Missing, suttering on 87 GMC 1500

[gberkin]

I am having a sputtering problem everytime I let out the cluctch and put a load on my engine.  The truck seems to hestitate (sometimes pop) and then take off once I bring up the revs.  IT just started doing this but then again I just purchased the truck used.

It is an 87 GMC has been overhauled by the previous owner.  There is no more fuel injection or electronic fuel pumps working on the truck.  I know that the engine is still a 350 and it has and accel super coil, msd ignition, edelbrock intake and electronic choke 600 carb.  There is a mechanical fuel pump on the block.  

I can't get a straight answer from anyone local to me.  I have been told it could be my timing (there is no timing indicator on my pulley anymore) or it could be that my vacuum advance has gone bad.  Has anyone encountered this problem?  Also how cna you check to see if your vacuum advance went bad?  I have checked all sprak plug wires and my distributor and everything looks ok.

[roundedline]

Initial thoughts are timing.  
If everything EFI has been removed, what kind of distributor is in it?

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Lt.Del]

To check to see if the vacuum advance is working correctly, put a mark (yellow or white chalk) on the crank pulley harmonic balancer.  You say the timing mark on the balancer is gone, it really doesnt matter to check the advance.  Put a timing light on it w/ the wire attached to the number 1 spark plug wire and hook it to the battery.   While the motor is idling, put the light on the balancer and look for the mark.

Have someone give her gas and watch the mark.  If it moves location each time the number 1 spark fires, while gas is giving to it, it is advancing fine. If it doesn't move while accelerating, advance no more work.

You can compare it also by taking the vacuum line off of the distributor, plug it up w/ a golf tee or something, and give it gas while looking at the mark.  It shouldn't move much. Put the line back on and see the difference.    

SgtDel
79 chevy 383 stump puller
91 3/4 ton suburban 5.7 efi 4x4

Edited by: SgtDel at: 12/6/05 6:35 pm

[gberkin]

thanks for the info.  The engine is a 383 stroker and it's running HEI.  I just dropped down my passenger tank and am working to get the driver side tank down.  Looks like the previous owner cut the lines on the passenger side tank therefore my switch inside the cab is useless.  I just got in a replacement tank from   and am going to run a single tank setup on the passneger side.  I think a 20 gallon tank will do me fine.

Question to sgtdel; what is your timing set to on your stroker?

Thanks again