sukr9922

Hello to all, this place is huge!
Got a quick question, as I'm a huge fan of consumer reports, and they don't rate automotive products, so I'd rather not blow a wad on junk parts. So here goes:
I've been fighting with a 4.3 (vin "w") in my 93' astro. Rough start, hesitation, bad gas mileage, emission codes,the usual. I bought this thing a year ago and tuned it up completely, except for the wires. .I know, I know. But they looked pristine! Anyway, $400 in parts later(map,egr,o2,etc.), Still problems. Code comes less often, slightly better power, good enough for most, but still not right.
Now, I know what you're thinking; egr passages, right? Cleaned em' out. checked and re-checked every vacuum hose on the vehicle.It was killing me. Then the other day I was going through it AGAIN, and had my arm on a sharp zip-tie stub, So I moved my arm to laugh at the previous owner for having a zip-tie in the engine compartment....and there wasn't a zip-tie. I even checked my sleeve for a stray splinter. I went to move the wire and got bit by the spark jumping out of the insulator. I looked at the wire and can't see even a microscopic crack of any kind. and it seems after further experimentation that the spark will jump from anywhere on the wire that I want to ground. And this is the primary coil wire. There was no change in engine idle while I did this. Does that seem right? I've been lucky I guess and never had this problem. Is this just worn wires or is there a resistance problem at the plugs?I would assume now that a fair amount of loss is due to leaking spark, right? And maybe that in turn burnt less of the fuel and put residue on my new plugs. Anyone?
So if the above is correct, I need a new set. I now worry about the ac/autolite/accel/quicky-mart wires. Is there a highly reliable brand renowned for it's insulator? Is 8mm good? Is 8.8mm that much better? Same thing with the coil, I'm thinking of getting a new one, assuming the old one has been stressed out trying to push spark through all this mess.
Wow, this ended up longer than I though it would, sorry.

tom3

Had real good luck with the Autozone premium components. Their red colored wires work well and last forever seems like. I suspect your problems are inside the upper intake though. Fuel injector. Or possibly the fuel pump itself but this usually shows up in hard starting when cold, then progresses to poor running, then no start at all. Read this over:

http://forums.s-series.org/viewtopic.php?t=2278

sukr9922

Wow, VERY informative. I'll see if I have time to tear that bastard apart this weekend. If the regulator is the issue, it's $40 for a kit and $150-250 for the whole shootin' match. Which do you recommend? Advance is all I've got around here, but they have a reman. for $80. Too risky?

tom3

The replacements are all one unit, new injector with tubes, and regulator. The fuel lines are very prone to fail, they call it the "nut kit" for some reason. Take off the top intake and turn on key, look for spraying fuel, really a fine mist.

sukr9922

Well, I wouldn't call it a fine mist. More like a constant drizzle. No wonder I get 10 miles per gallon. Took it apart and this is exactly the problem, the regulator is bad. Got a new reegulator on order for $40 instead of the whole spider for $300. Anyone know if/where I can get just the lines/poppets?