TBI I need help

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
I am new to this forum I’m 72 years young and had chevys my whole life. Have had this truck for about 12 years. TBI 350 auto four wheel drive 1987. My problem is I cannot get it to start. Started out it would not idle. After replacing several parts now it will not start. This is what I’ve done so far. Replaced TPS IAC plugs MAP sensor injectors and connectors ;checked fuel pressure 16 lbs before the filter new filter; I have spark I have 12 volts at the injectors noid light flashes while cranking so sometimes it sprays sometimes not. I also tried to set the base idle think that may be where I messed up. Any help would be appreciated and thanks for reading this
 

geocrasher

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2018
Posts
119
Reaction score
130
Location
Northern NV
First Name
Ryan
Truck Year
1988
Truck Model
V1500
Engine Size
350
Make sure the reluctor ring and pickup in the distritubor is good, and also make sure timing is correct.
 

Mr Clean

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Posts
10,321
Reaction score
10,214
Location
North East Texas
First Name
Shawn
Truck Year
1982 & 1985
Truck Model
K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker
:welcome:
 

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
2,534
Reaction score
4,583
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
Welcome from Oregon!
And please humor me. IF you haven't messed with or replaced coolant sensor.
Unplug your coolant temperature sensor on intake manifold, and try to start it.
 

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
I replaced the coolant sensor and cleaned the two grounds there. The distributor is only about 2 years old I replaced the ICM cleaned the cap and rotor. I also put dielectric grease in the connections ????? How would I check the pickup coil without pulling distributor can I do it with a multimeter
 

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
2,534
Reaction score
4,583
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
Did you grease the icm? I like the pickup coil as suspect
 

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
Yes I did with dielectric I have good spark
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
2,029
Reaction score
2,934
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
check injector pulse if no fuel spray. Can be done with a test light. With key on should have power standing on 1 side. When cranking across both terminals should flash. Or get a noid light, they are inexpensive.
 

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
I have pulse with a noid light. But I don’t know how bright the light should be if that makes since. Also if I put 12 volts to the injectors and touch to ground they will spray when the key is on
 

vr1967

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2023
Posts
229
Reaction score
791
Location
Mississippi
First Name
Virgil
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
k1500
Engine Size
6.2L turbo
See if these help, from the 88 service manual

I had an issue recently, that we thought was a fuel issue when it ended up being the MAP sensor.
Can post a quick to check it with just a multimeter

You must be registered for see images attach


You must be registered for see images attach


You must be registered for see images attach


You must be registered for see images attach


You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
I replaced the map sensor but knowing how to check it would be helpful. Also I will go through these check list
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
2,029
Reaction score
2,934
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
In the future it would be advantageous to do a search before attempting a repair. This problem has been discussed several times here. When you start shot gunning parts at an issue you may inadvertently create a new problem making diagnosis harder. Many new parts are total junk. In most cases a used GM part will be more likely to function than a new offshore piece.

Follow the diagnostic tree in the previous post to the letter.
 

KnuckleBuster

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2023
Posts
61
Reaction score
68
Location
USA
First Name
Floyd
Truck Year
1969
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
I replaced the coolant sensor and cleaned the two grounds there. The distributor is only about 2 years old I replaced the ICM cleaned the cap and rotor. I also put dielectric grease in the connections ????? How would I check the pickup coil without pulling distributor can I do it with a multimeter
--Two grounds at the coolant sensor? It doesn't have 2 grounds. Are you sure it was the coolant sensor? Should be one yellow wire and one black.
--The dielectric grease that comes with the ignition module is NOT for the terminals/connector. It should be applied to the underside of the module to help dissipate heat.
--The pickup coil is easily checked with an ohmmeter without removing the distributor. Disconnect it to measure resistance, which should be 500-1500 ohms, with no continuity to ground. I don't think you'll find a problem there since you said you have spark.

Just an observation...a mechanic could have diagnosed this for less than the money spent throwing parts at it. Might have even fixed it. Your choice, of course. Good luck!
 

Maknwine

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2016
Posts
101
Reaction score
141
Location
Virginia
First Name
Tom
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
c30
Engine Size
5.7
@GR Jonesy
This may seem silly, but any chance you could go back and replace the old parts back excepting the injectors("Replaced TPS IAC plugs MAP sensor"). Just in case you can get it back to a rough idle at least.
But first, go thru the checklist procedures probably smartest thing you can do.
I'm wondering if the rough idle could have been caused by a loose distributor hold down bolt, might be worth a wiggle test on that.
 

GR Jonesy

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2023
Posts
8
Reaction score
10
Location
Sissonville wv
First Name
gary
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
1/2 ton sliverodo
Engine Size
350
Knuckle buster there are two grounds for the ECM that grounds on a bolt next to the coolant sensor. I did put the enclosed grease under the module. I also put some I had on the connections because a post I read said it cured his issue but I’m not sure it was a good idea lol. I kinda agree with you on the pickup coil because I have spark thank you sir. Maknwine it was more than a rough idle it would not idle at all but I am wondering if it could be a timeing chain issue. Thank you also for your response
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,162
Posts
950,639
Members
36,273
Latest member
dannyphx
Top