this is a little off topic but could figure out wher to post it, i have a 98 econoline with a v6 not sure as its my sears work van what size but when at a stop when i give it the gas to go it stumbles as if it is going to die the takes off, scary when you are pulling out into traffic and itmoves out but doesnt want to go. sounds like it is backfiring through the intake to sometimes when this happens. any help appriciated. thanks

 

Hi, Welcome to the forum
It should be a 4.2L V6.
How many miles are on it?
Tuned up lately?
I would first try cleaning the MAF.
Does it have a service engine soon( check engine ) light coming on and staying on?
Jimmy

 

there is no check engine light, as for a tune up i dont think sears does them, just oil and filter changes, van has 125000 miles on it, what would i use to clean maf. thanks

 

Carb cleaner. Just spray the two fine wires in the smaller hole inside the MAF.
If it has never been tuned up, it is due for new plugs and wires.
Jimmy

 

Good place to start, Jimmy.


If that doesn't take care of the issue, check for vacuum leaks using the same carb cleaner.

These motors have a known problem with the rubber vacuum elbow on the underside of the intake manifold collapsing and/or rupturing and causing a severe vacuum loss or leak.

Mine did at 120,000 mi. or so...


Just another thought.....

 

thanks for the info, cleaned the maf sensor and it is now working great.

 

Glad to hear you got it fixed.