TotalyHucked
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2020
- Posts
- 3,791
- Reaction score
- 12,258
- Location
- Auburn, Georgia
- First Name
- Zach
- Truck Year
- 1985
- Truck Model
- Sierra 1500
- Engine Size
- 5.3
Let's start with the basics of what you have. I see the truck is a '77 Camper Special, 454 I assume? What temp was the engine at when it started to act funny? What temp was it when you realized it was sucking the rad hose in on itself?
What you're describing in January in Oregon does not sound like vapor lock. Every time I've had vapor lock has only been sitting in traffic and the car would just start sputtering and coughing. I was always able to put into a parking lot to sit and wait, but I'd have to wait an hour or more before the symptoms would go away. It would hard start if I tried it too soon (just spin and spin, maybe cough a little and die).
The backfire out the carb is odd too.
What you initially described sounded like ignition/timing problems, like the chain stretched and jumped a tooth or the gear on the dizzy was wearing out. But if that were the case, it would likely always have the same issues. That truck should be HEI, correct?
What you're describing in January in Oregon does not sound like vapor lock. Every time I've had vapor lock has only been sitting in traffic and the car would just start sputtering and coughing. I was always able to put into a parking lot to sit and wait, but I'd have to wait an hour or more before the symptoms would go away. It would hard start if I tried it too soon (just spin and spin, maybe cough a little and die).
The backfire out the carb is odd too.
What you initially described sounded like ignition/timing problems, like the chain stretched and jumped a tooth or the gear on the dizzy was wearing out. But if that were the case, it would likely always have the same issues. That truck should be HEI, correct?