Have you learned a few tricks to solve problems specific to your Chevy/GMC truck?
Post them here:

http://www.blowerworks.net/download/sealing_the_china_wall.pdf

Diagnosing ignition or fuel system during No-Start Condition 1996-1999 L30/305 and L31/350 equipped trucks and the 1996-2003 L30/L31 vans that use the poppet valve spider CSFI injection.

If you are experiencing a no-start situation after removing the air intake system by opening and removing the air filter box top, unclip the IAT and MAF connectors, unscrew the plastic air intake hold-down device located just behind the t-body. Then lift up on the entire air intake assembly whilst ensuring the PCV vent tube which runs to the passenger side valvecover comes up and out of the valvecover. The air filter, plastic 90º fitting(which contains the stock air filter performance monitor), MAF, bellows assy., then the throttlebody cover which directs air downwards into the t-body will all come up and out in 1 piece.
Then a small splash of gasoline down the t-body will allow the engine to run for a few seconds. It the engine does indeed start, this proves that the CKP(crank position) sensor, distributer and the rest of the ignition is at least functional and that your issue is fuel related. Either a failed or failing fuel pump, clogged poppet valves and or bad FPR(fuel pressure regulator) is the culprit.

On my Father's 97 ecab shortbox, I was getting 60 psi of fuel pressure(intermitently) but the engine still wouldnt start. I performed the above procedure and administered gasoline via the t-body and the engine started and ran for a few seconds.
Instead of pushing the truck from 1 bay of teh shop to another, I had Dad drive the truck whilst I constantly drizzled gasoline down the t-body. I experienced a few back fires and stall outs, but we were able to back teh truck omnto the alignment rack in order to use teh overhead hoist and my chain/hook fixture which I use to lift the box off the frame in order to access the fuel pump.
Swapped out the pump and instantly saw 60 psi at idle(Key On Engine Running-KOER which allows the FPR to see manifold vacuum-thus lower fuel pressure). I then also saw 66 psi on the fuel pressure gauge during KOEO(Key On Engine Off). If you have a fuel system that wont hold pressure, be sure to check your gauge as the fuel pump is still running.

peace
Hog

Preventing corrosion around fuel sender in fuel tanks 1988-95 tbi™ 4.3/5.0/5.7/7.4 and 1996-97 Vortec 4.3/5.0/5.7/7.4 trucks. (98-99 trucks use the newer style pumps and this isnt as effective.

No so much a fix but a preventative measure. After swapping out fuel pumps and cleaning up teh area immediatley surrounding the fuel sender and the clockable fuel sender hold-down ring. Melt down a wax ring used to seal toilets to the toilet plumbing, and pour the molten wax all around the fuel sener hold down area. This will keep rust/dust and corrosion at bay. The good thing about the actual toilet wax ring is that this type of wax is pliable UNLIKE wax such as candle wax. Being pliable aids in its removal next time
I do this whenever I swap out fuel pumps now. As GM truck owneres, we all know how often fuel pump swaps can become.

peace
Hog

Stroker mimic


http://www.goodson.com/technical_support/instructions/Crankshaft_Flywheel_Grinding/SM-350.pdf
http://www.goodson.com/images/P/SM-350.jpg

Timing is set by the computer

The position of the distributor (CMP retard) is set with the help of a scanner.

This is how you install a distributor:

Deputydawg wrote:

The rotor has pins that are spaced differently on each side, so it can only be installed one way. If you need detailed instructions for distributor replacement, here they are.



•Rotate the number 1 cylinder to Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.



•Align white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, and the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).
Notice: The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:

• The distributor driven gear
• The distributor shaft
• The rotor holes



Notice: Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the distributor rotor in the wrong holes, may cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear and damage may result.

•With the gear in this position, the rotor segment should be positioned as shown for a V6 engine (1) or V8 engine (2). • The alignment will not be exact.
• If the driven gear is installed incorrectly, the dimple will be approximately 180 degrees opposite of the rotor segment when it is installed in the distributor.




•Using a long screw driver, align the oil pump drive shaft to the drive tab of the distributor.
•Guide the distributor into the engine.
Ensure that the spark plug towers are perpendicular to the centerline of the engine.






•Once the distributor is fully seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the pointer cast into the distributor base. • This pointer may have a 6 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 6 cylinder engine or a 8 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 8 cylinder engine.
• If the rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the pointer, the gear mesh between the distributor and the camshaft may be off a tooth or more.
• If this is the case, repeat the procedure again in order to achieve proper alignment.

.

•Install the distributor mounting clamp.
Tighten
Tighten the distributor clamp bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).






•Install the distributor cap.
•Install two NEW distributor cap screws.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2.4 N·m (21 lb in).

•Install the electrical connector to the distributor.
•Install the spark plug wires to the distributor cap.

Electric Mirror switch. Can be taken apart and the contacts cleaned of carbon. Will work great until the POS acts up again. Electric bulb grease didn't seem to help keep the contacts clean. Problem re-occurs about every year or so.

Same issue with the interior light dimmer, combo headlight switch. I've cleaned that three times since I owned the truck.