaselbeak DEC 21, 09:03 AM
The carb is not "set" too lean. Some intakes seem to dry out more completely while sitting a short time warmed up. I'm not the engineer to really explain this, but if you pump the throttle 3 or 4 times before cranking it will roll over slowly maybe once and then your off to the races. Really common with carbs in my opinion after all these years. Your rough running when cold is a different issue, probably just the choke pull-off setting.

[This message has been edited by weaselbeak (edited 12-21-2012).]