Howell TBI Problems

[jzak]

The previous owner installed a Howell TBI kit, and it's been troublesome from day one. The throttle response was horrible. If i put the gas peddle down to fast, the engine would just cut out. I had to lightly tap the peddle to get up to speed.

Over the past year, i've changed out just about every part of the original TBI kit, with the exception of the throttle body itself. I switched out the ECM, Fuel Filter/Pump, Vacuum hoses. I also throughly cleaned the throttle body, changed spark plugs/wires/coil/distributer, just about anything i could think of that would affect performance. Doing all this has substantially improved throttle response, but it hasn't cured the problem.

I'm thinking about circumventing the whole issue, and buying a rebuilt TB Unit. I found one on Ebay for $AMC 150 with a 1 year warranty. Seems like a relatively cheap price for solving what been a real pain over the past year.

Rebuilt TBI:
Chevy GMC 87 95 4 3L V6 Truck Van Astro Silverado S10 Blazer TBI Throttle Body | eBay

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

What unit did PO put in sounds like a 5.7, same except for the injectors. Find out what injectors you have, run the numbers on the unit & injectors. Check all other parts O2, MAP ect... It is not falling on its face because of ignition, it is fuel related (to much at once).

 

[Purple77CJ7]

I think it would be worth a call to Howell. Their customer service is pretty good.

 

[Torxhead]

A call to Howell would be a good idea. I'm thinking your problem might be the throttle position sensor, the older throttle bodies had an adjustment, while the newer ones did not. There is a way to check those things with a volt/ohm meter as they are pretty expensive: http://auto-repair.yoexpert.com/tro...if-the-throttle-position-sensor-has-3250.html Are you getting any service engine codes?

 

[jzak]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I've been troubleshooting this problem for the past several months now, and i've kind of reached my limit.

For $200 I was able to get a rebuilt Rochester TBI unit, and a new ACdelco Idle Air Control valve. In my view, that should cover all possible points of failure that's left in the system. Everything else has either been replaced, or checked.

I Should get the parts on Thursday. Hopefully i'll have some good news on Friday!

 

[jzak]

I FIXED IT!!!

So I just installed the new TBI Unit. It was a hell of a lot easier to install then I thought it would be. I also put in a new Idle Air Control valve.

I don't know if it was the IAC or the TBI Unit that fixed it. To be honest I don't care. All I know is that it's like I have a new engine. THe throttle response is immediate and continuos as you step on the gas pedal. I find myself having to put on the breaks a lot more, because it's so easy to accelerate. I can get it up to 65mph without any hesitation from the engine. Also the idle doesn't fluctuate wildly like it did before.

I only wish I did this 6 months ago. Oh Well!

Good Times All Around!

 

[Torxhead]

Thanks for the update Jzak, A fuel injection conversion is a great upgrade, and a real can of worms.

 

[jzak]

Thanks for the update Jzak, A fuel injection conversion is a great upgrade, and a real can of worms.

Thanks Bud! It wasn't a upgrade. Just replacing the old TBI unit with a rebuilt one. As you said, The old Howell TBI kit was a massive can of worms. Never worked right since the day I bought the truck. I'm just glad i've gotten to a point where everything is working properly. Hopefully i'll get a few weeks of smooth driving, before somthing else breaks.

 

[jzak]

UPDATE:

So I gotta admit I had some set backs with the rebuilt TBI Unit. For some crazy reason, the day after I installed it, one of the injectors broke a seal, and started pouring fuel everywhere, but into the intake manifold.

After talking to the ebay seller (iowatowing), he immediately shipped me a new injector assembly (2 Day Priority) for free. I got it today, and so far so good. I want to wait a couple days before I can say with confidence that everything is working, but i'm cautiously optimistic.

The engine does drive like a dream though! It's like I put in a rebuilt engine, not just a rebuilt TBI unit. The engine roars to life when you step on the gas. Almost like i'm driving a hot-rod.

I know that other people are having TBI problems. If you're getting frustrated like I was, you may want to consider getting a rebuilt TBI unit. This Ebay seller (iowatowing), has really gone above and beyond what you would expect in customer service. You may want to check him out.

So i'm keeping my fingers crossed, but it looks like my CJ has a new lease on life!