ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Engines can be identified by the eighth character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN number is stamped on a plate attached to the top left side of dash.
| Engine | Code |
|---|---|
| 2.8L (173") TBI | R |
| 4.3L (262") TBI | Z |
ENGINE CODES
TUNE-UP NOTES
Note. When performing tune-up procedures described in this article, these notes and precautions must be observed.
Always refer to Emission Control Label in engine compartment before attempting tune-up. If manual and label differ, always use emission label specifications.
When performing tune-up on vehicles equipped with a catalytic converter, do not allow or create a condition of engine misfire in one or more cylinders for an extended period of time. Damage to converter from overheating may occur due to loading with unburned fuel.
ENGINE COMPRESSION
When making compression checks, disconnect ignition switch connector Pink wire from high energy ignition system. Remove air cleaner. Open throttle and choke fully. Remove all spark plugs. Crank engine through at least 4 compression strokes.
| Application | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Ratio | ||
| 2.8L | 8.9:1 | |
| 4.3L | 9.3:1 | |
| Minimum Pressure | 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm 2 ) | |
| Maximum Pressure Variation | 30% | |
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
SPARK PLUGS
| Application | AC No. |
|---|---|
| 2.8L | R42CTS |
| 4.3L | R43CTS |
SPARK PLUG TYPE
| Application | Gap: In. (mm) | Torque: Ft. Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | .045 (1.2) | 7-15 (9-20) |
| 4.3L | .035 (.90) | 22 (30) |
SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATIONS
HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE
Carefully remove ends of wire from spark plug and distributor. Twist spark plug boot 1/2 turn before removing. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance while gently twisting wire. If resistance is not within specification, or fluctuates from infinity to any value, replace wire.
| Wire Length | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Under 24" | 30,000 |
| Over 24" | 50,000 |
HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE (OHMS)
2.8L
- E-I-I-E-I-E (Left bank, front-to-rear).
- E-I-E-I-I-E (Right bank, front-to-rear).
4.3L
- E-I-E-I-I-E (Left bank, front-to-rear).
- E-I-I-E-I-E (Right bank, front-to-rear).
VALVE CLEARANCE
All engines use hydraulic lifters.
| Application | Turns From Zero Lash |
|---|---|
| 2.8L | 1 1/2 |
| 4.3L | 1 |
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
DISTRIBUTOR
All models are equipped with Delco HEI-Electronic Spark Timing (HEI-EST) distributors.
2.8L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 7
4.3L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 8
IGNITION TIMING
- Install timing light with an adapter between No. 1 spark plug and No. 1 spark plug wire or use an inductive pick-up. Do not puncture wire. On 4.3L engines, disconnect 1-wire (Tan with Black stripe) connector at distributor. On 2.8L engines, this wire connector is located in a taped section below heater case in passenger compartment. NOTE: Some GM engines use a magnetic timing probe hole for use with special electronic timing equipment. See equipment manufacture's directions for use of this equipment
- Check and adjust ignition timing with engine at normal operating temperature and transmission in "P" or "N" (auto. trans.) or Neutral (man. trans.) Reconnect 1-wire connector. Clear trouble code by removing ECM power fuse for 10 seconds.
| Application | Man. Trans. | Auto. Trans. |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L (1) | (2) 10 @ Idle | (2) 10 @ Idle |
| 4.3L (1) | (2) 0 @ Idle | (2) 0 @ Idle |
| (1) Idle speed is not adjustable. (2) At idle speed. | ||
| (1) | Idle speed is not adjustable. |
| (2) | At idle speed. |
IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (DEGREES BTDC @ RPM)
HOT (SLOW) IDLE RPM
Note. Adjustment is necessary only when throttle body assembly has been replaced.
- Remove air cleaner and gasket. Plug TBI unit vacuum port for THERMAC (Thermostatic Air Cleaner). With Idle Air Control (IAC) valve connected, ground terminal "A" to "B" at ALDL connector.
- Turn ignition switch to "ON" position, DO NOT start engine. Wait approximately 30 seconds for IAC valve pintle to extend and seat in throttle body.
- With ignition on, disconnect IAC valve electrical connector. Remove ground at ALDL connector. Using an awl, remove plug for minimum idle speed adjustment by piercing, then applying leverage.
- Start engine. Adjust idle screw to specification. Turn ignition switch "OFF". Reconnect IAC valve electrical connector. Install air cleaner and gasket.
| Application | Man. Trans. | Auto. Trans. |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | 675-725 | (1) 675-725 |
| 4.3L | 600-650 | (2) 500-550 |
| (1) Adjustment is made with transmission in "N". (2) Adjustment is made with transmission in "D". | ||
| (1) | Adjustment is made with transmission in "N". |
| (2) | Adjustment is made with transmission in "D". |
SLOW IDLE SPEED (RPM)
THROTTLE POSITION (TPS) ADJUSTMENT
Note. Adjustment should only be performed when throttle body parts have been replaced or after minimum idle speed has been adjusted.
Connect digital voltmeter between TPS connector terminals "A" and "B" using jumper wires. With ignition on and engine stopped, TPS voltage should be between .42 and .54 volts. Rotate TPS to obtain correct voltage reading. If voltage cannot be adjusted to proper specification, replace TPS.
TPS OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHECK
Note. On 4.3L models, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is not adjustable.
Connect digital voltmeter between TPS connector terminals "A" and "B" using jumper wires. With ignition on and engine stopped, TPS voltage should be less than one volt. Replace TPS if voltage is more than one volt. Before replacing TPS, ensure minimum idle speed is set correctly.
IDLE MIXTURE
Note. Idle mixture not adjustable on TBI models.
COLD (FAST) IDLE RPM
Note. No fast idle adjustments are possible on TBI engines.
IGNITION
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| All Models | 500-1500 |
DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE
IGNITION COIL
- Disconnect all electrical connections from coil. Connect an ohmmeter at connection A. (Scheme 9) Reading should be infinite. If reading is not infinite, replace coil.
- Connect an ohmmeter at connection B. (Scheme 9) Using low scale, reading should be very low or zero. If reading is not low or zero, replace coil.
- Connect an ohmmeter at connection C. (Scheme 9) Using high scale, meter should show continuity. If reading is infinite, replace coil. Connect all coil connections and ensure coil ground is clean.
Scheme 9
EMISSION CONTROL
See EMISSIONS section.
FUEL SYSTEMS
All models are equipped with Throttle Body Injection (TBI), using General Motors Model 220 throttle body.
FUEL PUMP
Fuel pump is electronic and is located in fuel tank. Inspect attaching hose and insulation at bottom of pump for deterioration.
| Application | Pressure: psi (kg/cm 2 ) |
|---|---|
| All models | 9-13 (.63-.91) |
FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY
| Application | Cold Cranking Amps | Reserve Capacity Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 525 | 40 |
| Optional | 540 | 115 |
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS @ 0°F (-18°C)
STARTER
All engines are equipped with Delco overrunning clutch starters.
| Application | Volts | Amps | Test RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | 10.0 | 50-75 | 6000-11,900 |
| 4.3L | 10.0 | 70-110 | 6500-10,700 |
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS
ALTERNATOR
All engines are equipped with Delco alternators with integral voltage regulator.
| Application | Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts | Rated Amp Output |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | 5.4-6.4 | 85 |
| 4.3L | 4.5-5.0 | 66 |
ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS @ 80°F (27°C)
ALTERNATOR REGULATOR
All engines are equipped with Delco nonadjustable voltage regulators, integral with alternator.
BELT ADJUSTMENT
Using a strand tension gauge, measure belt tension midway between pulleys. If tension is not as specified, adjust tension or replace belt.
| Application | New Belt | (1) Used Belt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | |||
| A/C | 146 (66) | 67 (30) | |
| AIR Pump | 146 (66) | 67 (30) | |
| Alternator | 135 (61) | 67 (30) | |
| Power Steering | 135 (61) | 67 (30) | |
| 4.3L | |||
| A/C | 169 (77) | 90 (41) | |
| AIR Pump | 146 (66) | 67 (30) | |
| Alternator | 135 (61) | 90 (41) | |
| Power Steering | 146 (66) | 67 (30) | |
| (1) Any belt in operation 10 minutes or more. | |||
| (1) | Any belt in operation 10 minutes or more. |
BELT ADJUSTMENT TENSION IN LBS. (KG) USING STRAND TENSION GAUGE
SERVICE INTERVALS
| Component | Interval (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | 30,000 | |
| Fuel Filter | 30,000 | |
| Oil Filter | ||
| Normal Use | 7500 | |
| Heavy Use | 3000 | |
| PCV Valve & Filter | (1) 60,000 | |
| Spark Plugs | 30,000 | |
| (1) Inspection only, replace if worn. | ||
| (1) | Inspection only, replace if worn. |
REPLACEMENT INTERVALS
CAPACITIES
| Application | Quantity | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto. Trans. (Dexron II) | |||
| 3-Speed | |||
| Overhaul | 21 pts. (10L) | ||
| Refill | 7.0 pts. (3.3L) | ||
| 4-Speed | |||
| Overhaul | 23 pts. (10.9L) | ||
| Refill | 10 pts. (4.7L) | ||
| Cooling System (1) | |||
| 2.8L | 10.5 qts. (10L) | ||
| 4.3L | 11 qts. (10.5L) | ||
| Crankcase (Including Filter) | |||
| 2.8L | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | ||
| 4.3L | 5.0 qts. (4.8L) | ||
| Front Axle | |||
| Pickup | 2.0 qts. (1.9L) | ||
| Blazer/Jimmy & S10/S15 | 1.3 qts. (1.2L) | ||
| Fuel Tank | |||
| Standard | |||
| Astro/Safari | 17 gals. (64L) | ||
| Blazer/Jimmy | 13.5 gals. (51L) | ||
| S10/15 | 13 gals. (50L) | ||
| Pickup | 20 gals. (76L) | ||
| Van | 22 gals. (83L) | ||
| Optional | |||
| Astro/Safari | 27 gals. (102L) | ||
| Blazer/Jimmy & S10/S15 | 20 gals. (76L) | ||
| Pickup (Dual Tank) | (2) 16 gals. (61) | ||
| Van | 33 gals. (125L) | ||
| Man. Trans. (SAE 80W-90) | |||
| 3-Speed | 3.2 pts. (1.5L) | ||
| 4-Speed | 8.5 pts. (4.0L) | ||
| Man. Trans. (Dexron II) - 4-Speed (Overdrive) | 8.5 pts. (4.0L) | ||
| Rear Axle | 4.5 pts. (2.1L) | ||
| Transfer Case (Dexron II) | |||
| 205 | 5.2 pts. (2.5L) | ||
| 208 | 10 pts. (4.7L) | ||
| 207 | 4.6 pts. (2.2L) | ||
| (1) Add 3 qts. (2.7L) if equipped with rear heater. (2) Specification is for one tank. | |||
| (1) | Add 3 qts. (2.7L) if equipped with rear heater. |
| (2) | Specification is for one tank. |
FLUID CAPACITIES
| Application | Ounces | |
|---|---|---|
| Astro/Safari | ||
| Conventional C-60 | 32 | |
| Overhead C-69 | 48 | |
| Pickup/Van | ||
| Conventional C-60 | 48 | |
| Overhead C-69 | 84 | |
| S10/S15 | 40 | |
SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES