93 s10 2.5 Iron Duke

[Derek Jones]

As the title says, I have a 1993 Chevy S10 with the 2.5L 4 cylinder (Iron Duke) (4Tech) whatever. It's only got 70k on it, so I'd like to get it up and running - and keep it that way for a long time if possible.
I was driving down the road yesterday and the engine turned off - its like nothing happened - it just stopped and I was coasting. I pulled off - tried restarting but no dice. So I called for my roadside assistance and end up getting it towed home.
Any clue as to how this might have happened, or what might be wrong?
I turn the key and it just cranks but never turns over or fires up.

Checked so far:
Battery - replaced today with brand new Duralast Gold 75dlg
Fuel pump is working - can hear it
Fuel filter is not clogged
Not sure if getting fuel out of injector
EGR valve has been cleaned

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Daly]

Are you getting spark? Could be the ignition module under the distributor cap, or the coil…

[Chris]

Pull the air cleaner and check for fuel from the injector. It was a good motor. Mine died at 199k. Threw cyl #1 rod

[Derek Jones]

Are you getting spark? Could be the ignition module under the distributor cap, or the coil…

Okay. I pulled the spark plug closest to the firewall - and put it back in the plug and held it close to the valve cover (while my wife turned the key) and I watch for something. Nothing as far as I can see.

If I'm doing it wrong, correct me, I thought this was the right way to check.

Pull the air cleaner and check for fuel from the injector. It was a good motor. Mine died at 199k. Threw cyl #1 rod

I don't see any coming in.

[Derek Jones]

Are you getting spark? Could be the ignition module under the distributor cap, or the coil…

Okay...I checked all the plugs for spark, and there is nothing. There is also no gas coming in from the injector.

I'm gonna price the ignition coil and do it - and I'll see where I stand after that.

 

If you know the proper way of doing the coil - please inform me...I'm not a pro. lol

[Daly]

If you're not getting spark or fuel, I'm going to hazard a guess that the coil is ok but the ignition module isn't working…

[Derek Jones]

If you're not getting spark or fuel, I'm going to hazard a guess that the coil is ok but the ignition module isn't working…

Assuming you're right - is this the part I want? Or would it just be better to buy a whole new distributor?

 

http://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/ignition-control-module

 

 

I went ahead and bought this because it was $23:

 

http://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/ignition-coil/chevrolet/s10-p-u-2wd/1993/4-cylinders-a-2-5l-tbi?filterByKeyWord=ignition+coil&fromString=search

 

But I'm finding it literally impossible to get the bolts out of the bottom of the intake that hold the bracket for it in place - especially the one behind the alternator. Any advice on that one?

 

 

[Derek Jones]

Okay, I just replaced the module in the distributor, and NO DICE. I made sure all three connectors are hooked up to the module properly, and that I used the dielectric grease. I also made sure the dist. cap was reinstalled and the ignition coil was reconnected.

Recap of what I have done so far:

Battery - replaced today with brand new Duralast Gold 75dlg
Distributor Module
Fuel pump is working - can hear it
Fuel filter is not clogged
Not sure if getting fuel out of injector
EGR valve has been cleaned

I honestly don't know where to go from here....because I still have no spark, and no fuel coming from the injector. I can only guess that I've got some kind of obstruction in the fuel system, or my starter is dead, or maybe plug(s) and wire(s). Worst case scenario is that my ECM might be shot?

Honestly, any advice would be seriously appreciated.

[Derek Jones]

I'll keep updating this just with everything that I do, just to see if anyone wants to chime in and help me.

[Derek Jones]

Bump.....anyone?

[Derek Jones]

I've put a new ignition coil in it and there has been no change.

[sahls01gmc]

Can you confirm that you have spark and fuel?

[Derek Jones]

YESSIR! Have confirmed today that I have no spark and no fuel. I paid a mechanic a few bucks and he made absolutely for certain I was not mistaken on that.

I was thinking ECM???

[No Tyme]

This is a long shot but a couple years back my 2005 Avalanche that was a very dependable truck for me just dropped dead on me on night. If I remember earlier in that day I had some issues like the truck was running rough and I dropped in a can of seafoam and was driving it around the block to get some of the seafoam through the system, and she sputtered and stopped. She would crank but no fire...

I was so twisted because my road service would put me on hold for 10 minutes and I ended up droping them after 15 years with them.

Anyways it turned out that the plug going into the ECM was not making good connection. The local shop took care of it for me, cleaned the connection and I never had another issue.

Might explain the crank but to fuel or fire.

[Derek Jones]

Sorry I didn't update this sooner. I fixed the problem this past weekend. Turns out it was just the pick-up coil in the distributor. A f%cking $15 part! UGH!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!

Anyways, I understand much better how the ignition system in this truck works now, and I know exactly how to troubleshoot it from now on.

So...to help others: If you have no fuel or spark with this model s10 with the 2.5

1. Check your battery and connections.
2. Check for spark in #1 plug
3. Pull your distributor out and check the module and the pick-up coil

Do these three steps before moving onto any other possible issues like starter, alternator, ECM etc.
Of course this is just my opinion, feel free to disregard it.