SirRobyn0
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2019
- Posts
- 6,755
- Reaction score
- 11,407
- Location
- In the woods in Western Washington
- First Name
- Rob
- Truck Year
- 1984
- Truck Model
- C20
- Engine Size
- 305
Ok so here's the deal. My truck is a 1984 C20 with the 305. This is a carbureted 305 with the standalone ESC system. In order to not turn this into a novel, I'm going to cut to the chase. About a month ago the ESC system stopped working, or at least I think it has if my ESC test is valid. Result copious pinging.
I currently have new regular HEI distributor that I was thinking of stabbing in, but on my drive today I couldn't help but think about the benefits of the ESC and I'd like to at least gain a little knowledge on the system, and depending on cost of parts possibly take a crack at repairing it vs eliminating it.
#1. How to test function? Seems like running the engine and tapping on the passenger side exhaust manifold while watching the timing with a light I should see it retard the timing. Is this a valid test? If so then it's definitely not functioning.
#2. Seems to me from watching the timing with a light that the ESC distributor provides more vacuum advance and possibly more mechanical advance, than a standard HEI distributor. Agree / disagree?
#3. Seems like a pretty simple system, knock sensor, tip in sensor, ESC control unit, distributor. So I guess flow of diagnostic would be throw a knock sensor at it, retest. If still not functioning check for power and ground at control unit replace if needed. That's pretty much all there is, correct?
Thanks for the help!
I currently have new regular HEI distributor that I was thinking of stabbing in, but on my drive today I couldn't help but think about the benefits of the ESC and I'd like to at least gain a little knowledge on the system, and depending on cost of parts possibly take a crack at repairing it vs eliminating it.
#1. How to test function? Seems like running the engine and tapping on the passenger side exhaust manifold while watching the timing with a light I should see it retard the timing. Is this a valid test? If so then it's definitely not functioning.
#2. Seems to me from watching the timing with a light that the ESC distributor provides more vacuum advance and possibly more mechanical advance, than a standard HEI distributor. Agree / disagree?
#3. Seems like a pretty simple system, knock sensor, tip in sensor, ESC control unit, distributor. So I guess flow of diagnostic would be throw a knock sensor at it, retest. If still not functioning check for power and ground at control unit replace if needed. That's pretty much all there is, correct?
Thanks for the help!