Expert: Robert Summers - 11/23/2007

Question
I have a 1998 Chevy k1500 4.3L vortec. I had to replace my lower intake. Now i have it all back together, it wont start. Then i thought about the timing, because i didnt mark the distributor when i pulled it out. WIll this cause the engine to only turn over and sound likes it wants to start. Well let me tell you that for the past year i have a hard time starting it when it rained alot or snowed. Seemed like the moisture in the air hurt the spark. And that is how it acts now. i did replace the ignition coil last year. I have sprayed starter fluid in the throttle body and still nothing.i have fuel up to the relief valve at the back of motor. So would the timing cause it not to start, it is a SFI engine and EDI distributor so timing is not adjustable.Any thoughts ?

Answer
Hi Jeremy....yes you have to make sure that when you reinstalled the dist you have it in the right spot.... line up your timing marks on the harmonic balancer. pull the dist turn rotor till it lines up with #1 Plug wire on the cap. reinstall dist. remember that dist turns as you reinstall.make sure when it bottoms out that it is lined up with #1 plug wire. if you have it right it should start... also if you have a wet start problem change the cap. they are a known problem on these trucks... hope this helps