1986 Other Chevrolet Models Backfiring

1986 CHEVROLET
29,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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COACHLUBBAS
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I have an 86 Pace Arrow Motor Home. It backfires when I step on the gas to take off. It idles fine and turns off promptly when I turn the key off. Also it doesn't start backfiring it seems till it warms all the way up. What is the likely cause?
Mar 2, 2009 at 7:08 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Timing problem, either in the distributor(my first stop) or the chain. Check for sideplay in the distribtor by removing the cap, and wiggling the shaft. Is the mileage 29,000 as you wrote or 290,000?
Mar 2, 2009 at 7:55 PM
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COACHLUBBAS
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The mileage is only 29000.
Mar 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
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MERLIN2021
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OK even a cracked distributor cap can cause this...start it in the dark and look for arcing.
Mar 3, 2009 at 7:17 PM
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COACHLUBBAS
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I will look into this now I appreciate it. A friend thought backfiring meant a valve job.
Mar 4, 2009 at 9:47 PM
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MERLIN2021
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A simple compression test can tell you that, but with only 29,000 on it I doubt it...
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_check_compression.htm
Mar 5, 2009 at 11:29 PM