here are my symptoms:

runs like ****, as if it only is running on 5cyl or timings are delayed or something...

can be fixed 9/10 times simply by shutting off the car then restarting it once. if not then just waiting like overnight.

i smelles the exhaust today when it happened and it smelled like a two-stroke motor -oily. maybe gasy tho... not sure.

very very very intermittant.

seems to happen alot when it is raining or moist out.

ideas?

 

OK First off do you have a CEL on? If so what is the code. I know the ALDL codes are limited in what they say but it can help.

Have you pulled the plugs and checked them out? The plugs will tell volumes about how an engine is running. Keep them in order and post pics of the tips for us to check.

Have you compression tested the engine? Another great way to gauge an engine's health.

Massey

 

The raining/moist thing is a big clue: it sounds to me like you have an ignition cable shorting to ground. Look carefully at the ignition cable routing and condition. Most people/shops will remove old cable and install new ones without using the old routing and clips. Big mistake. That stuff was carefully thought out to prevent chafing and contact with hot parts. Look especially at the passenger side front cable as it goes right by the EGR valve tower and that thing gets super hot. The cable has to be routed just right to avoid damage.


I recently put a set of plugs, wires, cap, and rotor on an 01 Blazer 4.3 that simply wouldn't start when it was raining or damp. The ignition system overhaul completely solved the problem. Now you can hose the engine down while it's running without ignition problems.

 

Just pulled the plugs. They are charred black. still in good condition otherwise and no oil on the inside. little on the outside of one where my valve cover gasket is going bad but oh well.

why would they be black......?

 

rich condition, to much fuel or not enough air. test your air intake temp sensor, im sure your 02 sensors are fouled to. take em out and heat the sensor end of them with a propane tourch. not to hot or itll melt the wires.

 

Yeah, mixture is too rich. Possible causes are many. Like super dirty air filter, bad oxygen sensor(s), bad fuel pressure regulator or vacuum line to it, bad MAP sensor or vacuum line to it, and more.