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Motor swap mystery


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About 2 weeks ago I was pulling a trailer from one job to the next, going up a hill the cruise made me downshift to maintain 60. I lost power and the motor started sputtering. I quickly looked at my gauges, half tank of gas, temp at 210, oil pressure was zero... Pulled off the highway and called AmFam for roadside assistance to tow me home. Had it towed to US Automotive for a diagnosis. Excessive metal in the oil, tech said probably a crankshaft or rod bearing. New motor was the recommend solution.

June 19 I purchased a crate 5.7 long block from O'Reillys along with an epic checklist of crap I needed to install in order to receive the 3 yr warranty. June 25 I was driving my sweet suburban with a brand new motor after doing the swap in my driveway. Life couldn't have been better. Put 120 easy driving miles on it over the weekend, still running and driving like perfection. Until "it" happened... Started sputtering like it was running out of gas and died. Thought maybe I was out of gas and the gauge was off. Temp, oil, battery, etc all looked fine. Sat on the side of the road for an hour waiting for someone to bring me some gas. Put the gas in, started right up. I drove off relieved.

Until "it" happened again... Died and refused to start up. Had it towed home again. This morning, Kenny (the tow truck driver, we're on first name basis by now) came over and I told him what was happening, reached in to show him, started right up like nothing was wrong...

US Automotive said it was my timing, they were gonna set the timing with a Scan Zero? Tighten up some loose ends like brake booster didn't have a clamp, and some other crap.

 

 

Would timing cause my issue? It seemed to me to be a fuel related issue. They said they couldn't diagnose the fuel system til the timing was set... I feel like I'm being screwed...

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Well, I got my truck back from US Automotive after work. $212.66 was the bill. Paid it, and drove home happily. Went up to the store to grab a 6 pack, and it did exactly the same thing again!!! I had to walk home. Can ANYONE give me some insight as to what is going on please? They didn't check the fuel system because they were "100% sure they solved the issue" all they did was set the timing...

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The very basic thing that you do when a vehicle stops running is to check and see if you have spark and fuel. And I repeat that is basic and simple. Pull a wire. Spray some carb. cleaner or start fluid and see what happens. Then go from there. Also I never heard of charging $212 for timing an engine. Good money if you can make it. I don't know how many customers would be coming back at that price.

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What is the mileage on your 99'? Do you have the original CSFI system? Do you have an original fuel pump? Do you have original wires and ignition control module.

 

Yes, it takes a scan tool to set the timing. But, it is only a 3 minute job at most. Since most shops charge a flat rate of $80-$90 to diagnose, I'd estimate your bill should have been no more than $100. If your truck ran, then your timing must be close as the ECM will compensate slightly. If your timing was severely off, you're ECM would throw a code.

 

Even if you have adequate fuel system pressure (60-66 psi), that does not mean there are no fuel pump issues. You're fuel pump must not only produce enough pressure (psi) to also enough flow (gpm). Also, did you replace the fuel filter?

 

You could also have a bad fuel pressure regulator (located at the CSFI unit). Or a bad ignition control module. Perhaps a ground strap (one of many) that has come loose?

 

Does your check engine light come on and stay on?

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sounds like those quality in tank GM fuel pumps, to me? next time try tapping on the bottom of the fuel tank, towards the back, with the handle of a hammer or rubber mallet. if it cranks up its the fuel pump.

 

and i agree w/ govtec4. take an attorneys card w/ you and start the conversation off with that!

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