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Username Post: 91 TBI stumble under load when warm        (Topic#375851)
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-15-24 05:59 AM - Post#2874713    

I posted this in the 88-98 page, but thought I may get a few more eyes on it here.
91 k2500, 8 lug axles, SM465 manual trans, 5.7.

-Fuel pressure is steady at 13 psi.
-great starting, idle and driveability through entire rpm range when cold
-New distributor, cts, knock, heated 02, map,egr valve and egr module.

Once up to operating temp, I get a stumble under load. So, 2nd and third gear, trying to accelerate, it will hitch and stumble until load reduces. High rpm is fine, and it will easily pull a hill at hwy speeds as long as throttle input isnt too heavy.

It is a 5.7 with a factory roller cam that the block stamping says came out of a caprice.

The only thing I have not done is clean or replace the injectors which appear original. Very hard to find new, high quality injectors.

My thought is that when in open loop, efi is running a bit rich until warm when fuel is managed by the sensors and ecm. So, the injectors seem to have the capacity to supply enough fuel, but something from a sensor is telling the ecm to stay lean under load.

TPS and IAC are also still original. Another odd behaviour is when coasting off throttle, there is a steady, rhythmic engine-braking effect that you can feel and hear through the exhaust. Its like the injectors are on/off every 2 seconds while coasting.

Any help appreciated!!



 




Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3603

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
10-15-24 06:29 AM - Post#2874714    
    In response to biker

How did this start to happen.If you could scan it, you could see if the o2 sensor once in closed loop is driving the mixture to the lean side, causing the condition.I thought 91 trucks did not have a heated o2?



Edited by Shepherd on 10-15-24 06:40 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-15-24 02:45 PM - Post#2874727    
    In response to Shepherd

Thank you! It started after top end gaskets, new distributor etc. I have no performance baseline because I bought it non-running.
I do have a decent OBD2 scanner that does OBD1 as well. I just dont know what parameters I can expect to see.
I will see what it says tomorrow.



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-15-24 02:50 PM - Post#2874728    
    In response to Shepherd

It did not come with a heated 02 sensor, but I bought one and an adapter to plug it into the factory harness. It has a ground and 12v wire which are all wired properly.
I used the heated 02 because I removed the original giant cat convertor thinking it may have been plugged. My thinking is the heated 02 sensor will be more efficient with the lowered exhaust backpressure.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3603

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
10-15-24 04:46 PM - Post#2874730    
    In response to biker

I think I would replace it with the appropriate one for that year engine and pcm, it maybe calibrated incorrectly for your combo.



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-16-24 04:09 AM - Post#2874734    
    In response to Shepherd

Ok, will do. I will try my scanner first, and see if it will give me anything. Would be nice to get live data, here's hoping.

I was hoping I would get a dtc if the O2 sensor was an issue. Sigh....



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-17-24 06:04 PM - Post#2874794    
    In response to biker

Well, my scanner was able to tell me the historical numerical codes, even after I disconnected the battery for the afternoon. I thought they would be erased? I haven't had a service engine light come on once since I fixed the previous issues, but this ecm has a memory like an angry wife.

Anyways, I could not get it to display live data.

Is there a program you guys like to use for laptop to display live data?

Thanks again.



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-20-24 08:00 AM - Post#2874867    
    In response to biker

Just ordered an OBD1 to USB cable for my laptop. Downloading Tunerpro RT today. Interested to see what's going on with timing, 02, etc.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3603

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
10-20-24 04:48 PM - Post#2874872    
    In response to biker

Keep us in the loop, especially note your o2 readings.



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-21-24 03:56 AM - Post#2874875    
    In response to Shepherd

Yessir, will do.



 
biker 
Poster
Posts: 55
biker
Reg: 12-25-23
10-27-24 08:07 PM - Post#2875087    
    In response to biker

Update:

Well, never assume your own work cant be substandard....
While waiting for my OBD1 to usb cable, I figured I would go through some basics. Ohm'd out the cap, wires and plugs, inspected cap, rotor, coil, wiring etc.

Stuck the timing light on and discovered base timing was 6 degrees retarded...

Went thru my notes made when I first assembled it, and I wrote specifically "timed while cold". I was so excited that it ran right off the bat that I timed it right away, slammed the hood and went for a drive. Never re-checked once the engine was warm. So today, I set base timing to 0, hooked up the ecm wire and it runs great. I'd say 80% better. I can still make it stumble if really try on purpose,but it has more power now and pulls great under load.

Looking forward to looking at some live data to dig in a bit deeper.

Also noticed that the air cleaner snorkel heat diverter valve is staying closed. I propped it open for now just tule out air flow as a problem.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3603

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
10-28-24 12:45 PM - Post#2875107    
    In response to biker

As usual, we often miss the basics and drift off. Lol



 
someotherguy 
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29816
someotherguy
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
11-27-24 06:42 AM - Post#2875939    
    In response to biker

Good job on re-checking the base timing.

As far as the heat riser flap in the air cleaner, the wax pellet has likely failed, which is pretty common. I'm not in a really cold area so I've simply removed the assembly from the air cleaner housing.

Richard

06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually


 




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