83 K5 - Backfire through exhaust, Now No Run Run.

[SETXK5]

I've got an 83 K5 with a 350 and an Edelbrock carb. I drove about 20 minutes at 65 mph this morning on an errand. Left it idling while I handled my business. I got back in the truck and it smelled like it was running a little rich.

I then get on the access road and with light throttle and about 35 mph the engine backfired and died. I coasted into a gas station parking lot and couldn't get the thing to turn over. I don't think I'm getting any fire.

Any ideas on where to start? Thanks in advance for your help guys.

 

[Fordum]

Quick definition check to make sure we are on the same page.
You say it won't turn over.
Turn over is when the starter turns the engine. If its not doing that, then your battery, cables, or solenoid/starter may be bad.
Or the engine is seized.

If it turns over but will not run, which is what I think you meant, then the timing chain may have jumped time.

Since it backfired, one of the first things to do, is pull the distributor cap off, look for anything unusual under there.
Then, leave it off and crank it while watching or having someone watch the rotor. If it does not turn when the engine does, then your timing chain or gears are broken.

 

[SETXK5]

Yeah it turns over but won't start. It has been running great for the past eight months with no problems. I'm hoping it's got to be something distributor related.

 

[Fordum]

Well, either pull a wire and put something metal in the boot and lay it next to a ground to watch for a spark as you crank it, or pull the cap and watch the rotor to see if its turning.

Could be the module, but they usually seem to get erratic first.

 

[Deuling]

Jumped timing?

 

[SETXK5]

Good news guys. Swapped the module on the distributor and it fired right up. Drove it 15 minutes or so and ran like a champ. Thanks for all your input.