2002 astro barely runs

[DrFarmer]

Could use some fresh ideas on this. 2002 astro. Died on us and had to haul it home (again). Anyway replaced dist cap and rotor. Started right up and seemed ok. Drove about 6 miles and it tried to die again. Nursed it back home and it's still here. It will start and run at idle not too bad. Can get 1/4 to 1/2 throttle then it dies. Acts like it runs out of fuel. Is hard to start after it dies. have to give it 1/2 to 3/4 throttle till it catches then back off. replaced the fuel filter, TPS, MAF. Fuel pressure stays up 60-63 doesn't vary much. Compression is good. Could it be the cat?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DrFarmer

Could use some fresh ideas on this. 2002 astro. Died on us and had to haul it home (again). Anyway replaced dist cap and rotor. Started right up and seemed ok. Drove about 6 miles and it tried to die again. Nursed it back home and it's still here. It will start and run at idle not too bad. Can get 1/4 to 1/2 throttle then it dies. Acts like it runs out of fuel. Is hard to start after it dies. have to give it 1/2 to 3/4 throttle till it catches then back off. replaced the fuel filter, TPS, MAF. Fuel pressure stays up 60-63 doesn't vary much. Compression is good. Could it be the cat?

Did you leave a gauge on it when running down the road and check pressure when it acted up or quit?

Any check engine lights on?

Good hot blue spark to all spark plugs?

What engine and engine code?
To check exhaust for stopage.
Check engine vacumn readings at idle and at 2K rpm.
Post back readings.
If vacumn drops when speeded up and held at 2K your exhaust is plugged up.

[DrFarmer]

It can't run down the road. It will barely run sitting still. The fuel pressure doesn't change at all. The timing light gives a good reading but that really doesn't tell if the spark is what it should be. Don't think that is the problem because when it dies it quits instantly with no change in the timing light indication. It really acts like a fuel problem. Also you do get MAF code and random misfire codes but not until you push the pedal down far enough to make it quit or almost quit so am thinking that really doesn't tell me much other than the engine isn't running right which I already know. Also will have to get a vacumn gauge and check the vacumn

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DrFarmer

It can't run down the road. It will barely run sitting still. The fuel pressure doesn't change at all. The timing light gives a good reading but that really doesn't tell if the spark is what it should be. Don't think that is the problem because when it dies it quits instantly with no change in the timing light indication. It really acts like a fuel problem. Also you do get MAF code and random misfire codes but not until you push the pedal down far enough to make it quit or almost quit so am thinking that really doesn't tell me much other than the engine isn't running right which I already know. Also will have to get a vacumn gauge and check the vacumn

MAF sensor could be your problem.
Are you running it with all air intake hoses on it.
Unplug MAF sensor it and see if it makes any difference.
What code no does it have?

[DrFarmer]

OK, sometimes get a P0300, P0101, P0102. Just cleared codes and started it up. No codes. ran terrible. no difference with MAF unplugged or not. currently have aircleaner off but made no difference on or off. It finally died, still no codes.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DrFarmer

OK, sometimes get a P0300, P0101, P0102. Just cleared codes and started it up. No codes. ran terrible. no difference with MAF unplugged or not. currently have aircleaner off but made no difference on or off. It finally died, still no codes.

You have to have air intake threw MAF sensor for it to run right.

If getting codes 101 and 102 work on them

[DrFarmer]

I have air through the MAF as it is after the aircleaner. Don't get any codes consistently. Would you get misfire codes from lack of fuel? OR if injectors not firing? I am sure the original problem when it quit on the road was the distributor cap center electrode shorted out. You could see the burned spot. It backfired a couple times pretty good when that happened, don't know if that could cause problems in the fuel system or not. Now i don't get any cross firing or consistent missing. Also changed MAF. Made no difference at all.

[MT-2500]

Check the engine vacumn.
Post back readings.

Watch for good hot blue spark to all plugs.
Watch that fuel pressure.
Good AC delco plugs and cap and rotor?

If you do not find anything there and no codes come back.
Get it on a good engine capable scanner and check all sensor readings and misfores and camshaft retard setting and past present or history codes.
Watch the crankshaft sensor and RPM readings real close.
Good Luck

[DrFarmer]

Finally broke down and took it to dealer shop. They say it is the catalytic converter plugged up so will get that fixed and hope that is the cure.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DrFarmer

Finally broke down and took it to dealer shop. They say it is the catalytic converter plugged up so will get that fixed and hope that is the cure.

You could have tested that with a vacumn gauge and saved 100 bucks.

We hope they done the proper testing right.

And if it is cats plugged be sure too fix what caused them tp plug up.
Like usually rich running or engine missfires.
If not fixed it will wipe outr cats again.
Good Luck

[DrFarmer]

Thanks for the input on my van. The shop didn't charge for checking the converter. They disconnected the exhaust and it ran up alright. Sometimes it pays to live in a small town. Suppose the cat got plugged up because of the ignition problems. Hopefully it will be 100% when I get done. It's a california spec car and the dealer said he could only put OEM parts on. Bid was about $1600 installed. I ordered a new unit online for $314, delivered. Guess I'll install it myself. Thanks again.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DrFarmer

Thanks for the input on my van. The shop didn't charge for checking the converter. They disconnected the exhaust and it ran up alright. Sometimes it pays to live in a small town. Suppose the cat got plugged up because of the ignition problems. Hopefully it will be 100% when I get done. It's a california spec car and the dealer said he could only put OEM parts on. Bid was about $1600 installed. I ordered a new unit online for $314, delivered. Guess I'll install it myself. Thanks again.

You are welcome and check and fix all engine running problems when you replace it
Good Luck