Cutting out while driving

[Fractured1]

I have a 96 Blazer LT, tonight on the way home it started to cut out, hapened several times. No ses light. Just driving along and the engine would cut out, would ease up on the gas and it would run better for a little while and then do it again, idles very smoothly though. When I did get home checked under hood and saw no fire works (was hoping it might be bad plug wires). Any thoughts out there, I do have a scan tool and do plan on scanning tomorrow, but was also looking for a few leads in case that comes up with no codes...also it was pouring down rain at the time...140000 miles on her...thanks in advance.

[wolfox]

I had a truck that would not run for diddly when you hit the gas, yet idled just fine. Turned out to be a cracked spark plug in the end. I would go ahead and do a *FULL* tune-up however, as there are multiple things that can contribute to your problem. A full tune-up includes:

Spark plugs
Spark Wires
Distributor cap and rotor
Air Filter
Fuel Filter
If needed - get that oil and the filter for that changed too.

If it still continues - then it is time to get technical. However, while under there - look around for broken or loose vacuum lines, as this can cause a stumbling problem too. All I mentioned thus far is the "cheap and quick" fix. If this does not catch it, then there are other places to start looking and checking... And if you have not already done so, please pick up a Chilton's book for your truck. It will explain things in greater detail than I can with pictures too!

[Fractured1]

Just got home from work and plan on tackling the plugs, wires, ect tonight. I have the chilton's but It sometimes seems the best advice comes and hints comes from places like this forum...thanks

[Fractured1]

Just a follow up...Changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter, Found an easier way to get #3 plug out, found and easier way of getting #3 plug out, instead of using a bunch of univerals and extentions I just removed two of my knuckles...the blood seemed to work as a lubricant! But really I used a plug socket and a stubby wrench to fit the end of it, worked from the top of the engine towards the fire wall and came out relatively easy...Old plugs looked like the gap was a 1/4 inch!! Test drive after supper, wish me luck..

[Mikado14]

Nah, 1/4" gap is standard with a Tesla coil. That is what your using, isn't it? Just kidding, Good Luck and hope it runs.

[wolfox]

I found that using a 20 degree, 6" wobble extension on a magnetized plug socket works wonders for me. That's how I managed to get around that steering column - however for me, the lubricant was supplied by a busted thumb knuckle. I got it done so fast because a thumb just bleeds out more. *chuckle* While goofing under your rig, drop the plates underneath to get to your fuel filter right between the driver's side door and the passenger door. (if a 4 door model) A bit of a pain, but using the right sized flare wrenches and some liquid wrench will save the knuckles on your other hand.

[Fractured1]

went for a 40 mile road trip, everything seems fine, wish it would rain though so I could see under those conditions.Once again, Thanks Guys!!
P.S. Now with my superman bandaids in place I can tackle anything...

[troubles789]

Take front tire off and you got a straight shot to all 3 plugs with 2 long extensions. No more scraped, bloody knuckles for years now. It works gl.

[Rick Norwood]

My experience most always leads me to the plug wires as the culprit. It doesn't hurt to buy the lifetime garaunteed ones from Autozone. The guy at the parts counter told me to bring them in EVERY TIME I CHANGED PLUGS and get a FREE set, regardless if they seemed bad or not. Seems like pretty good advice, FREE WORKS!

[jointheir]

I did have that issue as well. And I found it was te brakes.. Yes the vacum line and the cylander went bad and not only did the engine shut down unexpectadly but also at the final "straw" had no brakes. SO BE CAREFULL if it still is happening!! As the bandaids may not help for the result of that one..