engine idles up and down

Asked by Cowboy1949 Jul 01, 2015 at 11:03 AM about the 1989 GMC Sierra 1500 C1500 Standard Cab SB

Question type: General

when crank my 1989 gmc 1500 350 engine up  it idles up and down like maybe the
timing is off but not so.  When i take off it suptters but do does backfire.   IT acts like
it is starving for fuel.  When i finally get to a stop sign, I have to hold my foot on the
brake and rev the engine way up to keep it from shutting off.   Going up a hill is a
tough issue.   Now when i finally get it out on the interstate and get down in it hard.  It
will sputter and act like it is going to shut but then it catches up and runs smoothly for
miles just as long as i dont slow down and try to speed back up again and then it does
the same sputtering lurking and jerking.   I have replaced the distributer, rotar cap
wires plugs and throttle body gasket.  Still does the same thing.   I had the fuel
pressure checked and the mechanic at the garage said it was running a little below
normal but not bad for the age of the truck. I did replace throttle body sensor one time
but the truck would not run but shut off.  Its ok.   It is driving me up the wall   Help!.

4 Answers

This is usually a sign of a vacuum leak. Get a can of spray starter fluid and spray around the intake and hoses. If you here a rev or increase in engine speed, good chance you found your leak. If this was a newer car, Id say clean or replace the MAFS air flow senor, as thats what causes those symptoms as well. Also check your plugs, and the gaps.. make sure they are correct and clean.

4 people found this helpful.
64,350

Check air filter and replace fuel filter if have not done so in a while. Add fuel injector cleaner to gas tank. I see that you replaced the throttle body sensor and gasket but did you clean throttle body with throttle body cleaner spray.

1 people found this helpful.
40

Did anyone find out what caused the truck to idle high and then low. And in the morning it is do loud while warming up

4 people found this helpful.

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