Thanks guys!! I'm really confused because all that white smoke, can't be normal. Also, I have a vacuum leak from one of those hoses that go to the transfer case I believe? Anyway, one of the small hoses behind the ABS module is cracked. I had to shut it off because I was a little too excited I guess and pulled off the rad cap after it warmed up a bit, the cap shot off, and water was everywhere LOL. Here is a video of the first fireup!!

 

If you have 4-button controls with "Auto", there are no vacuum lines going back to the transfer case. Behind the ABS module vacuum splits and goes to the A/C controls in the dash, the front axle solenoid above the distibutor, and a vacuum reserve canister mounted inside the back inner fender. Hope that helps. If you have 3-buttton controls this info is not applicable.

 

Thanks Les, I have a 3 button. Picture of the line that cracked below, it probably needed replacement anyway as it was very brittle and broke when I touched it. I just taped it off because I wanted to take it for a drive, and I did, it runs good, oil pressure is good, everything is looking good. I know I'm on a dirt road without the skid plate on but don't worry it's just down the road from my house! No hard obstacles or anything. Thanks again Les, and everyone else who pitched in help along the way to get me back on the road again! I couldn't have done it without you guys.

 

We don't get too many members here that follow the guidance given this well and follow all the way through to the finish line with your persistence and willingness to learn. You will go far in life young Skywalker. Good luck with your truck I hope that you get many trouble free miles out of your work. Also, nice job Les.

George

 

Don't sell yourself short! You certainly did your part, and didn't try to shortcut advice like so many do! Most on Internet just want a quick easy answer about which part to replace, without any work or diagnosis. Or they just don't listen to advice that they don't want to hear and do whatever they want. We'll be here if you need us.

Just realize all the systems and repairs that you have learned in this journey! And the process of diagnosis! It's astounding to think about!

p.s. if the SES light comes on at some point with misfire codes, don't be surprised (no crank relearn done). Also optimizing cam sensor retard is best but not imperative.

Les

 

Great job! I'm betting the first start hiccup was just thst! A hiccup. Not uncommon when starting a new or swapped engine.

 

Thanks guys, Les it definitely is crazy how much I learned along the way here, before doing this the most mechanically inclined thing I had done was just taking the intake manifold off of it! I have driven it around for a few days now all over town and am happy to say no SES light or anything. I fixed up that vacuum line with the help of Christine's thread (thanks Christine) and it seems to be running pretty fair. Now I'm just not sure here, the vibrations do seem a little much in the driver's seat when it's idling. The thing is I know the 4.3 was never the smoothest engine ever and I'm thinking maybe I just got used to the way my other car idles! I've looked at the fuel trims and they look to be fine. I'm going on a bit of a road trip today and camping in the blazer tonight assuming everything looks good when I go do a pre-trip inspection in a bit, I'll continue to monitor it and see if any codes come up. Here is a video of the engine idling, doesn't seem that bad right?

 

Can't really tell smoothness from the video. I suspect you are just feeling vibrations through the new polyurethane engine mounts. These would feel a lot different than the broken rubber ones!

 

Thanks Les, I think it is the mounts making a lot of the difference too. I took it on a 200km round trip road trip and camping for a night and it's doing great! Fuel trims are perfect all across the board it seems like it's running great. I'll also mention I have found no leaks at all, my engine is still all clean! SES light came on soon after the road trip but not to worry it's the annoying P0420 that has been haunting me ever since I drove around with a bad spider for too long...(a year and a half ago) I think I will just cut my cat out next weekend and put some spark plug non-foulers in to eliminate the light, but that's a discussion for another day, and another thread. Thanks again Les, I still can't believe every time I go to start it that it actually starts and moves under its own power with all those parts I put in it! I have learned so much here from you and I can't thank you enough for that.

 

Whoo Hoo!!! Well done!!!

Of course, if you had followed my advice and painted the motor pink, you would be getting better mileage.