Help - friends 2002 S-10 rough start barely runs.

[mhraracing]

My friends 02 4.3 S-10 was throwing multiple codes. P0101 - P0102 - P0155. Brought the truck to the dealer they told him he needed a new fuel pump and MAF for $1,800 +-.

 

Told him we could do it ourselves so we replaced fuel pump and MAF last night along with Fuel filter. Truck started rough - but started so we let it idle for 15 mins no problems.

 

As soon as we put it in gear - it died. Let it sit for 1/2 hour - Cleared all codes with Innova tool then another rough start - but got it to drive = no Check engine light.

 

Truck sputtered and barely ran - didnt really want to go - check engine started to flash - then engine light went out and the truck ran perfect. Lots of power - no skipping - smooth etc....

 

Turn it off after few miles - started right up - so parked it for 1/2 hour - tried to start - but cranks with the same sputter as before.

 

Put the Innova back on - code now shows only P0300 - Random Misfire - first time truck has ever thrown this code.

 

Before we become certified GM Parts changers - any idea on what we should try first?

 

Thanks

[bobcat5544]

Document ID# 1589507

2002 Chevrolet S10 Pickup - 4WD

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Subject: Poor Engine Performance-Misfire, Rough Idle, Stalls, Engine Cranks but Does Not Run, SES/Check Engine Light On, DTC P0300 Set (Inspect Distributor Ignition(DI) System Components, Replace as Necessary) #03-06-04-041A - (01/28/2005)

Models:

2001-2003 Chevrolet Astro, Blazer, Express, S-10

2001-2003 GMC Jimmy, Safari, Savana, Sonoma

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada

with 4.3L, 5.0L or 5.7L Gas Engine (VINs W, X, M, R -- RPOs L35, LU3, L30, L31)

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This bulletin is being revised to delete a model and add information to subject and inspection of distributor vent screens. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-04-041 (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

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Condition

Some customers may comment on poor engine performance and the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine light being illuminated. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0300 set.

 

Cause

This condition may be due to high levels of internal corrosion in the distributor, causing misfire, rough idle, stall and Engine Cranks But Does Not Run. This corrosion is attributed to a lack of airflow internal to the cap caused by the vent screens being clogged with debris.

 

Correction

Remove the vent screens and inspect the internal components of the Distributor Ignition System using the procedure listed below. If the distributor base has to be replaced, the vent screens will also have to be removed on the new distributor. If there is evidence of this internal corrosion, replace the affected component. Refer to the appropriate procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the applicable Service Manual.

 

Important: All of these inspections can be done on-vehicle.

 

1. Inspect the distributor cap. You may notice a white residue on the cap walls. For higher mileage occurrences, the interior of the cap may have changed to medium brown in color

2. Inspect the distributor rotor. You may notice the presence of black streaks on the plastic surface. More typical evidence would be visible green spots on the copper surface of the rotor segment.

3. Inspect the distributor base. You may notice high levels of surface rust on the distributor shaft or surface contamination on the sensor hold down screws.

4. Inspect the distributor vent screens (1). If the vent screens are present, remove them by using a plastic-handled, long blade awl or pick (2). Insert into the airflow vent screens and pop them out. Refer to the figure for removal procedure. If the vent screens have been removed from the base of the distributor, then check the airflow inlets for being clogged with debris.

Parts Information

 

Part Number

Description

 

10452458

Cap, Distributor (V6)

 

10452457

Rotor, Distributor (V6 and V8)

 

93441559

Distributor (V6)

 

93441558

Distributor (V8)

[mhraracing]

Hey Thanks Bobcat !!!! - I will check this out tomorrow !!!!

 

Thanks again.

[matts5280]

Thanks Bobcat. I am the buddy. That was exactly the problem. When I took it off it was awful. Very corroded. And this after changing about 18 months ago. There were directions in the box for the rcap saying late models GMs had a problem with the vents and screens. They direct you to remove the screens to help with air flow. So after changing fuel pump and mass air meter the problem was a $30 distributor cap. Go figure. Completely misdiagnosed by my local Chevy dealer. Coming here first next time.

[bobcat5544]

No problem. Come on back when ever you have a problem myself and GMTECH will be more happy to try to assist you.

[djpardi]

Hi BOBCAT, I see this is an old post and hoping that I can find help with this similar issue.

 

I have an Chevy S10 4x4 '02 6 cylinder crew and I have a very similar issue. Last I started the S10 there were no issues. This morning I started it and at idle it is sputtering and hesitant when gas is applied. The check engine light is flashing.

 

I shut the truck off to see if it would solve the problem and the engine turned but did not start up right away. I waited about 2 minutes and it started again but still sputtering. I had to get to work (~6 miles highway driving) and noticed there were no issues at high speeds (~55 mph). The sputtering resumed when i was off the highway.

 

I read one forum saying the pistons could be running into the valves causing the sputtering and I am very worried that the engine may get damaged beyond repair if i drive home if it hasn't already.

 

I also read it could be any of the following problems:

-Fuel sensor

-Vacuum leak

-ignition or fuel injector

-oxygen sensor

-and now the Vent screens

 

Can you give me any suggestions. I know the first thing I have to do is get the codes from a local garage I'm just a little afraid to drive the vehicle in its current condition