1978 Chevrolet C20 problems
The third generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1973 to 1991 model years. Serving as the replacement for the "Action Line" C/K trucks, GM designated the generation under "Rounded Line" moniker. Again offered as a two-door pickup truck and chassis cab, the Rounded Line trucks marked the introduction of a four-door cab configuration.
Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the Rounded Line C/K chassis also served as the basis of GM full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban wagon and the off-road oriented Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. The generation also shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.
In early 1987, GM introduced the 1988 fourth-generation C/K to replace the Rounded Line generation, with the company beginning a multi-year transition between the two generations. To eliminate model overlap, the Rounded Line C/K was renamed the R/V series, which remained as a basis for full-size SUVs and heavier-duty pickup trucks. After an 18-year production run (exceeded only in longevity by the Dodge D/W-series/Ram pickup and the Jeep Gladiator/Pickup), the Rounded Line generation was retired after the 1991 model year.
From 1972 to 1991, General Motors produced the Rounded Line C/K (later R/V) series in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. In South America, the model line was produced in Argentina and Brazil, ending in 1997.
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Common 1978 Chevrolet C20 problems
Common Problems with the Chevrolet C20 1978
- Door Closing and Latching Issues: The door of the 1978 Chevrolet C20 may require slamming multiple times to close properly and avoid rattling. This issue might be due to hinge misalignment caused by age and rust, as suggested in the Car Talk Community post. Alternatively, the door latch mechanism might be missing the plastic latching component, which should be replaced with a new one, as mentioned in the same post.
- Fuel Tank Leaks: The fuel tanks in the 1978 Chevrolet C20 can leak fuel from the underside of the body or both sides of the body, as mentioned in the Car Talk Community post. This issue might be caused by faulty fuel hoses, filler necks, or the fuel tank vent valve or vapor canister. The user suggests that the problem might be due to the inability of air to escape from the fuel tank as the fuel is pumped in.
- Transmission Leaks: The transmission in the 1978 Chevrolet C20 can leak a little, as mentioned in the Carsurvey.org post. The user replaced the leaking transmission with a newer 87 700r4 for overdrive purposes.
- Rusting Issues: The early square-body Chevrolet C20 trucks, including the 1978 model, were prone to rusting, as mentioned in the MotorTrend post. The rusting issues were particularly noticeable in the lower rear section of the front fenders and above the wheelwells on Fleetside trucks. GM addressed the rust problem by using better primers, zinc galvanized plating, and heavier-gauge sheetmetal.
- Fuel Tank Design Defect: The sidesaddle fuel tank design used in the 1973-1987 Chevy C10 trucks, including the 1978 model, was reported to be the worst auto crash fire defect in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation, as mentioned in the MotorTrend post. This defect resulted in over 2,000 people being killed in fire crashes involving these trucks from 1973 through 2009. GM eventually agreed to a $600-million settlement deal. The fix for this issue was relatively easy, as a retrofitted fuel tank was placed between the frame rails.
- Engine Performance Issues: The 305 engine in the 1978 Chevrolet C20 might not offer the best fuel economy or power, as mentioned in the Carsurvey.org post. The user suggests that the 305 engine is not as good as the 454 engine in terms of power and fuel economy.
- Fuel Tank Capacity and Design: The 1978 Chevrolet C20 has a sidesaddle fuel tank design, which can make it difficult to fill the tank without spilling fuel, as mentioned in the Car Talk Community post. This issue might be due to the location and design of the fuel tank filler neck.
- Fuel Tank Venting Issues: The fuel tank venting system in the 1978 Chevrolet C20 might not work properly, causing fuel to leak out of the tank, as mentioned in the Car Talk Community post. This issue might be due to a clogged fuel tank vent valve or vapor canister.
- Door Latching and Sealing Issues: The door of the 1978 Chevrolet C20 might not seal properly, causing fuel to leak out of the tank, as mentioned in the Car Talk Community post. This issue might be due to a faulty door latch mechanism or damaged door seals.
What engine does a Chevy C20 have?
Specifications for Chevrolet C20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1985 4-speed.
What is the difference between a C10 and a C20?
C10 vs C20 Towing Capacity
In 1962, the two C10 options had a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds for the Fleetside model and 1,550 pounds for the Stepside. The C20 had a payload capacity of 3,400 pounds in either the Fleetside or the Stepside model.
How much does a 1978 Chevy C20 weigh?
1978 C/K Pickup Differences
| Model | Curb Weight | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|
| Big Ten Short Bed | 3,716 pounds | 117.5 inches |
| Big Ten Long Bed | 3,881 pounds | 131.5 inches |
| C20 Regular Cab | 4,300 pounds | 131.5 inches |
| C20 Bonus or Crew Cab | 4,660-4,895 pounds | 164.5 inches |
Are C10 trucks reliable?
Chevy C10s are some of the most reliable classic pickups out there, and the great news is that there are a lot of them. Because of the relatively low cost as well as the demographics that Chevy chose to market this line to there were hundreds of thousands of these trucks available.
What engine does a Chevy C20 have?
Specifications for Chevrolet C20 Regular Cab 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1985 4-speed.
What are the differences between a C10 and C20?
Chevy C10 and C20 Differences. The obvious difference between the C10 and the C20 is that one is a half-ton and the other a three-quarter-ton truck. These classifications don't refer to their respective curb weights, but rather to their payload capacity.
How much does a 1978 Chevy C20 weigh?
1978 C/K Pickup Differences
| Model | Curb Weight | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|
| Big Ten Short Bed | 3,716 pounds | 117.5 inches |
| Big Ten Long Bed | 3,881 pounds | 131.5 inches |
| C20 Regular Cab | 4,300 pounds | 131.5 inches |
| C20 Bonus or Crew Cab | 4,660-4,895 pounds | 164.5 inches |
Is a C20 a 4x4?
All trucks whether be Cheyenne or custom or bare bones were either classified as C= 2WD or K=4WD. So it could be a c10 or c20 an it will be 2wd. Just as k10 or k20 it will be 4wd.
1978 Chevrolet C20 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C20 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Chevrolet C20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Chevrolet C20 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Chevrolet C20.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-03
- VIN: CC8248J1689
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: LETTER REGARDING DENIAL OF STATUS IN THE GM CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VIN # WAS SAID TO NOT MATCH GM'S LIST FOR QUALIFYING VEHICLES. (VIN#CC8248J168923) *SC *JB
1978 Chevrolet C20 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1978 Chevrolet C20.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Other years of Chevrolet C20
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