1981 K10 dies going down the road

[TannerT]

The ole truck has a 305sbc HEI distributor. Going down the road, maybe 2 to 3 miles it just shuts down. Doesn't bog or anything just dies. It will start right back up, but will die again shortly down the road. Might have traveled 5 to7 miles and died about 5 times today. When it does all lights and blinkers work. New fuel pump new edelbrock 650 new wires and new distributor. Maybe ignition switch....Coil....Ignition module? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Snoots]

You didn't mention 'fuel filter'.

 

[TannerT]

You didn't mention 'fuel filter'.

Inline and new

 

[CoggedBelt75]

I’ll take a stab at it. A bad pump, it will run fine in the cool of the day, but once it gets hot it will die but not start back until it has cooled down. Since you don’t have that problem, plus a new pump (new doesn’t mean it’s not bad), that should be eliminated. Say you have new distributor. The module problem should be eliminated. Bad or weak coil shouldn’t cause a shut down, misfiring it would. Leaves the switch in the column. Try wiggling the key or moving some wires along the column while running to see if it has any effect. I’m not well versed in electrical, but seems to me you’re losing power to the distributor for whatever reason.

 

[roundhouse]

Don’t know if you have the electronic ignition
A lot of times the parts inside the dizzy will get hot and stop working

First you gotta figure out if it’s the fuel or the spark

Probabaly the spark

 

[TannerT]

I appreciate it guys. Ill probably tear into it this weekend. I had this problem for a bit now. When it first started i assumed it was the old pump so i replaced it. Then the intake (thinking vacuum at that point) went with a edelbrock performer. then ofcourse replaced the distributor. When i jiggle the key i dont see any hesitation but thats intermittent. I have a new engine for her but no point until i figure out the source. The 305 is old but good compression.

 

[CoggedBelt75]

Hope you get the problem fixed. When you do, come back and let us know the solution.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I agree on spark. If it was loosing spark somewhere, my bet would be on the pickup coil rather than the ignition module. I’ve never been in a situation where it’ll start back up for me. Once it’s dead, it’s dead. That being said, examine the cap, rotor, coil, make sure the power lead has a good connection, pickup coil, and then you can take the ICM to be tested. Here’s what you do with the HEI and pickup coils:

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Btw, you can do the pickup coil test with it still on the distributor. It’s just a bit more difficult to do what he’s doing laying on top of the engine instead of it sitting on the bench.

 

[TannerT]

Turns out it was the ignition switch. It was in pretty bad shape. However, now when i put it in gear....it dies ‍

 

[BBBURB]

My Burb is doing the same thing. My very experienced mechanic says the ignition module in these is known for this. It died while he was checking my timing during a oil change. He knocked on the ignition module then turned the key and it cranked right back up. Its been dying for no reason then randomly starting back up. Im going to order a new one off amazon for $36 and see if it solves it.

 

[TannerT]

My Burb is doing the same thing. My very experienced mechanic says the ignition module in these is known for this. It died while he was checking my timing during a oil change. He knocked on the ignition module then turned the key and it cranked right back up. Its been dying for no reason then randomly starting back up. Im going to order a new one off amazon for $36 and see if it solves it.

I believe i solved my issue. I replaced my ignition switch and Neutral safety switch. Made some adjustments and bam......just like that she runs

 

[Camar068]

if you decide to replace the dizzy, Skip White is a great alternative. ~$50 shipped w/cap/rotor. Plenty of feedback here on those dizzy's.