engine cutting out
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Waldoboro USA
engine cutting out
We have an '86 Ford Econoline 150 conversion van, with a 302 engine, and 117,000 original miles. Had it about a year and no probs until just recently on a trip. The engine cuts out once in a while and it seems to happen when we've just begun to accelerate slightly or maybe when the automatic transmission is shifting down (which would also be a time when the engine is calling for more gas). This sounds like a flooding thing, but there is no raw gas smell. When we started our current trip the gas mileage was 17.7 mpg, but now its around 14.9, although some of this could have been due to city driving on this last tank. The Ford dealer put it through some tests (fuel pressure, "ig" test) and said everything was up to specs and they didn't know what what was wrong with it. This has been a great vehicle for us but know we're worried it might quit and not start up again. Oh yeah, after it quits it does start right up again on the key after shifting into neutral. Any help would be appreciated greatly. dustyandjoanna
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: South Central PA
engine cutting out
It might possibly be something electrical. I used to have an 80 Bronco that would do the same thing. It turned out the one motor mount was weak enough that the engine was pulling to one side and straining the wiring harness (which I had tied back a little too tightly). Mount wasn't broken yet, just had a lot of movement in it. Had a 79 Bronco do it too when the ground to the engine broke off. I had just bought it though and the negative battery cable was only hooked to the frame. Got plenty of juice to crank it and it would run, but as soon as I'd push the gas it would want to break up and stall. Ran a new ground cable to the engine from the battery and it ran like a top!
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Waldoboro USA
engine cutting out
Thanks for your help. I just spent one heck of a frustrating day trying to install a "simple" bolt-on, to wit: the ignition module. Just 2 bolts hold it onto the distributor, but they're recessed and a very small odd size to boot, best I can figure 7/32" unless some close metric to that. Never did get the job done because none of the parts suppliers including HOme Depot who were open today (New Years Day) had any sockets or nut breakers that size. I looked at the negative ground and it did need a screw where the middle of the cable attaches to the inside fender wall. But that didn't solve the problem. In the process of talking with mechanics, and people at the parts stores (on both sides of the counter), the consensus seemed to be that the culprit (80% chance) is the ignition module. So tomorrow will find me back at the mechanic's with new part in hand. Thanks again. Dusty
