Engine woes

[Ohearchai]

Was running fine, had a bit of an exhaust by passenger side manifold/down pipe joint. On the freeway this morning, 10 miles in, she starts surging and sputtering, eventually dies on the side of the road. Was able to start her again, ran rough for a few miles, eventually died and wouldn't start again. Where do I start.
Thanks.
1990 v1500 suburban 350 tbi

 

[Catbox]

On a TBI I would start with the fuel system.
Does the pump run when you key it on?
If the filter has not been changed recently, change it.
Do the injectors fire?
If not, it could be the ignition module in the distributor.

My 1995 has presented me with all of these problems at one time or another.

 

[Rickf]

You might start by testing for spark first, doesn't cost anything but time.

 

[Sad Sack]

You might start by testing for spark first, doesn't cost anything but time.

Almost sounds like the ignition module went south.

 

[1lejohn]

Every engine is the same it needs fuel , air , and a spark to run. Start with one of these and then break it down into smaller parts.

 

[Ricko1966]

Almost sounds like the ignition module went south.

TBI is weird you really need to follow the factory diagnostics,because ECM ,and ignition module both control the ignition but at different RPMS. I don't recall but I believe ICM controls spark at cranking speed,then ECM takes over. Now it gets more fun because the ECM also controls the fuel pump and injector pulse.

 

[Jawzjeep]

Check your coolant temp sensor while you're at it. When mine was bad it would work fine for a few minutes and then act stupid. Good luck.

 

[YakkoWarner]

When mine died in a similar way, it turned out to be the actual magnetic pickup inside the distributor which had failed - if that goes out neither the computer or the ignition module get any signal to fire at all.

My first test would be to give it a quick squirt of fuel (not carb or brake cleaner, real fuel) right down the throat and see if it fires off for a couple seconds. If it does, you're looking at a fuel feed problem. If it doesn't, you have a spark/ignition problem. The injector pulsing is also tied to the distributor pickup, so a no signal condition there can be mistaken for a fuel supply problem.