We got about 4-6 inches of snow/ice/sleet mixture and I had driven about 3 miles and as I started up a hill off the county road it up and died when I started to give it throttle to climb the hill. It was a bit of a bump as I was trying to get up the hill on the ice so was taking a run at it. The Tahoe just fell on its face and died instantly. It then started back up and I backed up and went on up the hill and about 300 yards later it died again, this time it won't fire and start. Just cranks, almost sounding like it is trying to firs on one or two cylinders only. Any Ideas? The check engine light had came on during the 3 mile trip, not sure exactly when but had noticed it before I got to the hill. Got the tool from the local auto parts and run the read and it read multiple missfires detected. Thanks for any help!
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I thought so too, but I don't think it would have jumped out of time and then back in time and allowed me to drive it and then jumped back out of time again. It ran perfect after dieing out the first time until it died the second time. I read somewhere that there is a timing sensor on the lower side by the flywheel. The local auto parts store said maybe a piece of ice hit it. That would cause it to seem like jumped timing I suppose. Not sure where it is located any idea? Thanks for your help.
79powerwagon
Full Access Member
OK, here's my take- my brother-in-law has a 90's Silverado 5.7 that EATS caps and rotors. He has had more troubles keeping the damn truck running reliably over the years... he probably goes through 3 sets or more a year!
Recently, he threw a rod and scrapped the engine, and installed a new, complete engine. His troubles are over, apparently.
Perhaps his dizzy was no good on the old engine (though it didn't look or feel like it was when we had it pulled out) and perhaps the new dizzy is fine.
But for your issue, new cap-n-rotor or not, I'd take a good look at it. My BIL is not the only one to have this problem.
Recently, he threw a rod and scrapped the engine, and installed a new, complete engine. His troubles are over, apparently.
Perhaps his dizzy was no good on the old engine (though it didn't look or feel like it was when we had it pulled out) and perhaps the new dizzy is fine.
But for your issue, new cap-n-rotor or not, I'd take a good look at it. My BIL is not the only one to have this problem.
NYrr496
Full Access Member
Maybe not your problem, but I used to get a random misfire CEL.. I swapped out the timing chain since I was doing the pan gasket and front seal and the old chain was sloppy. Once the new one was installed, truck runs smooth as silk and no more light.
79powerwagon
Full Access Member
My thoughts, too. But first thing first (meaning free, then cheap, then more expensive, etc.):thumbsup:
bsamoul
Full Access Member
glad you got it worked out!
New to this forum..! Rotor 'bug' means..??
I've had the same issues, and have changed everything possible, without going inside the engine.. 99 Tahoe 5.7 with 65,000 miles! Starting running badly (always evident in cold weather).. set an Oxygen sensor code! Cleared the code.. Ran bad again.. Set another code (not sure what it is).. Put it in the garage overnite; now it won't start.. Any ideas???
JDWX
Member
Mine is doing a similar thing there Stirboo.
I'm already aware my cap/rotor and wires need replace. Strange thing is I do it YEARLY.... with Delco or MSD and they go to crap in the year.
When the cap and rotor get to a certain point, and you put your truck in a damp garage, the moisture seems to make a no start condition on mine if left a couple days. I blame the snow runoff from the cars evaporating and condensing on the misc electrical stuff.
Once I use starter fluid and a battery charger to crank the thing long enough, it reluctantly starts and then runs reasonably well after the engine heats up the bay and evaporates eveything.
I'd swap rotor/cap first, and maybe wires if they're old. May just fix you up.
Like I said, I go through cap/rotor/wires once a year it seems. Similar issues... Ending in misfire codes, and no start when it sits in my wet garage a day or three.
I'm already aware my cap/rotor and wires need replace. Strange thing is I do it YEARLY.... with Delco or MSD and they go to crap in the year.
When the cap and rotor get to a certain point, and you put your truck in a damp garage, the moisture seems to make a no start condition on mine if left a couple days. I blame the snow runoff from the cars evaporating and condensing on the misc electrical stuff.
Once I use starter fluid and a battery charger to crank the thing long enough, it reluctantly starts and then runs reasonably well after the engine heats up the bay and evaporates eveything.
I'd swap rotor/cap first, and maybe wires if they're old. May just fix you up.
Like I said, I go through cap/rotor/wires once a year it seems. Similar issues... Ending in misfire codes, and no start when it sits in my wet garage a day or three.
That sounds like mine... I know the humidity has something to do with it.. But the 'code' is an Oxygen sensor..?? Code last year, several times during the summer, was a mis-fire, but I'm almost sure it was either raining or humid..
Have replaced wires/rotor/cap within the past 14 months.. Had it pulled out of my garage today, and put on a flatbed.. Dropped of with my mechanic! Wife & kids have cars, so I won't be stuck home.. Told him to keep it until he figures it out! Will advise... I hate putting more $$$ in it, but I LOVE the Tahoe..
JDWX
Member
yeah, my wires cap and rotor are about that old too, and here I am... AGAIN, haha.. Looking for a deal on a wire/cap/rotor set 
I went out today after three days to a soaking wet rainforest of a garage of 30 degres... No start, and cranked forever and it finally coughed and started. Drove a bit and it's fine... Ugh... Other than some misfiring...
But, I don't really hear of anyone but me having that issue
Let us know what the mechanic seems to think. I'm pretty down with whats up with my own issue, but always like to hear other input like yours.
I went out today after three days to a soaking wet rainforest of a garage of 30 degres... No start, and cranked forever and it finally coughed and started. Drove a bit and it's fine... Ugh... Other than some misfiring...
But, I don't really hear of anyone but me having that issue
Let us know what the mechanic seems to think. I'm pretty down with whats up with my own issue, but always like to hear other input like yours.
Mechanic says he has had numerous problems with condensation/H20 in the distributor in GM products recently.. If it is a vertical distributor, apparently there are 'ports' to dissipate the water, but they get clogged.. I'm guessing he may have a solution tomorrow..
He also mentioned that GM has admitted a problem with this type distributor, but is hesitant to 'post' a recall.. I'm hoping there may be a better aftermarket unit to replace it, if he determines that is the culprit.. I'm getting tired of the issue..
He also mentioned that GM has admitted a problem with this type distributor, but is hesitant to 'post' a recall.. I'm hoping there may be a better aftermarket unit to replace it, if he determines that is the culprit.. I'm getting tired of the issue..
JDWX
Member
If that is the issue, I'll figure replacing the cap/rotor again is a solution (at least till they get marginal again), sad to say. I'm just sick of replacing cap/rotor/wires once a year as it isn't cheap.
I just know when it's all new, it works fine, when it's over a year, it has issues... Can't imagine why it's so quick tho... Not like I'm buying junk parts.
I just know when it's all new, it works fine, when it's over a year, it has issues... Can't imagine why it's so quick tho... Not like I'm buying junk parts.
Redwood
New Member
distributor vent
The last cap I bought had a special note in it from the auto parts company saying that these vehicles have had a lot of trouble due to the moisture getting in. They recomended replacing the insulation on the nearby A/C hoses, etc. to keep moisture away, and to reach under the distributor and check the vent holes open I think. The cap was from Napa or Kragen.
The last cap I bought had a special note in it from the auto parts company saying that these vehicles have had a lot of trouble due to the moisture getting in. They recomended replacing the insulation on the nearby A/C hoses, etc. to keep moisture away, and to reach under the distributor and check the vent holes open I think. The cap was from Napa or Kragen.
JDWX
Member
Gotchya... Thanks for the input. I'd agree with the note in that as well.
yeah, my wires cap and rotor are about that old too, and here I am... AGAIN, haha.. Looking for a deal on a wire/cap/rotor set
I went out today after three days to a soaking wet rainforest of a garage of 30 degres... No start, and cranked forever and it finally coughed and started. Drove a bit and it's fine... Ugh... Other than some misfiring...
But, I don't really hear of anyone but me having that issue
Let us know what the mechanic seems to think. I'm pretty down with whats up with my own issue, but always like to hear other input like yours.
Mechanic called today.. Said "its running like a top"..! Took the cap off.. Filled with moisture.. cleaned out the moisture, replaced the rotor that he said wasn't worth cleaning.. Noted that there were no vent screens on the distributor.!! There was a small hole at the bottom of the distributor, that he thinks may have been manufacturing mount, with a plug in it.. Took it out..!
Says it should be fine, and was happy he didn't have to drill a hole..
Claims it will allow circulation, as well as a drain for water accumulation..
This is the third GM he has had there this month with the same problems..
We shall see.. $139.00 later... Gook luck with your Tahoe!!
Glad I have AAA.. Only cost me $3.50 to have it towed.. :yesnod:
ps: The most recent 'code' was a misfire..
JDWX
Member
Yeah, sounds sorta typical to mine. Once I "finally" do get it started, it heats up stuff, dries out, and runs like a champ...
Great to hear it's back on track. Great deal on the tow!
Great to hear it's back on track. Great deal on the tow!
