1997 GMC Safari Dies While Driving

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DRIFTAWAY13
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My van was running fine and one day just died in the middile of the road. It felt as though I had run out of gas although the gas gauge said I had quarter tank still. I put new gas in just in case and could not get it to fire back up. I pulled the intake off and sprayed some starting fluid in and got it to start and run for 20 min or so then tried to drive it. No luck as soon as I left it would jerk and die.. It did start back up a few times and then nothing? I have checked the fuel pressure at the nipple before the throttle body and I have 60 psi. there is spark at the coil and to the spark plugs but no fire in the hole. Tried to spray starting fluid again but can't get it to turn over now..[size=24:4a515ae304][b:4a515ae304] Any help would be much appreciated....[/b:4a515ae304][/size:4a515ae304][/b][b:4a515ae304][/b:4a515ae304]
Feb 13, 2006 at 10:57 AM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
how old is your fuel filter and spark plugs?
Feb 13, 2006 at 11:00 AM
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DRIFTAWAY13
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
They are the originals..(99000 miles on it).
Feb 13, 2006 at 5:24 PM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
change them the filter may be pluged which is why it felt like you ran out of gas. pressure is different from flow. also the plugs may be fouled. start here if there original they need replacement.
Feb 14, 2006 at 10:46 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the original fuel filter and spark plugs. A restricted filter can limit fuel flow even when pressure reads about 60 psi, and fouled plugs can prevent proper combustion. Start with those replacements.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 GMC Safari died while driving and felt as if it had run out of fuel despite showing a quarter tank. Adding fuel and using starting fluid produced only a short run before it stalled again. The owner reported about 60 psi fuel pressure and spark at the coil and plugs, but no combustion, and later it would not crank. The fuel filter and spark plugs are original at about 99,000 miles. The expert advised replacing both, noting that pressure does not equal flow and that the plugs may be fouled.

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