95 Astro - Rough Idle, Missing, Exhaust smells of gas

[easyed]

I've read all of the posts on the boards that are related to what problems i'm having with my van (1995 Chevy Astro Van, 4.3 6 cyl.). And from what i've gathered it could be the Fuel Filter (Fuel Pump works fine btw), CMFI (clogged/improperly working fuel injectors), EGR valve (clogged/sticking), PCV valve, Ignition module, a vacuum line (disconnected, cracked, leaking), and oh about a zillion sensors (MAP, TPS, you name it, etc.). I did the normal tune up thing (new distributor cap, new wires, new plugs, new ignition coil w/ wire ). The van ran fine after i did all these and the problem seemed to have been cured thru the tune up, until cruising down the highway at 60 mph, the van started to chug and run rough all over again. Also takes longer to start now and the engine light will come on shortly after i begin to drive it and the van begins to load up and chug. What should i start replacing next?

[tableman]

With the Astro Vans you have to be very carefull after you have done a tune up, that you have routed all the spark wires neatly and in their hold down clamps. Most important is the distributor to coil wire. These wires like to arc, even if brand new, against the aluminuim heat sheild inside the dog house. There is actually a GM recall on position of this wire. The distributor to coil wire should be run down under things rather arcing over things to make it clear the other equipment. I speak from experience, I did the same thing, van ran better when I did a tune up, then all of a sudden it would do this weird bucking jerking thing. When I was trying figure out what I did wrong, I must of taken the thing about 10 times, then one time when I had the dog house off my eye caught all these burn pin hole in the heat shield. Then compare the burn marks to where the wires run and sure enough bulls eye.

[easyed]

Finally fixed the rough idling and surging problems. The exhaust had a heavy gasoling smell because 2 plugs weren't firing; one had a plug wire off, the other plug wasn't screwed in all the way. Also the EGR valve was stuck open due to chunks of carbon lodged inside. Van runs great now.

[Mecha2]

Try having a MOTORVAC service before you
spend your hard earned cash. This service should
flush all carbon deposits right out of your engine.
This should be done for any rough idling/missing
car.