ignition problems

[randycollins]

I installed the larger kit complete with a distributor on my 304. After struggling with getting my engine to do more than idle I took my Scout to have a professional diagnose my problem and weld in the o2 sensor. They seem to think that there is a problem with the distributor or the silver box that communicates with the distributor. I have two questions. One, will the o2 sensor being disconnected cause problems like what I’m having. Two, what will I have to do to get another silver box and distributor sent to me?

 

[Bill USN-1]

I can't answer your afi questions but I can tell you that the o2 being disconnected will not cause it.
You could try unpluging the silver box(ECM) and then plugging it back in.
That will clear any codes it May have stored.

Then drive it.
Does the system have a service eng light?
If so then afi would have provided the procedures for getting the codes to know what, if anything, is wrong with your system.

The shop you took it to or even autozone (for free), can plug a little scanner in to the aldl plug and read the codes also.
All you have to do is tell them it is a 88-91 Chevy truck with a 305 v8.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Randy,

unless something shorted out its extremey rare to have both a bad distributor and bad ECM especially a new kit from afi since all systems are tested before being shipped. Do you really feel confident in the professional you have your vehicle at? Not trying to knock them or anything but it if they are familiar with these systems(which is a common GM TBI system) then they should be able to properly diagnos whether it is the distributor or the ECM. As bill has suggested try to retreive codes or log data if you can.