Hello all i have a 1988 K5 with a stall problem . It starts just fine runs about a 1/4 mile down the road and it feels like its struggling for fuel almost like a vapor lock. So i shut it off and and it starts just fine and the problems gone for about a mile. It all started when i took it to emissions they ran it to hard. I have put new battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, Vacuum hose and new charcoal canister, new plugs, ignition coil, and TB gasket and different EGR, if any one has a clue where to look next , i would appreciate the help

 

Sounds like you have replaced a lot of stuff. The ESC (electronic spark control) module may be at fault. A problem with the knock sensor (false knock detection) could also cause the ESC module to retard timing, hindering performance.

 

Yea i replaced a lot off stuff , but not all at once, the battery and fuel pump were first the day i got it, the other stuff was for the emissions then it failed two tests. Every time i took it it ran really rough and stalled on the way back they beat it up. I will look at the ESC and the knock sensor next, thanks so much for the reply.Ill keep up dated

 

Ok so i got a test light to test the Knock sensor, the chiltons book says to connect the timing light and check correct timing. I am at 0 deg BTDC . I tap the block and the Timing Advances to about 4 deg ATDC , The book says it should Retard timming . Could this be the problem? Does the knock sensor have that much to do with it running good than wanting to stall?

 

When the KS detects preignition (spark knock), it should retard the timing. It sounds like your ESC module isn't working properly.

 

Wow thanks is there a way to test ESC, i don't have any info in my book about that?

 

Here's what I could find:

 

Thank you so much, this helps a lot. Ill keep updated .

 

Well i got a different ESC, It brought the idle down and sounded good.Ran it for about a mile then it started to Act the same ,wanting to stall and no power, So i asked my instructor, told him the problem He thinks its the computer and since there is no way to re flash or Reprogram Kind of said the obd1 was junk . My Question is is it worth it to try an find a new ECM or Change the Dis, intake and run a carb with out a Computer? Has any one had this big of a problem ?

 

have you checked the cont mod.. i have heard similar problems related to it. Take it off and take it to Vato zone. They check them for free