[s1091]

Hi there guys! Im new to this forum and i need some help. Ok today i just bought a 1988 chevy s10 2.8L v6 ext cab truck i bought it for $475 Now it does run and move but the guy that i bought it from said when he goes down the hill On a road it backfires and he said one time it blew a flame out of the tailpipe. Now he went and took it to a mechanic and the mechanic i guess said it was something to do with timing or something would that make it backfire? And the guy told me it only gets about 15 mpg is that about right for a 88 s10 for that mpg? Now here is the stuff the guy changed

Plugs
wires
airfilter
fuel filter

and i for got what else but let me know if this would cause that thanks!!!

 

[tbplus10]

The 2.8 was never really big on horsepower or mileage and 15 sounds about right for one of those engines with a little age on it.
I think your mechanic is probably right on with the timing.

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

Welcome to the club.

 

[Crispyt]

Sounds like a timing issue. I dont know but does that engine have a carb on it? I dont know if it woulda came with one or not but it could be something in that like incorrect float height or something. Otherwise id go with timing, get a timining light on it the timing might need to be advanced a little. On a rare chance it might not have enough back pressure either. Just figured id throw that out there.

Good luck!

 

[Texansfan]

From what you've said it definately points in the direction of timing. Exhaust valve open during cumbustion = fire from the tailpipe.

 

[wis bang]

'88's were TBI, 2 injectors in what still looks like a carb. There is a brown wire w/ a blue stripe that is under the glovebox round the top edge of the carpet that you un-hook to dis-connect the computer. This lets you set the base timing. Plug the wire back together and the computer takes over.

On the side of the air filter housing is your MAP sensor... a vacuum hose connected to a plastic body w/ a diaphragm & electric interface. Tells the computer the load on the engine & is compared to the throttle position sensor...backfires are known to blow the MAP sensor out!

As far as mileage, the 2.Hate is sooooooooslow you always keep it foot to the floor to feel like you might get somewhere. this leads to disappointing mileage...I replaced mine w/ the crate 3.4L and the mileage went up and so does the drive ability!

 

[s1091]

Sorry guys i have been so busy and couldnt make it on the computer to check anything so everyone says timing ok. Now wis bang so now you saying there is a brown wire w/ a blue stripe that is under the glovebox round the top edge of the carpet that i un-hook what is this gunna do and do i do this when the truck is running? or leave it shut off or how do i do this please let me know thanks.