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Tune-Up - v6 GMC Pickup R2500

Adjustments 4 illustrations ~937 words

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.

EngineCode
2.8L (173") TBIR
4.3L (262") TBIZ

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.

ApplicationSpecification
Compression Ratio
2.8L8.9:1
4.3L9.3:1
Minimum Pressure100 psi (7.0 kg/cm 2 )
Maximum Pressure Variation30%

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

2.8L

  1. E-I-I-E-I-E (Left bank, front-to-rear).
  2. E-I-E-I-I-E (Right bank, front-to-rear).

4.3L

  1. E-I-E-I-I-E (Left bank, front-to-rear).
  2. E-I-I-E-I-E (Right bank, front-to-rear).

VALVE CLEARANCE

All engines use hydraulic lifters.

ApplicationTurns From Zero Lash
2.8L1 1/2
4.3L1

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

SPARK PLUGS

ApplicationAC No.
2.8LR42CTS
4.3LR43TS

SPARK PLUG TYPE

ApplicationGap 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 LengthMaximum
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

Scheme 12: 2.8L Firing Order & Timing Marks

4.3L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 13

Scheme 13: 4.3L Firing Order & Timing Marks

2.8L & 4.3L

  1. 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
  2. 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.
ApplicationMan. 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.

  1. Remove air cleaner and gasket. With Idle Air Control IAC) valve connected, ground terminal "A" to "B" at ALDL connector. (Scheme 14)
  2. Turn ignition switch on, DO NOT start engine. Wait approximately 30 seconds for IAC valve pintle to extend and seat in throttle body.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
ApplicationMan. Trans.Auto. Trans.
2.8L (1)650-750(3) 650-750
4.3L (2)
Except "S" & "T" Series400-500(4) 350-450
"S" & "T" SeriesN/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

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.

ApplicationPressure psi (kg/cm 2 )
All Models9-13 (.63-.91)

FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

See EMISSIONS section.

ApplicationOhms
All Models500-1500

DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE

IGNITION COIL

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Scheme 15

FUEL SYSTEMS

Engine uses General Motors Model 220 Throttle Body Injection (TBI).

BATTERY

ApplicationCold Cranking AmpsReserve Capacity Minutes
2.8L & 4.3L
Standard52590
Optional540115

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS @ 0°F (-18°C)

STARTER

All engines are equipped with Delco overrunning clutch starters.

ApplicationVoltsAmpsTest RPM
2.8L10.050-756000-11,900
4.3L10.070-1106500-10,700

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

ALTERNATOR

All engines are equipped with Delco alternators with integral voltage regulator.

ApplicationField Current Draw @ 12 VoltsRated Amp Output
2.8L4.8-5.7 Amps85
4.3L
S10/15 & T10/155.7-7.1 Amps85
All Other Models6.0-7.5 Amps100

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

ComponentInterval (Miles)
Air Filter30,000
Fuel Filter30,000
Oil & Filter
Normal Use7500
Heavy Use3000
PCV Valve & Filter(1) 60,000
Spark Plugs30,000
(1) Inspection only, replace if worn.
(1)Inspection only, replace if worn.

REPLACEMENT INTERVALS

CAPACITIES

ApplicationQuantity
Auto. Trans. (Dexron II)
3-Speed
Overhaul22 pts. (10.4L)
Refill9.0 pts. (4.3L)
4-Speed
Overhaul23 pts. (10.9L)
Refill10 pts. (4.7L)
Cooling System (1)
2.8L10.5 qts. (10L)
4.3L
Astro/Safari(1) 13.5 qts. (12.8L)
All Others11 qts. (10.5L)
Crankcase (Including Filter)
2.8L4.0 qts. (3.8L)
4.3L5.0 qts. (4.8L)
Front Axle
Blazer/Jimmy & "S" & "T" Series1.3 qts. (1.2L)
Pickup2.0 qts. (1.9L)
Fuel Tank
Standard
Astro/Safari17 gals. (64L)
Blazer/Jimmy13.5 gals. (51L)
"S" & "T"13 gals. (50L)
Pickup6 gals. (98L)
Van22 gals. (83L)
Optional
Astro/Safari25 gals. (102L)
Blazer/Jimmy & "S" & "T" Series20 gals. (76L)
Pickup (Long Bed)46 gals. (98L)
Van33 gals. (125L)
Man. Trans. (SAE 80W-90)
4-Speed8.5 pts. (4.0L)
Man. Trans. (Dexron II)
4-Speed (Overdrive)3.2 pts. (1.5L)
Rear Axle(2)
Transfer Case (Dexron II)
2074.6 pts. (2.2L)
2312.2 pts. (1.0L)
2414.6 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

ApplicationOunces
Astro/Safari
Conventional32
Dual48
"C" & "K" Series
Conventional40
"G" Series
Conventional44
Dual64
S10/S1537

SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES