A few Q's

Delasangre4231 · 07-03-2009, 02:11 AM

So I am really new to the truck scene. I have an 83 Chevy k20 with the 454. I need to know where the idle adjust screw is if it has one. Also how do you make a gas gauge read right. My gauge reads empty and I still have 2+ gallons.

FordeatinZ71 · 07-03-2009, 03:50 AM

first, WELCOME! secondly...the idle screw. if it's a factory QuadraJet carb, the idle screw is right in front of the throttle butterfly on the carb. just look where your throttle cable connects and look around that. you'll see a flathead screw with a spring on it...you'll see how it goes against the throttle shaft...just turn it counter clockwise to raise idle...and vice-versa to lower.

as for the gauge...it could be a few things. first, i'd try putting more fuel in it just to make sure you have enough to make it register. if you do...then you will need to check the gauge first, then the sending unit. it's easier like this because you have to drop the tank (or remove the bed) for the sending unit. IIRC you can ground out the wire for the gauge (on the sending unit) and it SHOULD make the gauge jump to full...if it doesn't, you have a bad wire/gauge. if it does...the sending unit is toast. i'm betting the sending unit just wore out. to replace it, you'll need to drop the tank/remove the bed (pick your poison), remove the fuel hoses on the sending unit, the one wire going to it, and remove the locking ring that holds it on (just turns off with the aid of a screwdriver and hammer)...then just pull it out and install the new one...

kirknd4spd · 07-03-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordeatinZ71

it's easier like this because you have to drop the tank (or remove the bed) for the sending unit.

I'll just add this to what you said, IMO, it's a whole lot easier to pull the bed than it is to drop the tank. The bed is held on with just 8 bolts (I think) that are easy to get to.

FordeatinZ71 · 07-03-2009, 12:32 PM

especially on an older truck. now, on the OBS trucks...it's really up to you...because those bolts are under the bed and are quite the PITA to get to some of them.

GreaseDog · 07-03-2009, 12:34 PM

no they're not hard to get to at all. a 12" extension, and a wobble joint on the impact will get you to every one of them. most of them you dont need the wobble.

FordeatinZ71 · 07-03-2009, 12:47 PM

well, i was just looking at them on my '91 and i decided to just drop the tank. it was out in about 15 minutes.

GreaseDog · 07-03-2009, 02:25 PM

and the bed comes off in about 15 minutes. much easier than fighting gas tank straps.

1974ChevymediC · 07-03-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseDog

and the bed comes off in about 15 minutes. much easier than fighting gas tank straps.

u must have it down to a science cuz there's no way i'd get mine off in 15 and i only have 4 bolts holding mine on lol. the rear bumper and tail lights alone take that long. i know the rear bumper isn't necessary but makes it easier.

kirknd4spd · 07-03-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974ChevymediC

u must have it down to a science cuz there's no way i'd get mine off in 15 and i only have 4 bolts holding mine on lol. the rear bumper and tail lights alone take that long. i know the rear bumper isn't necessary but makes it easier.

I can get mine off my 84 in 15 minutes. Within 10 minutes with my uncle helping.
The bumper doesn't need to come off, and it isn't really any easier with the bumper off. The taillights, at least on mine, is just a harness to unplug. Then take off 8 bolts and lift off the bed. Nothing to it.

GreaseDog · 07-03-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974ChevymediC

u must have it down to a science cuz there's no way i'd get mine off in 15 and i only have 4 bolts holding mine on lol. the rear bumper and tail lights alone take that long. i know the rear bumper isn't necessary but makes it easier.

there's a connector under the tailpanel that negates the need to remove the taillights, 2 ground wires (on at the tail panel, and one at the fuel filler), then the 8 bolts. its not rocket science.

FordeatinZ71 · 07-04-2009, 12:45 AM

well, either way works. i've removed beds before and i've dropped tanks before...both ways will complete the task at hand...lol

Delasangre4231 · 07-04-2009, 01:02 AM

That's if I can find a replacement sending unit. If that's the problem...

FordeatinZ71 · 07-04-2009, 02:36 AM

aww man, it ain't that hard! i found it two times in about 5 minutes...you're dealing with one of the most-produced trucks ever built!

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