Astro stutters and loses power...

[Sinfield]

So the other day I was driving home and headed up a steep hill and my 91 stuttered and died. I had noticed that the fuel was pretty low, so I figured that it was just out of gas. I filled it up and it started just fine. The next day I took it on a 2 hour round trip freeway drive for work, and it seemed to work fine.

However, the last couple of days I've noticed that it is starting harder, when I come to a stop within a few minutes of starting it, the engine stutters and dies, and when it's at a lower RPM's it loses power and kind of sputters unless i jam the pedal to the floor, at which point it surges forward. Does this sound like a common problem? I'm wondering if it's a fuel filter issue, possibly caused by debris from the bottom of the tank, when I ran the van dry. I'll probably take it to a mechanic, but I'd like to get an idea about what's going wrong before I go. Thanks in advance.

[NotDadsW41]

Change that filter first, then test your fuel pressure. 9-13psi is needed for VNI Z vans, at least I think 59 for VIN W.

[astrozam]

I would change out the fuel filter as suggested by NotDadsW41 first before taking it to a mechanic, it may be all that needs doing or it may be part of an overall problem but it could save you some money and is an easy change-out to try.

[Rileysowner]

Have you done plugs, wires, cap and rotor recently. My van did something similar when they were getting a little iffy, especially when wet.

[Sinfield]

I just bought the van, so I'm pretty sure none of that stuff has been done recently. Are there any tutorials on here for changing plugs/ wires/ cap, and the fuel filter? I've worked on cars in the past, but I'm not super mechanically savvy.

[Rileysowner]

Cheap and quick guide to help is a Haynes Manual for these vans. Much better, but not as easy to get is a Factory Service Manual set for your van. Yes, there are helps, how-to, and other stuff you can find here with a little searching.

[ihatemybike]

search my user name and spark plugs for some tips and pics.

[astrozam]

Here is a fuel filter replacement on a 90 safari, from our tech gallery...http://www.astrosafarivans.com/tech/thu ... p?album=19

You'll need to know how to get at the engine from inside for the cap&rotor sp wires etc, so here is a little "How To" for removing the engine cover ( Doghouse ) http://www.astrosafarivans.com/howtotec ... se9195.htm

[CaptSquid]

My 92 was hard starting and stuttered and died, too, before I replaced the ignition coil.

[Sinfield]

Well, got the fuel filter replaced and the van appears to run slightly better, although still stutters at times and is still hard starting. I think I'm going to drop it off at my mechanic and have him look into ignition coil/ plugs/ wires. Since I just bought the van and am going to drive it to denver in august, I'd like the peace of mind of having him go over everything anyway, especially since I've been noticing that when the engine is under load the heater blows hot air. Probably worthwhile to get everything checked and replaced if needed.

[Detectorist]

I just got a quote for a tuneup from a Chevy dealer for my 2000 Astro Van....get ready...


$650.00

[sandfly]

I have the same prob. with my 95. code came up (33) map sensor, also check egr valve..

[Sinfield]

Damn, got really bad tonight on the drive home. For the last mile of my drive or so it was basically no power, sputtering like it was running out of gas or about to die, despite the fact that I just filled up yesterday. The heater vents were also blowing extremely hot air. Time to make an appt. w/ the mechanic ASAP methinks.

[CaptSquid]

Get a new ignition coil -- PRONTO! It'll only set you back $20 and your van will thank you.