Engine is stalling out?

1991 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
11,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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AAWILS01
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I own a 1991 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.7L engine. When you drive it up even a slight incline it acts like it does not want to run. It cuts out and backfires. When sitting at idle it will increase rpm the drop rpm and want to die. I figure it is a sensor problem. I need a place to start though
Nov 2, 2010 at 8:05 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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The first thing to look at would be all the secondary ignition components such as dist cap, rotor, wires and plugs. Check out this guide

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Please run down this guide and report back.
Nov 2, 2010 at 8:28 AM
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AAWILS01
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Changed the cap, rotor, wires, and plugs in Jan. or Feb. last year. Checked the plugs and the number 1 cylinder plug had so much corrosion on it the gap was almost closed. but it was the only one with a problem. I replaced it and still had the same problem.
Nov 2, 2010 at 12:16 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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[quote:73e8a1f00b="aawils01"]Changed the cap, rotor, wires, and plugs in Jan. or Feb. last year. [/quote:73e8a1f00b]
That doesn't mean they can't have a problem now. You could have cracked a cap at any time or have a damaged plug or wire. It needs to be diagnosed properly to determine what is going on.
Nov 2, 2010 at 12:19 PM
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AAWILS01
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I pulled the cap and rotor off last night and did not see any cracks or problems, I inspected all the wires and there were no breaks or melted spots. When I reassembled I checked for spark at all the cylinders and had a good spark at each.
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:33 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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You haven't checked anything thoroughly enough to rule anything out. Your going to need some help and test equipment.
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:39 AM
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REDC338
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My truck developed a miss. I did a complete tuneup, new coil, new EGR, rebuilt TB with injectors. This truck will run like a watch for the first 10-15 miles. Then it will start a slight stumble when I accelerate and it will gradually get worse until it shut's off completely. It will restart everytime but with the same issue. If I wait 5 minutes it will go for a few miles but then shut off again. I found no codes jumping out the diagnostic port. I even gave it a code by removing the TPS wire just to see if it would give a code and it did. I also have found unplugging the air sensor on the TB does nothing. No code, no engine trouble
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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CADIEMAN
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start by checking the fuel pressure.
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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I'll have to buy a gauge and a filter jumper. And It will do this in park Idling, after the 20 minutes of driving, so I can check it safely, not hanging out my door on the highway!
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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Is it normal for a pump to lose pressure gradually like that? Then start right back up?
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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I also noticed the relay seems hot
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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CADIEMAN
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rent the gauge from the parts store.get the gauge hook it up lay the gauge on the wiper arm so you can see the gauge dial.then close the hood leave the hood on the safety latch.drive the truck and when it quits read the gauge.then come back.gm pumps overheat and stop and than will run ok again till they stop again.also the hose from the pump to the sending unit gets porce and it sucks air.
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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on a 91' there is no test port/Shrader valve. I'll have to remove the filter and "T" off with a hose
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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CADIEMAN
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when it quits spray the intake with starting fluid.does it restart?
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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I actually thought of doing that as it is cutting off. It will restart on it's own everytime, first crank
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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REDC338
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I'm replacing the pump and relay this weekend. If this doesnt fix it, my next purchase will be dynamite!
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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CADIEMAN
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gm pumps get hot and stop and go like that.good luck let us know what happens.
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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ARTHUR HOBBS
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5.7 Eng idles good, run good while driving however under light thottle at start engine runs ruff and will stall. Plugs, cap, rotor wires replaced
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Here are a few additional areas to consider:

Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve:

Vacuum Leaks:

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):

Fuel Delivery:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor:

Idle Control System:
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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CHEVYFORLIFE
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Try and in plug the vacuum line off of the egr valve and plug it with something. If the valve has a hole in the diaphragm you will get a tip in misfire.
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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RICKY GEORGE
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i have a 91 chevy silverado it runs good for about 30 mins and then it just dies what is the problem??
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It could be a couple things. The fact that it eventually restarts tells me it is either related to the ignition system or the fuel system. What I need you to do is this. When the vehicle dies, at that point (before it restarts) you need to check to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine. My guess is one will be missing. From there, you will know which system to focus on.

If you go to our homepage, under the DIY section is a list of test, checks... Locate fuel pump pressure check and how to check for spark. There are directions and videos that show how to do it all.
Sep 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM (Merged)
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