2004 venture hard starting and sputtering

All,

I have a 2004 Venture with 86K. I got into it yesterday to go to the store and it started fine when I went to leave it was hard to start and would not idle. At that point I noticed a smelly exhaust and the smell of gas. After I got it to start I took it for a quick run down the street It performed fine under hard throttle however when I got back in the driveway It started sputtering again and eventually died. I did a diagnostic test and came up with P0300.

I am not sure where to start with this code. I looked at the plugs and they were black and measured .060 (irid.. plugs). So now I am thinking perhaps the cat is now clogged up or the EGR or the fuel reg or the coil pack etc....

I really don't know where to start. All feedback is appreciated.

thx.

If all plugs are black, car was running rich.....could be dirty air cleaner......could be bad O2 sensor.....could be a misfire(plug, wire, coil)....could be bad f/p regulator......

I would replace the plugs.....probably the wires too......check the coil terminals for corrosion, arcing.....might as well finish with a complete tuneup if never done(fuel filter, air filter, and PCV)....

If car still runs like crap, do coil output check......

The O2 sensor could also be carbonned up from running rich....

Losing any coolant?

Hopefully, you didn't run the vehicle too long, to create cat problems....especially since, by mileage/time, your cat is just out of warranty.....

just needs new spark plugs, sparkplug wires, and a new fuel filter. take your air filter out and give it a smack and you are good to go

Tech 2,

thx. I went thru all the possibilities and then just for shits and grins I disconnected the vacuum on the fuel pressure regulator and gas came out BINGO!! What a b!tch to change. But it's all fixed and the wife is happy again so I am happy again :grinno:

Thx again,

mazzov