86 K5 "First truck build"

[Mantis]

Hi Im new to the forums, i was told this was the place to be if I was going to start working on my "new" K5. I will be straight forward i am mechanically inclined but i have never worked on cars before except for the normal maintenance oil changes, flat tires etc so I would greatly appreciate all the help and advice you all have to offer.

Now to the K5, its an 86 K5 with a 350in engine, everything on it is stock as far as i know. The problems I know of after a friend of mine checked it out for me are driver side rear shock bracket is broken so im only on the springs, the gas, and temp gauges arent working, and i think one of the cylinders isnt firing.

I have put some thought into what id like to do with the truck and Id like to put a 4" lift on it, new bumpers with a winch in the front, and a box or tie down bars on the top for cargo for when I go hunting and camping. i havent thought much about the engine modifications much since I honestly dont know much about it.

Again I am open to any and all advice on my ideas thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Z71paramedic]

Welcome

First, let me say: Pics or it didn't happen

My advice would be to read a bunch on here, get the engine running right, fix any faults and then go about customizing. It'll ease you into it a little better and you'll learn the ins/outs of the K5 a little easier that way.

My advice on the misfire would be to do a tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor) and see if that fixes your problem. If not, then go deeper with compression test, etc.

 

[Mantis]

thanks for the response, I know you're right I should definitely do a tune up and get everything on the inside right before I start messing with the outside of the truck. I guess my next question would be can I get all of that stuff at my local auto store like Autozone or O'Reilly. and if I do a whole tuneup plugs filters e.t.c does anyone know of a rough cost I'd be expected to spend for everything at once.

and I will definitely post a pic on here of my blazer as soon as I can. Probably when I get home from work today

 

[Z71paramedic]

You'll probably be looking at $60 or $70 in parts. Wires are the most expensive part, everything else is pretty cheap. Any parts store should have all of it in stock for you.

 

[magik235]

 

[Mantis]

I just wanted to check before i go buy my tune up stuff to make sure im not forgetting anything. Spark plugs, wires, oil, oil filter, and an air filter anything else?

 

[Mantis]

I guess I should say how I plan to use the truck since this is my Build thread. Im not into hardcore off roading that much, though some guys I work with are. I plan on using this as the hunting truck or camping trips with the family. I will probably do some light 4x4 but i wont be crawling up cliffs or anything lol.

 

[Mantis]

Oh and this is my Blazer

 

[swettysblazer]

Get a fuel filter as well...

 

[Mantis]

Sorry for the long delay in posting, im not online much.

Update is pretty short i gave the truck a tune up new plugs, new wires, cap & rotor, air filter, and an oil change. I bought a fuel filter but i cant find where it goes. the thing is tiny, and i saw a spot right in front of the carb that looks like it might go but I dont want to start pulling things off when i dont know what im doing lol.

Since I tuned it the blazer isnt shutting off right away when i turn off the truck. my boss said its "dieseling" i dont really know what that means but Im sure i did something wrong. any tips?

Im also thinking about attempting a "rebuild" of the carb. my boss said it would be a good since it probably hasnt been touched in years anyone have any good kits they recommend

 

[Deuling]

I think dieseling has to do with timing. As in you need to loosen the distributor bolt at the bad of the intake and twist the distributor

And welcome to the best k5 community on the planet

 

[82355]

Update is pretty short i gave the truck a tune up new plugs, new wires, cap & rotor, air filter, and an oil change. I bought a fuel filter but i cant find where it goes. the thing is tiny, and i saw a spot right in front of the carb that looks like it might go but I dont want to start pulling things off when i dont know what im doing lol.

The fuel filter is on the inlet of the carburetor. Right behind the fitting that the fuel line screws into.

Martin