92 silverado various issues needing help

way back in the day....not sure if a 92 has one, but my 77 chevy had a leaking modulator valve on the tranny, which caused tranny fluid to be sucked up into the intake that caused white smoke, pull the vacumn line off the modulator and see if fluid runs out.... or there could be coolant leaking into the cylinder(s)....check the condition of the spark plugs and look for engine oil in the radiator.

Modulator valves went the way of the dinos around 84. If she only smokes on start up, and isn't loosing coolant, its just condensation. Are you sure its white, and not a pale blue? Valve seals and worn valve guides will cause smoke on startup.

What transmission would be most useful in trying to determine what the issue might be. Also have you checked the fluid level recently?

doesn't always start, does that mean it does nothing when you turn the key? turns over, but wont fire? again more info needed, but assuming does nothing when key turned first thing is make sure cables and battery terminals are clean. Then the second thing that comes to mind is a bad starter solenoid. given the cost of the part and the labor to change it is almost the same a remanufactured starter, I would replace the entire assembly.

Whitelightning

Whitelightning,

You're usually right on, so not trying to start a war, since you've helped me many times in the past, but must disagree with the modulator valve. My 89 pickup with a th400 has one, I know b/c I've replaced it while trying to diagnose a trans problem(it was the cheapest part :-))

Ed

Whitelightn> >

I stand corrected.on the year, but looking at the 92 1500, there is no modulator valve listed, although the 400 was an option ie the 4L80E/THM400-R2.. Looking in parts manuals, I do see it listed for the 89 though, 90 being the last year for the three speed "400" .. Getting old I guess. Nothing wrong with being corrected when one is wrong.

Whitelightning