Added an S-10 to the family, a few ?'s...

[BIG BLUE]

Hey All,

 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  Have not been here for bit since I'm working 14-16 hrs 7 days/week.  However, I did get a chance to pick up a "winter beater" to replace my 92 K1500 plow truck, (long story will save for a few laughs next time) still have the 88 Sub and the 97 Sub too.  Anyway, I bought a 91 S-10, regular cab, short box, 4.3L, 4x4, auto tranny, 185,000 miles.

 

The previous owner bought the truck new and did regular service and had all records to prove it, but since he only used it as a "winter beater" like I plan too, he neglected a few areas that I'd like some advice on.

 

So far I've changed the fuel filter, ran a can of Techron in the tank, new air cleaner, pcv, did oil/filter change, flushed coolant, new gear oil in the front/rear diffy and transfer case, new tires, replaced both upper/lower ball joints, idler arm, alignment and two new brake hoses (did I forget to mention this is just a winter beater...laugh!) these were the things the previous owner did not get a chance to do so he knocked off another $500 once I told him what the front end needed.  Now onto the items that need attention.

 

Here's the list; 1) oil leaks from bottom of engine, I have ruled out rear main seal and pulley seal, oil cooler lines, filter housing.  Can't tell where its coming from but is a decent leak that leaves the whole drive train wet after a day of driving.  2) Oil pressure after start up is all the way to 80psi (top of scale) and only settles to 40 at a stop, but jumps back to 80 on acceleration, maybe the sending unit?  3)  Dash light for the heater control center that illuminates the temp/fan/selector is out and for the life of me can't find the bulb (but the instrument panel lights work fine).  Also, factory radio clock works but the lights that work with the dimmer control and back light the whole radio is out and can't find that bulb either.  4)  Cruise works fine but when the wipers are on and I rotate them back off on the stalk the cruise shuts off?  5)  Oil filter is remote type that is up behind the driver's side headlight, is this the typical set-up for a 4.3L in these S-10's?

 

Anyway, other than these few small items, the truck runs great and the 4x4 works great (which is one of the reasons I bought the thing!)  Any help or suggestions is much appreciated, sure is a bit smaller than our Suburban's and my K1500 p/up, but what the heck for $1000 bucks it's a fine truck.  My wife used to have an 86 GMC S15 with a 2.8L/5 speed that was near identical to this one but this is a bit more stout with the 4.3L and fun to drive!

 

TIA,

BIG BLUE

 

P.S.  I'll also post this in the compact/S forum too.  Thanks guys!  Sorry so long.

[Frank S]

First off,Congrats on the addition.I hope it lasts you for a while and serves its' purpose well.

 

Let me see if I can take a stab at a few of your questions.

 

1)Check the valve cover gasket on that side of the enging.I know it sounds funny but my wife's Tahoe did the same thing and I would have sworn it was the rear main but it turned out the be the driver's side VC gasket.

 

2)Good chance it's the sending unit.The oil pressure on my 2000 4.3 acts similar to that when I first start it but it comes down after warm up.About the only other thing it could be is the gauge its self.

 

3)No idea

 

4)No idea

 

5)That doesn't surprise me at all.On the ZR2 model,it was remotely located behind the skid plate which is what the trap door you may see on one is for.I'm sure they had to do this because of clearence issues with the 4wd and if you think back to your K1500,it uses a Delco PF 52 filter instead of the PF 25 type filter for the same reason.There is less room on an S10 which is why they had to relocate the filter assembly.