HELP Cold weather killed my truck!

[cabledawg]

I think the cold weather has taken its toll on my truck. First it wouldnt start. Cranks over but kinda slow, no biggy. But it wouldnt start. Threw the charger on the battery to warm it up a little and juice it up some. Tried again and then nothing came on but the lights. OK check the solenoid wiring. Its all crunchy from the cold temps but wiggling makes connection and the blower and pump come on. Try starting again but with some ether. Cranks over but no starty.
So I'm wondering, can the ignition module be so cold that it wont work? It's TBI so the injectors wont pulse unless there is spark. But it wont sputter even with ether, so I think that something with the ignition is goofy. I need to get this truck running so I can at least get the other one out of the garage. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wrench]

My '89 TBI454 fired right up in -27 yesterday, the TBI engines are known for handling cold better than any other GM fuel system. That's with no block heater, just battery warmers on dual batteries.

Battery warmers make a big difference in the cold, and lighter weight (5W30) synthetic oil helps a lot as well. If you have wiring that needs to be wiggled to make the connection, that's a problem that has to be addressed separately.

 

[odin]

Have you checked for spark?

Its possible there is nothing wrong other than you flooded it with ether.

 

[cabledawg]

Alright I tried again but still wont start. Killed the battery in ten cranks and so I pushed the POS out into the street so I can at least get the other truck out. It's dark and only about 5-10 degrees outside, so I'll try again tomorrow. I'll use the other truck to jump this one and maybe try swapping parts to see if by chance the ignition module went out. I've already checked the fuses, but another try cant hurt.

This sucks cuz this is my dependable rig. I've never had any real issues with it since the trans swap two years ago. She's old, but tried and true. It's just too cold to work extended periods of timeoutside with no source of heat but my own farts.

 

[shaun89]

this might be a redneck approach but, if u can get it to crank over decent then maybe try poaring some gas down the barrels and see what it does.

 

[3 on the tree]

Blow dryer turned on and stuck inside the snorkel of the air cleaner. Have the throttle cracked open, and wait about 5 minutes. Then try cranking it over.

I have found that a droplight, on the engine, with a blanket thrown over the entire engine, helps alot.

When it gets below zero here, my old 429 takes about 5 minutes to start.

 

[GsxrMike]

It sounds to me like your battery is shot and/or you need to fix the wiring. You should never have to wiggle the wiring to get something to come on.

 

[four_by_ken]

It sounds to me like your battery is shot and/or you need to fix the wiring. You should never have to wiggle the wiring to get something to come on.

Thats what I am thinking too.

First thing... make sure all the wires are tight and making a connection. Where ever you wiggled... make sure it isnt corroded also.

Then if that doesnt do the trick, get a new battery. Just a simple charge wont do a lot in those cold temps. Anything done without a new battery will most likely be temporary until the next time the battery has enough.

 

[cabledawg]

Well I hooked up the other truck and its cranking fast like it should, but still wont start. Rechecked the wiring and all connections are good except those on the solenoid, and those are tight enought to crank. There isnt any fuel to the engine, but there isnt any spark either. The Mrs is out and about so I sent her to AZ to get a new ignition coil. I might replace the ignition module too, but the coil looks loke someone beat on witha hammer, drowned it in oil, then installed it in the truck. Everythin else has been replaced but the coil and dizzy/module, so maybe its time to replace 'em. Oh well more to come. And its still cold outside.

 

[odin]

My money is on ignition module.

 

[cabledawg]

Well that's where my money is going. I tried swapping the ignition coil and it still wont work. Everything has been checked and double checked. So off to AZ again. Hell I might just replace the setup with some high power stuff like I have in the other Burb. And its still really friggin cold outside.

 

[odin]

My money is on ignition module.

Did you try that?

 

[cabledawg]

I'm heading out right now to get one. I wanted to replace the whole dizzy, but I dont have 200 bucks sittin around, so I'll just get the ICM and R&R what I can afford. I know the plugs and wires are over three years old and the dizzy/ICM/coil are at least 5 years old if not the originals. Are there any tips or tricks to replacing the ICM? Thanks!

 

[odin]

Replacing the module is pretty straight forward.
Pull the cap and rotor 2 screws and 2 connectors and youre golden

 

[cabledawg]

Well I replaced the ICM and she fired up. She wants to cut out every so often, so now I going to track down and fix all the loose wires I came across before. So thanks to all who gave their input as it kept me from chasing parts and sparks!