1986 C10 Stalling
 

I have a 1986 C10, it still has the original 305 with a qjet but the original esc distributor is gone. I was driving today and the truck surged a little bit then stalled. I pulled over and it cranked but wouldn't start. I had no tools so I took off the air cleaner and looked down the carb while pushing the throttle linkage and there is fuel spraying. I then hit the key and it fired up. I drove a few miles and it did the same thing. Again it wouldn't start, tried pumping the gas pedal with no luck. I popped the hood and pressed what i believe is the accelerator pump directly and it squirted fuel and the truck fired right up. I repeated that process the rest of the way home. What should I be checking? It feels fuel related but the carb has fuel so I am lost

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Maybe the module in the distributor.
They act like that.

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

I sure hope not, the whole distributor is about 2 months old.

Would it restart less than 30 seconds after stalling if its a module issue? Most time don't ignition faults just die and not sputter first?

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

What type of distributor is in it now?

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Sometimes they act like that. A quick cool and fire up again.
You should have a spare anyway.
I used to carry a complete spare distributor. Just in case!

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

I put in a MSD Streetfire recently after my original distributor had the pickup coil fail. I've been driving sbc motors daily for 15 years and never had a module fail, is it that common?

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Seems to be getting more common.
You do know that MSD reliability has gone down hill.

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

I've heard that. Put the same unit in my brothers truck a couple years ago and its been trouble free for 20k miles.


Is there a way to test this theory or just swap parts?

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Since you stated that the acc pump works then the fuel pump must be working.
You also state that pumping the throttle (Which manipulates the acc pump) keeps the engine running & you did that all the way home.
These symptoms would suggest to me that main metering is clogged up in the carb.
Pop the top offa that baby & have a look inside!

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

You can get the module tested but I’ve heard they’ll pass and still act up.
You might need to throw some parts at it.
You can buy a complete hei on eBay for not much more than a module costs.

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Andy pumping the throttle doesn't keep it running. It still stalls, pump the gas pedal and won't start. Pop the hood, push on the accelerator pump 3 times and it fires up instantly until the next episode

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Geezer thats why i replaced the whole distributor when the pickup coil failed.

I will pickup a inline spark tester today, that way i can see if it is sparking when it first dies

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Oh OK I mis-understood your symptom analysis! Silly Me!:lol:
I thought as long as you were pumping the throttle it would stay running.
That's a chainsaw of a different color!;)

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Update...

I replaced the fuel filter, and no fuel dripped out during removal, and installed an inline spark tester. I drove it around and it stalls on heavy acceleration only but starts right up immediately after stalling. So i haven't figured it out yet

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Have you checked your timing?

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

Double check all the rubber suction lines between the tank(s) and the fuel pump. A small air leak in one can cause intermittent running issues. If they are original, they are end of life anyway. An accel pump will work even if the fuel level in the carb is low.

Might double check the power to the HEI. Corrosion or a size mis-match between the power wire end and dizzy terminal can cause an problem. I wouldn't trust the newer China stuff to have the proper terminal size or coating to resist corrosion.

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

I replaced the fuel pump this evening. The truck fired up faster than it had in a while and ran great with no problems.

Re: 1986 C10 Stalling
 

mines doing just about the same thing except you have to wait 20 or 30 min. and she starts right up, I replaced the ign mod didn't help.