1989 Dodge B250 Engine Shuts Off

1989 DODGE
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BUDDAMAN1260
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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...
Jul 29, 2006 at 11:26 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
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[quote:73e10b9a20="buddaman1260"]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...[/quote:73e10b9a20]

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.
Jul 29, 2006 at 1:17 PM

Suggested Repair

Start by checking the distributor pickup signal to the SMEC. A brief loss of a valid distributor signal can trigger auto shutdown and cut power to the coil and fuel pump, then allow a normal restart. A failed coil would more likely stay failed, and SMEC overheating is less likely if it restarts immediately.

Conversation Summary

A 1989 Dodge B250 with a 318 engine shut off while driving in hot weather, then restarted immediately with no further symptoms. Recent ignition and filter service had been done; the coil had not been replaced, and no condenser was found on the coil. The expert said the system uses a SMEC, coil, and distributor, and that a lost distributor signal for about two seconds can activate auto shutdown and kill power to the coil and fuel pump. That signal path was recommended as the starting point; a coil that failed would likely stay failed, and an overheating SMEC would be less likely to restart right away.

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