Well, maybe not the engine itself but something related to it!!!

This is for my Dodge Ram Van B150 1987 with a 225.

The van will start as normal, then I can run a couples of miles but suddenly engine will stall (just like if there was no fuel). This is happening either if I'm WOT or at a constant speed (part throttle). Then if I just release the pedal a little bit I can go for a while but the more I go the more I need to release the pedal and at the end I can't even run (and it begins to be harder to start if it stalls). If I wait a couples of minutes/ hours I can restart it no problems but it will do the same thing after...

Things that have been changed:

- Fuel tank & fuel gauge sending unit with strainer (not new but from my old 1984 van wich was good)

- Fuel lines
- Fuel pump
- Alternator
- Air filter
- spark plugs
- plugs wires
- distributor cap & rotor
- coil (not new but I tried 3 different with same result)
- Muffler
- Cat converter is removed
- I took a look at the carb float, everything seemed fine
- Tried another battery too...
- Cleaned all grounding points I could found

Next thing on my list are the pickup coils.

Anybody ever had a problem like this? Or has an idea of what could be the problem?

Thanks,
Guillaume

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap

Try driving with the gas cap loose (for troubleshooting purposes). The tank may not be venting properly.

D/W

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!

Good idea, I'll try this.


Forgot to mention in the post above, I also changed the fuel filter!!!

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1965 Valiant Custom 200, 2dr hardtop, 225ci
1997 Monte Carlo, 3800 supercharged swap
1995 Lumina, 3.4 DOHC swap

First... Do you have an automatic or manual transmissions?

Well, the part about running a couple miles and stalling reminds me of when the run pickup coil in my 1987 D150 truck failed. Auto tranny truck/van uses two pickup coils, one for "start" the other for "run". The ESA computer is setup to switch back to the "start" coil if the "run" coil fails. This was the problem with my truck. After it cooled down for a few hours and I restared and drove away it would do the same thing the exact same time or miles down the road. When it switches over to the "start" coil the engine will run in limp mode.

Now the part where you say you back off the throttle to make it go confuses this matter. This makes it sound like it may not be a pickup coil.

You can measure the resistance of the pickup coils with an ohm meter. Measure them with everything stone cold and again after it is fully hot and/or acting up. The "run" coil in my truck went to open circuit.

The way you put your words, its hard to make real sense of. But I'd say that it sounds more like a vapor lock type issue.

You've changed out most of the fuel system, but this parallels a fuel starvation issue. Since you used some old parts, it's still possible. Fine rust can clog a filter or inlet valve and cause just these symptoms. Do you have a transparent filter? If not, change the filters again and cut up the old one. Be careful about heat and sparks, as it still has gas fumes in it! You might also open up the carb and look for crap or fine rust in the bowl.
I put in one of those clear filters with a replaceable element, and found my problem very quickly. Rust would come through, coat and clog the filter while driving. Less gas, less power, until it stopped. Sitting a while would let the rust settle to the bottom of the filter, and it would run again. Cleaning the tank and changing the filter several times as the leftovers came through solved the problem. The filter is roadside-serviceable, too.
Another possible cause is a failing coil, changing resistance as it heats up.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Was the fuelpump new or just another one?

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Lasse

Signet -66 225
Holley 600 Offy-5270 Dutra Dual,regrind. cam 272 0,420 110, head shaved 0.100 slight.ported
MSD6A
A904
7 1/4 3.23

I'm currently having a similar problem with my '68 Valiant. Two weeks ago it seemed like a flat spot on my carb, but it got progressively worse. In the last few days it's become difficult to climb hills, and finally tonight the car studders when you give it gas, but idles fairly smooth.

It was in the shop about a month ago where the following repairs were made:

New carb (two barrel Carter carb)
New plugs
Engine re-timed
Valves
New fuel filter

In the last week, I have replaced:

Cap & Rotor
All plug wires
replaced coil (noticed oil getting into the top of the old one)


I have looked at the point and it seems to be fine, the contacts aren't worn or sticking. I have a new condenser to put in the cap tomorrow, but other than that and a possible crappy carb, I can't figure this one out.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!


Ryan

I bet you a dollar that condenser clears up your problem.

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

Kinda leaning (I just made a funny) toward a carburation issue. Are your guys accelerator pumps adjusted properly? Maybe torn cups? How about the power enrichment circuit..clean? Just some random thoughts.

Exactly what is "limp" mode, and does the SCC on my truck have this feature. Sometimes it will get to skipping terribly and you can shut it off and crank it right back up and it will run perfectly. Think my computer may be overheating. My truck has an auto. tranny too.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

I have had similiar problems with my 84 B150. It is a 49 state version. It has an idle solonoid that is funky on the throttle shaft. California versions of this vintage use the solonoid in the top of the carb. Try disconnecting it and possibly replacing it.
kev