cranks but no start. replaced fuel pump, filter, and battery. noticed

Thank you for sharing this info. Can you suggest anything I can do to insure correct placement of distributer ? Maybe place marks with a sharpie before the old one is removed so I can line up the new one . Any suggestions ? Also, are special tools required to get absolute dead center? any suggestions there?

You will need access to a professional quality scan tool such as a Tech 2 or Snap-On Modis etc.. This is critical for the crankshaft variation relearn procedure which IS required after distributor install to sync the camshaft and the crankshaft inputs to the PCM... This simply must be done, period! Let's do some testing first! .. Below I've posted a couple links to some very good troubleshooting information on the GM Vortec engine with a no ignition spark condition, look them over and do some testing: http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/gm/4.3L-5.0L-5.7L/how-to-troubleshoot-a-no-start-1 http://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm/4.3L-5.0L-5.7L/ignition-misfire-diagnostic-tests-1 You may need some 'hands-on' help with it... At least a helper to crank the engine over for spark testing, however an auto repair savvy buddy would be best!

Wow this is great. thank you. I am stoked.

Good luck with it!

I just wanted to let you know I ran the tests as you advised. The culprit turned out to be the coil. Thanks to you, I am done.........for now anyway. Again, much mahalo. A side note......Traffic here is always a challenge, but when it''s the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the last place I want to be is in traffic. Add secret service motorcades and a free range first family in the neighborhood, driving becomes well..... a real pain. This year, mechanical failure got me out of the holiday gridlock, holiday errands, obligatory gatherings, and more. I was where I belong, in my favorite chair watching football. Now that',s a Christmas miracle and........ the beginning of a holiday tradition.

10 - 4 on the 'new' holiday tradition deal .. It seems to have lost some of the appeal for me too now that all the kids are grown.. The tv's are much bigger now with more channels than one can count plus sports galore and as you mentioned, the old recliner is a little more comfortable! .. The only thing is I'm expected to fix my ride so it will be ready to go visit the in-laws for the usual assessments of exactly how I have done since they saw me last year, I rarely met their approval, however I gotten used to it.. Am glad it worked out for you! .. Thanks for the feedback.