Installing a W code 4.3 from a '95 S10 truck, into my W code '95 S10 Blazer. Changed the distributor to use the horizontal style cap that was in the Blazer so all of the connections would plug in. Installed the engine (what a pain), & realized I can't plug in the wire (crank trigger?) down by the crank, 'cause there's no place to do it. So, now what? Can I change the front cover while in the vehicle? Do I need to? Will it run without being plugged in? Do I have to pull the engine again? This is the biggest PITA I've ever worked on, & I've been wrenching a LONG time. help?

 

I thought by now someone would have some kind of an answer for me. The wire with no place to plug into, may be crank position sensor? So, again, can I change the front cover (in the vehicle) so I have the sensor in place? Or, can I ignore it & it will still run fine (with a code)? Are there any 4.3 experts here? Suggestions? Answers appreciated. Thanks.

 

To answer your questions, no, you cannot just change the front cover. You still would not have a reluctor ring on the crank which is what the sensor is triggered by.

And no, it will not run without the CKP sensor.

Next time, try to be more patient. Waiting less than 24 hours and being scathing in your 'bump' of your post is not really a good way to get future responses. We all have other things we could be doing rather than answering your post.

 

Sorry, wasn't trying to be an asshat, & I suppose I should read the forum rules closer. A different forum I frequent must have more people hanging around to answer questions. I'm obviously frustrated by this situation.
But, back to the problem: Assume I know nothing (which is pretty close to the truth). Can I use the other distributor, even though it has only one electrical connection instead of the two on mine, or I have I just completely wasted my money & time by trying to put this engine into my chassis? Is there any feasible way to make this work? Or, do I need to get my old engine rebuilt & re-install that one? Everything I read, said to look for the W digit on the VIN, & I'd be good to go. Apparently not.
Thanks for any help you can give.

 

1995 was a really messed up year for the Blazer. There were three different engine management setups and two different spark systems in use. What you need is another VIN W engine with the horizontal distributor cap (EDI system). This will be a direct swap for your OBD2/EDI equipped truck.

And it isn't as simple as swapping the covers as I stated already. The crank is different as it has ~0.100" longer shoulder on the front of the crank to position the slight press fit reluctor ring. Your block may even be machined differently than the other one as well, but that depends on whether the older block has a tin timing cover or plastic. The tin covers were held on by 10 bolts while the plastic only used 6.

For more information on the differences, take a look in our Tech Article (DIY) Index for the article by Doug Anderson entitled "Rebuilding the new Chevy 262".

Your best bet would be to either rebuild what you already took out or find the appropriate 1995 CPI engine from an OBD2/EDI equipped truck.

 

Thanks for the info. Apparently I knew enough to get me in trouble, but that's nothing new. So, now I have the correct engine (that knocks), & the good running one I purchased (& installed) that won't work & needs to come back out. The original does have the plastic front cover & the replacement has the steel. This reminds me of trying to put Fords together from the 70's. Same vehicle, same engines, nothing interchanges. Guess I'm just an old guy longing for GM when everything was interchangeable. Thanks again

 

Well, do u have all the wiring? And access to all the electronics, if so u can always swap all of that over...not saying it will be fun but it would save u some money