Correct. Read the directions on any chemical sealer you use, lots of RTV says to let it skin over BEFORE assembly. The more humid it is the faster it cures, I think the RIGHT STUFF can be assembled wet
I had an 88 K1500 with a 5.7 that had those symptoms, I know totally different, it ended up being the ECM. Once you get the fuel system fixed if it still runs lousy you may want to investigate that. it didn't set any codes, stalled ,ran rough at times etc
You could try a used 1, they used that engine in the Astro vans, Plenty of them in the boneyard. Look for a wrecked or rotted 1 so the chance that it was scrapped for that reason and not a mechanical issue will be greater
$3.88/87 lowest I see local, lowest diesel $5.39 most places $5.50s. I saw 1 local station that had the balls to be charging $5.75 for 87. I spent $190 filling the car and truck this afternoon