89 Dodge B250 van

BUDDAMAN1260

MEMBER
1989 DODGE

Hi I was driving down the hi yesterday in 90plus degree weather when all of a sudden the engine shut off 318 5.7 ltr I pulled to the side of the road and it started right up with no problems again. What may cause something like this thanks. :Ps this van has115k miles ive change recently plugs wires rotor and cap air filter pcv valve. Was going to change coil but did not. Ooh by the way when I change the coil is there any thing else I should change with it. There is no condeser on coil like old models. Maybe it is located somewhere else I cant find anywhere? Thanks again.

1 Reply

MIKEYBDMAN

MECHANIC
623 POSTS

Well, it could have just got a bad signal from the distributor, and shut off. All you have ia a Single Module Engine Controller, ignition coil, and distributor. I would think if the coil went bad, it would stay bad. The distributor sends the signal to the controller for crankshaft and camshaft positions. An interuption of that signal could cause it you malfunction. I read that if the SMEC does not see a valid signal for 2 seconds from the distributor, it will activate the auto shut down which kills power to the coil and fuel pump. Might be the place to start your trouble shooting.
I would also think if the SMEC was overheating, it wouldnt just start right back up.