Hey all, I bought an '85 s10 Blazer a few months back as a hauler / country road grinder to save miles and wear on my lease vehicle. The Blaze had 63K miles on it, came out of TX and was 95% OE. Felt like it was a good score. It starts and runs true. I had my mechanic go through it to do an initial screening and we replaced/added the following: oil change, exhaust clamp to tighten connection from engine, new ignition control module (needed cause car quit out one day when ripping down a hwy), flushed/replaced brake fluids. I've also pulled the speedo cable and re-lubed to get of that annoying squeak and done some body work (patched a rust hole in passenger wheel well. Few other little jobs done but I won't bore you all.

And for the major interior stuff, I've been going through the interior and replacing rubber/seals. Pulled all the trim, panels etc. Previous owner(s) were smokers and the carpet and headliner were gross. And obviously, being a 35+ year old vehicle, the original door and window seals were done shot. I'll probably replace the radio and upgrade the speakers as the OE radio (Delco) is sporadic at best (not sure if ground issue... but want a modern radio anyways).

So I am pretty close to completing the interior refreshment and now shifting to fine tuning mechanical, flushing fluids, addressing steering/suspension etc. While the Blaze starts like a champ and runs pretty good, I've noticed that when I pull off after starting, the engines bogs when I let off the accelerator to turn and then depress the accelerator into a right turn. The engine doesn't completely die (although it did once and I had to sit for a bit and then pump the accelerator aggressively to restart). But I think this is indicative of an issue I need to address. Not sure if its a fuel issue or electrical (engine shifts / ground disconnect). I've removed the battery and cleaned all the terminals and cables. Reaching out to the collective group to get some feedback on where I should focus my attention. Thanks!

Update: the issue seems to occur more frequently when turning right and uphill. It happened a couple of times over the last few days. The engine completely shut off and I had to roll to a stop and then restart. Fuel sending unit issue? Fuel pump? Or electrical/ground issue? Would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!

 

Thats certainly odd, No odd noises from the Power steering pump? what about when sitting still

To rule out a ground quality issue do a Voltage drop test, i.e measure running and engine off voltage between a body, frame, and engine block used as a ground reference with a Multimeter.

 

Thanks Mods for your reply. No odd noises at all, not while driving or when sitting still. When cold, it’s starts after a few pumps of the peddle and when restarting after running it for a bit it fires right up. FYI, I drove it about 300 miles this weekend without any issues so it’s not a symptom that shows all the time… but it’s happened enough to indicate some kind of a hiccup there.

I’ll give the drop test a shot and see what kind of data that provides and I’ll circle back. Thanks again.

 

Drop test came back showing no issues. The engine cut happened again earlier this week, this time my Dad was with me… and confirmed I’m not imagining things.

When this occurs the engine cuts out but all electrics stay on (radio, lights etc). This leads me to think it’s a fuel issue, like something is starving the engine from getting fuel when turning right. I’m going to start with changing the carb fuel filter and the in-line filter and see what happens.

Has anyone had a similar issue?? Would love targeted guidance rather than doing the “make a list of what it could be and cross ‘em off” approach.

 

i have to wonder if the fuel pump is taking sludge into the pickup screen in the tank and the rest of it in the tank is chunking it in, starving it, pulling the tank to check is a pain but its either that or pull off the fillter tube on the tank and stick a borescope cam in it.

 

That seems like a logical cause. I'm going to start with fuel filters and see what they look like. With a 36 year old vehicle there's no telling what gunk is in the tank... so an inspection is definitely in order. May even just pull the tank and replace.

Mods - you made an earlier inquiry about the power steering pump? Can you provide some context there? What about the power steering pump might could cause something like this? Just trying to compile as much inputs as possible. Sold my other vehicle so the Blazer is my primary at the moment (aside from my motorcycle). so want to get it as trustworthy as possible.

Thanks!

 

the pump will strain the motor at near full lock or even when moving regularly if its excessively worn, and if the motor isn't running well as a start or is having idle issues it can cause it to just drop on its face. but given the other factors at play its highly unlikely.

 

Another item to check if your truck runs normal with your foot on the gas, but won't idle (0 accelerator when turning for example) is to check your IACS (Idle Air Control) valve on the throttle body. I had an issue with mine where the IACS was sticking closed and the truck had issues idling while driving, especially stopping at a light, or slowing to turn a corner. I tried cleaning the IACS with brake cleaner, and that worked for about 6 months, but then it started sticking again, so I just swapped it out for a new one.