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 visible through windshield.
| 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
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
SPARK PLUGS
| Application | AC No. |
|---|---|
| 2.8L | R42CTS |
| 4.3L | R43TS |
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, replace wire.
| Wire Length | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Under 24" | 30,000 |
| Over 24" | 50,000 |
HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE (OHMS)
DISTRIBUTOR
All models are equipped with Delco HEI-Electronic Spark Timing (HEI-EST) distributors.
2.8L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 12
4.3L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 13
2.8L & 4.3L
- 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. Disconnect 1-wire (Tan with Black stripe) connector. On 4.3L engines, this connector is located near 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 Drive (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) | 10 @ Idle | (2) 10 @ Idle |
| 4.3L (1) | 0 @ Idle | (2) 0 @ Idle |
| (1) Idle speed is controlled by ECM. (2) Transmission in Drive. | ||
| (1) | Idle speed is controlled by ECM. |
| (2) | Transmission in Drive. |
IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (DEGREES BTDC@RPM)
HOT (SLOW) IDLE RPM
Note. Verify correct controlled idle speed. Perform idle air control check before adjusting hot idle. Refer to appropriate article in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS section.
- Remove air cleaner and gasket. With Idle Air Control IAC) valve connected, ground terminal "A" to "B" at ALDL connector. (Scheme 14)
- Turn ignition switch on, 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.
- Install a tachometer and start engine. Allow engine to reach operating temperature. Adjust idle screw to specification with vehicle in Neutral. Turn ignition switch off. Reconnect IAC valve electrical connector. Install air cleaner and gasket.
- This procedure will set a code 35. Erase code by disconnecting electrical power to ECM for 30 seconds. Electrical power is disconnected when negative battery cable or ECM fuse is removed. Ignition must be in "OFF" position to prevent damage to ECM.
| Application | Man. Trans. | Auto. Trans. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L (1) | 650-750 | (3) 650-750 | |
| 4.3L (2) | |||
| Except "S" & "T" Series | 400-500 | (4) 350-450 | |
| "S" & "T" Series | N/A | (3) 425-525 | |
| (1) Fuel Control in Open Loop. (2) Fuel Control in Closed Loop. (3) Transmission in Neutral. (4) Transmission in Drive. | |||
| (1) | Fuel Control in Open Loop. |
| (2) | Fuel Control in Closed Loop. |
| (3) | Transmission in Neutral. |
| (4) | Transmission in Drive. |
SLOW IDLE SPEED (RPM)
Scheme 14
ADJUSTMENTS
Note. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is not adjustable on 4.3L. Adjustment should only be performed when throttle body parts have been replaced or after slow 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.
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
Idle mixture is not adjustable on TBI models.
COLD (FAST) IDLE RPM
Fast idle is not adjustable on TBI engines.
FUEL PUMP
All models are equipped with an in-tank, electric fuel pump.
| Application | Pressure psi (kg/cm 2 ) |
|---|---|
| All Models | 9-13 (.63-.91) |
FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
See EMISSIONS section.
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| All Models | 500-1500 |
DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE
IGNITION COIL
- Disconnect all electrical connections from ignition coil. Connect an ohmmeter at connection "A". (Scheme 15) Reading should be infinite. If reading is not infinite, replace the coil.
- Connect an ohmmeter at connection "B". (Scheme 15) 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 15) Using high scale, meter should show continuity. If reading is infinite, replace coil. Connect all coil connections and ensure coil ground is clean.
Scheme 15
FUEL SYSTEMS
Engine uses General Motors Model 220 Throttle Body Injection (TBI).
BATTERY
| Application | Cold Cranking Amps | Reserve Capacity Minutes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L & 4.3L | |||
| Standard | 525 | 90 | |
| 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 | 4.8-5.7 Amps | 85 | |
| 4.3L | |||
| S10/15 & T10/15 | 5.7-7.1 Amps | 85 | |
| All Other Models | 6.0-7.5 Amps | 100 | |
ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS @ 80°F (27°C)
ALTERNATOR REGULATOR
All engines are equipped with Delco nonadjustable voltage regulators, integral with alternator.
BELT ADJUSTMENT
The 2.8L and 4.3L V6 engines use a single "serpentine" accessory drive belt. Correct tension is automatically maintained. No adjustment is necessary.
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 | 22 pts. (10.4L) | ||
| Refill | 9.0 pts. (4.3L) | ||
| 4-Speed | |||
| Overhaul | 23 pts. (10.9L) | ||
| Refill | 10 pts. (4.7L) | ||
| Cooling System (1) | |||
| 2.8L | 10.5 qts. (10L) | ||
| 4.3L | |||
| Astro/Safari | (1) 13.5 qts. (12.8L) | ||
| All Others | 11 qts. (10.5L) | ||
| Crankcase (Including Filter) | |||
| 2.8L | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | ||
| 4.3L | 5.0 qts. (4.8L) | ||
| Front Axle | |||
| Blazer/Jimmy & "S" & "T" Series | 1.3 qts. (1.2L) | ||
| Pickup | 2.0 qts. (1.9L) | ||
| Fuel Tank | |||
| Standard | |||
| Astro/Safari | 17 gals. (64L) | ||
| Blazer/Jimmy | 13.5 gals. (51L) | ||
| "S" & "T" | 13 gals. (50L) | ||
| Pickup | 6 gals. (98L) | ||
| Van | 22 gals. (83L) | ||
| Optional | |||
| Astro/Safari | 25 gals. (102L) | ||
| Blazer/Jimmy & "S" & "T" Series | 20 gals. (76L) | ||
| Pickup (Long Bed) | 46 gals. (98L) | ||
| Van | 33 gals. (125L) | ||
| Man. Trans. (SAE 80W-90) | |||
| 4-Speed | 8.5 pts. (4.0L) | ||
| Man. Trans. (Dexron II) | |||
| 4-Speed (Overdrive) | 3.2 pts. (1.5L) | ||
| Rear Axle | (2) | ||
| Transfer Case (Dexron II) | |||
| 207 | 4.6 pts. (2.2L) | ||
| 231 | 2.2 pts. (1.0L) | ||
| 241 | 4.6 pts. (2.2L) | ||
| (1) Add 3 qts. (2.7L) if equipped with rear heater. (2) Add fluid to bottom of filler plug hole. | |||
| (1) | Add 3 qts. (2.7L) if equipped with rear heater. |
| (2) | Add fluid to bottom of filler plug hole. |
FLUID CAPACITIES
| Application | Ounces | |
|---|---|---|
| Astro/Safari | ||
| Conventional | 32 | |
| Dual | 48 | |
| "C" & "K" Series | ||
| Conventional | 40 | |
| "G" Series | ||
| Conventional | 44 | |
| Dual | 64 | |
| S10/S15 | 37 | |
SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES