1996 Dodge Caravan Engine Looping

COACH_WALKER

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Engine is the 3.8 v-6.
when I drive the van over 65-70 miles per hour, it will bog dorwn and slowly die out.

no apparent reason.

while trying to start the engine it will show signs of flooding, rich mixture.

I let it set for 10-15 minutes and it will start vut with rough idle and higher rpm.

Shut it off and when it does start with smother rpm, I can shut it down for 5 minutes, restart and it runs great for several weeks if not months.

Smooth as silk otherwise, all other speeds below 65-70.

about yeqar ago the dealer replaced the (cam shaft speed sensor) and died the following day while going to work. Still no apparent reason.

because it does not do this when it is in the shop, they never find anything. Even the computer does not show the problem.

still no ryme or reason.

I am not loking to sell van.
need it only for one more year, then it can go to the junk yard if needed. Lol

help?

stan

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? Have they checked the fuel pump pressure?

Let me know.
Joe

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 1:10 PM

COACH_WALKER

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The fuel filters were all changed out about 10,000 miles ago along with full tune up. Plugs, air filter, as part of the program.

I have wondered if the plugs in the back side of engine have been changed, because the gas mileage has also declined from 21 now down to 16 on an overall average, city and hiway. These plugs are very difficult to reach for anyone.

I do not think the fuel pressure has ever been tested. I do use the high mileage Gum Out every 4-5,000 miles.

During the looping times, I do smell gas with windows open and trying to start the van.

I can sometimes drive for months, without any problems if my speeds do not exceed the 60-65 mph, but when driving over 65-70 mph, the van will die even with the cruise control on. I might drive for 50 miles with cruise on at 70, before it looses power and eventually dies.

I hope this gives you some additional insight and it helps to find a solution to my only transportation.

I hate car payments. Lol

Stan

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 4:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Stan, I hate car payments too. I just redid my 17 year old Dakota with 220K on it. My wife thinks I'm nuts, but it keeps running. I would rather put 100 bucks into it every few months than have a 400 dollar a month payment on something that will just break down too.

As far as your car. I feel that the fuel pump is not able to keep up with the volume required at higher speeds. At least that is what it sounds like. However, the fuel smell you get concerns me. What I want you to do is locate the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail. Remove the vacuum line from it and check to see if there is any evidence of fuel leaking into the vacuum hose. Also, I want you to check fuel pressure and pressure drop off to make sure there is no leak. Here are the directions. NOTE: Pay special attention to pressure drop off. If it drops too fast, that means there is a leak in the system. You check drop off when the key is first shut and the pump is off.

Here is a video and directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

NOTE: You will need a fuel pressure gauge. Most parts stores will lend or rent them to you.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

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Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 6:33 PM

COACH_WALKER

MEMBER
4 POSTS

My van is in Dallas and I am on a short vacation in Brazil, will be back around June 26th.

So, completing the steps you gave me will take some time for me to complete.

I have everything saved and will review the video link too.

I thank you so much for your speedy answers that all make sense.

I will get back to you as soon as I have done the tests.

Thanks agian,

Stan

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Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 10:39 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS