Help, engine cuttin' out!

[drummiekev]

To keep it short, when I put a load on the engine it violently spits and sputters and I hear loud pops from the motor. So far we replaced the fuel pump but it still does the same thing. Any advice as to what to tell my mechanic to look at next would be greatly appreceited!

Thanks,
Kev

[tableman]

Could be your EGR valve is stuck open.
Will the van idle? and then under any load sputters?

[drummiekev]

It seems like it idles better when it's in park. When I come to a stop light it will idle ok for a few seconds, then I have to put into neutral and give a little gas so it doesn't stall. Then yes, the more the engine works the more it cuts out and spits and sputters.

Thanks for the help!

Kev

[606]

i will bet you 5 bucks it is the ignition coil, cause i had a similar sounding sympton and i drove my astro for about 6 months with it doing that. good luck!

[tableman]

If I were you, I think I would start with a good tune up, spark plugs, cap, rotor, and wires. And while you are at it, take off the EGR valve and clean it. Then go from there.

[drummiekev]

Can I replace the I.C. myself or should I let someone else do it?

[tableman]

If by I.C you mean the ignition coil, yes that is something you can change yourself.
How many miles and time has past since you last tune up?

[Kings-x59]

Replacing the ignition coil is not difficult. If the original coil is on the engine, you will need a drill. The replacement coil will not have the mounting bracket on it. You'll need to drill out the rivets holding the old coil in the bracket. The new coil will come with bolts and nuts to fasten it to the old bracket. It's basically just unplugging a few wires and removing two bolts to remove the old coil. Easy stuff.
Good Luck.

[drummiekev]

I think I had it tuned up last winter. I'm not sure how many miles I put on it since. I drive it around town everyday so I'm sure that puts alot of wear and tear on the engine components.

I've had this thing since 2000 and I have never had any major problems with the engine. I take good care of it and the motor has been the most reliable motor I've ever owned!

Thanks again for all your help guys!
kev

[drummiekev]

Whelp, it looks like the ignition coil was the problem. All the craziness stopped and it never has idled smoother. Thanks again for all the help, I'm sure I'll be back.

Kev