When the engine stumbles, one of the symptoms is the electrical gauge dips down then returns to normal.
Would a clogged cat caust that ?

 

If it idles low enough during the stumble the gauge will dip down, the Alt needs at least some RPMs to charge at all...........

 

I guess I have a few options, pay the $500 I was quoted for new cats and hope that is the problem or junk it.
Everywhere I take it nobody can give me a definite answer as to what the problem is. No codes, OBD1, no check engine light. (It does work)

 

You need to take it to a Shop and have them Diagnose and repair it, then they can "eat" the any parts that don't fix it. Chances are that after 20+ yrs and 200,000+ miles, "if it hasn't been rebuilt or replaced it needs it"....................

 

Well, I just got done replacing the Idle control solenoid and cleaning the throttle body with cleaner, put it back together and it has the exact same idle/stalling problem

Before I did this I pounded on both cats and muffler with a heavy rubber mallet but I did not hear anything that sounded like a rattle coming from inside. I did it with it off and while idling. I also used a dowl, about a foot and half by 3/8ths diameter to listen to the cats at idle and I heard nothing that sounds like a rattle.

I have a hard time believing its a fouled plug because the it idles fine for 30 seconds or so then does the miss-type idle.
If it were a fouled/bad plug wouldnt it idle bad right away?

I tapped on the PCV valve and I can hear it rattle, when the van is idleing I can hear it rattling around like crazy, is that normal?
Also, There is quite a bit of oil surrounding the grommet, like it seeped through.

The fuel pressure regulator is also making a clacking noise, Is that normal?

THANKS FOR ANY HELP.

 

In addition to the above post, I just finished pulling six of the eight plugs.
They looked almost new and were all gapped properly.

I could not reach the passenger front two. I will have to pull the wheel to check the other two but I dont trust my floor jack or jackstands.

 

You not going to get to spark plugs #1 & #2 from the wheel well.
#1 is right behind the alternator, a long extension from under the heater box will get the plug, #2 you need to get a swivel handle ratchet, or beaker bar, and get to it from the back of the engine -to-the-front.

Been keeping low on your recent posts, Go back and read my post #82, and IF you can find a real garage, with a real ASE mechanic he/she should have the right tools for what your trying to do.

This post is now a year old, and into 7 pages.

Maybe start a new post with what your experiencing with the rough idle Now.

Going back and re-read everything that everyone suggested for the past year is a little too much.

So, to say that after you start up, and after a minute, the idle is rough?
Or do you have a mis-fire?

What econolinemanor posted on 9/30 it very true, with the problem you started with a year ago, the problem might have take some senors out, or plug up the cats.

Here, I found this for you, a lot cheaper than $500, for now...........Link