HELP...car won't go

[sundrops]

I just bought an 84 Grand Wagoneer...it's a v-6, 65000 orig. miles, MINT condition. Unfortunately, it stalls out while i'm driving (it could happen at 65 or 25mph). It seems almost as if it pops into neutral and then dies when i slow down and pull over. I just need advice as to what I should have looked at for repair first??? The carb, feul line or pump, etc...HELP!

[Antelope]

V-6 in a Grand Wagoneer, are you sure about that, I don't think so..... Popping into neutral, what does it do when it idles? It doesn't seem like a fuel delivery problem...

[sundrops]

Sorry...it's a 6cyl. When it's idle it runs "okay" but sometimes it just shuts off if i leave it sit. I don't really know how to describe it...if i'm going down a straight road at 40mph (or any speed) and giving it gas, it just shuts down. Almost as if it goes into neutral...but the engine doesn't rev if i continue to give it gas. If I pull over and start to slow down, sometimes it just starts back up again without shutting it off...sometimes it shuts off and i have to wait a few minutes to start it up again. This problem is sporatic...sometimes it doesn't do it atall, sometimes every 5 miles. Problem is, i weigh 125lbs and when it shuts down, i lose power brakes and steering. I have no control over it then. Thanks for your help

[joe]

If it just quits running and dies instantly as if the key were turned off I'd suspect the ignition module or the pickup coil in the distributer.
If it stumbles etc and dies a slow death I'd suspect either dirt in the carb. The sock on the fuel line inside the tank maybe plugged up also. Or even melted if your state runs that MTB(MBT?) or whatever it's called additive in their gasolene.

[Brown Bear]

I'd check the ignition module first. It's fairly cheap, goes out all the time, and is easy to change.

[sundrops]

:D thanks alot for all of your help...if anyone else has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. I will try the ignition module first.

[sundrops]

:confused: I spoke with someone (who happens to be one of the best mechanics I know) and he told me we should test the ignition module and knock the "honeycomb" out of the catalytic converter. He says he's done this with several vehicles (including Jeeps) and it has always proved to be a solution. Any comments?

[waggin'ear]

This may be duhhh answer, but I would make really sure that your battery connections are good. Clean them etc. I have seen at least one experienced person replace several parts when the problem was a loose battery cable. good luck.

[tuckers89GW]

why know out the cat? unless the cat is plugged it shouldn't cause any problems like that.
My guess is the ignition module also. It will go out on you eventually.

[Dan G]

Sundrops,

First of all, Where in NJ?

Second, check the ignition module.

Third, get a new mechanic. This is a Jeep in NJ, you will NEVER pass the new emissions test with a hollowed out catalytic converter. Hollowing out the catalytic converter (cat) is illegal. He could be fined for telling you to do it. After all, we live in the most anal state in the world.

Fourth, check your light gauge wires going to your coil. Make sure they are not broken or burned or anything.

[sundrops]

I live in Tewksbury, NJ
I'm going to replace the ignition mod tomorrow...hopefully that'll do it.
AND hopefully the car's fixed tomorrow cause we're supposed to get all that snow and living on a mountain is cause for having a good 4wd to get around ;)

[tnhunter]

Check for vapor lock. I know it's winter time. But mine was suffering many of the same symptoms you are last year this time. It turned out to be vapor lock. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Marvin Gates]

If the Cat is plugged you will know it by looking under the car, they get cherry red HOT! (The Module) 95% chance!

[ January 18, 2002: Message edited by: Marvin Gates ]</p>

[sundrops]

UPDATE: We did a full tuneup...apparently, one of the spark plugs was completely burned out...who knows how it was even running. Still stalling though, i'm going to replace the carb this weekend. Cat's fine. Replacing the ignition module too i guess. We'll see...