I bought a 1989 K1500 with a 350 V8 to use as a plow truck for my dooryard. I've had it since July and I've started it regularly since then. Recently we've had a stretch of really cold weather and the truck wont start now. It's fuel injected. It cranks and it sounds like a couple cylinders fire but it doesn't start. I'm in search of some advice as to what this might be or any advice for starting in very cold weather. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Get an engine-block heater. Back in the day the car-makers would calibrate and jet the old carburetors set for sale at high altitudes.They could do the same for vehicles sold for very cold conditions, but times have changed so much that I don't blame them at all. With electric cars taking profits away from ICE powered vehicles, you can still order an engine block heater from the factory. barring that you will like need to use carburetor spray to start your Chevy.

It's not all that good for the engine, so let it warm up and burn it off before you drive your Chevy pickup. The motor oil needs to be warmed up some to do so in the cold, as it can and will likely wash some of the oil off of your pistons, rings and cylinders. It wont harm your carburetor, but it will have to get past the air-cleaner. Throw the air filter away when it warms up as it can damage your air-cleaner seals.

Are you certain that you do not have a Throttle Body Injection system, as I had the notion that 1989 Chevy's all had TBI, but I could be mistaken.

 

You're absolutely right. I thought it was a carb based in the air filter housing but it is fuel injected. I'm a novice as you can tell.

 

We were all novices in many things in life, at one time. That is why we are here. to help people out with thier car troubles. You may not be getting enough fuel to the F-I, so a fuel pressure test in order. You still have a fuel filter along your frame, as my 98' Chevy K-1500 does. although it's the newer OBD II fuel injection system, but not the latest version, it operates quite well. I took her out on a good 95 mile run with Chevron Techron fuel injection cleaner in the tank. It really is truly is "Built like a Rock", and I'll never sell her,ever. You might try that, as a TBI unit only had two injectors right at the very top of the TBI, easy to get to should be at 9 to16 PSI fuel pressure. You may have an old fuel pressure regulator that needs replacing, you may have the two injectors that might be saved by a good cleaning. They are super easy to replace. You might make sure your throttle plate shaft is not worn down. It can be repaired with new brass/bronze bushings..