This is my mess...

Hi All, Long time creeper first time poster. Always driven GM and had a couple squares but this is my current mess. Just finished my Iroc and the wife has always wanted a truck camper. Here's what I found. 1979 GMC C2500 "Camper Special", 1979 Vanguard 8.5' camper. Were bought new by the PO's father and rarely separated.

Thought it would be a fun COVID project. Camper polished up real nice since this pic, the truck is junk... or so I'm convinced. 57K on the original 350 but not treated well at all.

Current issue is rough idle, stutter and poor acceleration. Timing's been set, new coil, cap, rotor, plugs, carb rebuilt. Driving around the other day and hit a bump which caused hesitation, jerking and finally a stall.

My requests (if I may...)

1 - Suggestions on the current problem? Do mechanical fuel pumps wear? Is it the cam - idles ok when warm? Fuel tanks? Lots of info on here if you have a suggestion where to start on the site please direct me!

2 - Anyone else got a camper/camper special combo? Love to do this up but I am really tired of it. Currently considering an OBS C3500. Oh ya camper weighs 2800lbs! So I need this thing running, my 1/2 DD is rated at 1200lbs...

Thanks all

Cheers

Paul

Welcome from MN!

Nice setup there, great project for not being able to go anywhere! That camper looks to be in very good shape too.

Have you checked each ground connection on this truck? How about fuel filter? I would start simple to diagnose it. Looks like you have already done the first steps that I would have too.

Good luck to you.

Thanks OldBlueDually, fuel filter has been changed too. Good suggestions on the ground, lots of hacked up wiring from the PO. Thanks!

Welcome to the site. Yes mechanical pumps wear out. As @OldBlueDually said you're on the right track. Remember your truck is 40+ yo, there could be junk in the tanks, line, carb, etc. Start with the simple.

from northern IL!


Replace ALL the vacuum lines, even the little one under the truck that goes to the tranny.

Welcome from the Ottawa Valley!

Welcome from Connecticut

Thanks All, good suggestions - I'll have to make some time this weekend to tear into the beast a bit more!

Welcome

Hi.

See this guy did it. He really is a creeper - he posted a pic first post. Kudos pal.
My first thought was fuel filter too...to be clear, your truck has a Quadrajet on it and you changed the filter inside the carburetor.Yes?

I REALLY dig the suggestion of "replace the vacuum lines" -all of them. That is a fantastic suggestion.

I went back to see if you replaced the plugs. What plug did you choose AND what gap did you set please?

Dude said he hit a bump and it caused hesitation.
....
Power wire at the distributor cap.
?
Tank selector.
?

We need engine bay pics - that's what's up. Don't be ashamed - show us what you're workin with.
You aint gotta shake ya ass either, Mystikal but it would be helpful to see what kind of P.O. ******** you got goin on under that big, beautiful, flat as Kansas hood yo!

Man i'd be pretty damned quick to rattle can touch up that gray..it would make you feel so much better about it I think. Don't you agree?

Show me what youre workin with!

Hitting a bump causing a hesitation could be junk in the tank plugging up the sock on the sending unit also.

Welcome to the forum. All the previous suggestions have about everything covered that I think might be causing your troubles. Good luck.