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5688 messages,  Last post on Oct 17, 2006 at 8:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra 2500, GMC Sierra 3500, Truck

#5235 of 5688 Distributor configuration by daveo4 Oct 02, 2005 (5:18 pm)
I own a 1990 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 350 HP engine. I was experiencing problems after it was running for a while and shut itself off when the engine got warmed up. It would restart once it cooled down. I was advised by one of the staff at one of the national parts stores that it sounded like it might be something called the ignition control monitor/device which was located underneath the dirstributor cap. He told me to bring it in and they could check it out. Well, I did and it was bad, so I bought a replacement along with a new rotor and new cap. They also talked me in to buying the piece with two wires that connects to the monitor. The truck is driven very little, and I had a very difficult time removing the rotor - it was actually corroded onto the shaft, but by gently prying on it, I got it off. However, I was unable to remove the piece that sits on top of the connector to the monitor, so I skipped that part of the installation. I installed the new monitor, reconnected the existing wires, and installed the other wires into the cap. Then proceeded to start it up. It started, but was running so rough I decided I had gotten some wires crossed. I went over my cheat sheet, and found the two that were crossed and corrected them. It started right up, but had a noticeable hesitation when first pressing the gas pedal. I had enough aggravation for one day, so left it for another day. Now, it will not start at all, and I'm beginning to think there might be another pair of wires crossed, or the timing is off. The firing order is 1,8,7,2,6,5,4,3. The $64,000 is - on the off chance that my hunch is correct, how do I determine where each wire from the spark plugs goes into the distributor cap? In other words, how are the connections on the cap configured? Sorry if I'm not being clear, but what I need to know is how to I determine where the wire from plug #1 is plugged into the cap, and so on with the other 7. Thanks for any help/advice. Daveo4
#5236 of 5688 3.42 rearend on new Sierras/Silverados by saddaddy Oct 03, 2005 (8:15 am)
Why can I not seem to find a lower gear ratio on the new trucks than 3.42 on chevy/gmc "build your own" web pages? Is that really good enough? I mean it seems that a 3.73 would be the highest ratio acceptable for much towing duties.   For those with the 3.42. How does it perform? Mileage, towing? How does it pull -- say 285 or larger tires? What gives? This seems weird to me. Thanks for your responses ahead of time.
#5237 of 5688 Re: 97 1500 Votec problem....need help [ssrn] by srlbotanical Oct 03, 2005 (10:41 am)
Replying to: ssrn (Oct 02, 2005 10:35 am) Have you checked your air filter? Just a thought, its a cheap thing to rule out if you haven't done it yet...   I can't see your engine actually cutting out though... Your air filter would have to be REALLY bad.   Steve
#5238 of 5688 Re: IN [geo9] by inandout Oct 03, 2005 (11:36 am)
Replying to: geo9 (Oct 02, 2005 3:38 pm) Thanks again geo. And thanks for the tip about the parts stores. Never needed repair help before this. Like I said, all this computer controlled engine technology is new to me. Did restorations for years and drove them everyday so I know nothing about present technology. But I was an electronics tech for a long time, so its really not baffling once I read the theory of operation. Interesting story about the evolution, use, and problems regarding oxygen sensors. I'm getting smarter. SLOWLY.   You're right about the dealer mechanic too. Next time I see him out on the party scene, he'll get treated quite righteously.
#5239 of 5688 Serpetine belt life? by avianflu Oct 03, 2005 (6:06 pm)
Got a '99 Sierra 5.3 with 100k miles. Just replaced the plugs and wires. But the belts and hoses look fine. What are the expected life of the serpentine belts? The smaller, ac belt probably looking the most worn. Would have thought the Texas heat would have eaten them by now. GM must have improved their belts.   Thanks Guys, Bob Houston TX Replies to this message: rayt2 (Oct 04, 2005 7:33 am) avianflu (Oct 07, 2005 5:59 pm)
#5240 of 5688 Re: Serpetine belt life? [avianflu] by rayt2 Oct 04, 2005 (7:33 am)
Replying to: avianflu (Oct 03, 2005 6:06 pm) Interesting user name !   Did you buy it new or used? If original owner I would replace the belts they have served you well, if bought used they may have already been done by previous owner. 100k miles is a milestone, curious, did you ever have the "piston slap" or lifter tapping issue, as it's also been referred to on this motor in it's life   Ray T. Replies to this message: avianflu (Oct 07, 2005 5:59 pm)
#5241 of 5688 Advice on purchase of new GMC 1500/2500 by billg2 Oct 05, 2005 (6:42 am)
I currently own a 2000 GMC reg cap 4x4, with 5.3 L. I love the truck, but it's time to get a bigger cab. I am interested in purchasing a new '05/'06 GMC crew cab and I am curious about the advantages/disadvantages (outside of towing) of a diesel. Can anyone give some advice? Any options I should absolutely get. I will be towing a 5000 lb boat.
#5242 of 5688 curious by 4x4hover Oct 05, 2005 (10:39 pm)
can an '05 silverado extended cab handle a 6" lift and 35" tires?
#5243 of 5688 Re: Serpetine belt life? [rayt2] by avianflu Oct 07, 2005 (5:59 pm)
Replying to: rayt2 (Oct 04, 2005 7:33 am) Ray T.   Bought her new, and have had no trouble, except for an Oklahoma hail storm that left every body panel dinged. Went ahead and replaced the belts with Goodyear Gatorbacks belts. The originals had no cracks and looked like they could have easily gone another 50K. The hoses looked only slightly thickened and were getting stiff. Also replaced ignition wires, plugs,and fuel filter, looked really go after 100K as well. After the tune up no difference, except perhaps a slight bump in mpg from 17 to 18.   Yeah and its got piston slap and lifter tapping, but doesn't seem to hurt anything. Been running Catro synthetic 5W30. Doesn't burn a drop. Plan is to go for 250K miles, just like her 1990 Chevy 350 predecessor; didn't have to touch the engine or transmission.   These trucks really start to pay for themselves in the second 100K. They are a whole lot easier to work on than our '98 5.4 Expedition.

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