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Chevy Caprice engine cuts out while driving.


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Monroe
New User

Aug 14, 2009, 10:34 PM

Post #1 of 3 (4450 views)
Chevy Caprice engine cuts out while driving. Sign In

1993 Chevy Caprice (police edition)
Engine: v8 350 5.7 liter
Mileage: 157,500

This has happened to me a number of times. When I'm driving the car will just cut out and it won't start for approximately 25-30 minutes. It usually cuts out when I'm braking with the speed around 20 mph. It has happened once when I was accelerating (A few times it cut and I was able to turn it on with no problems). It will turn over(crank), but not start. Any ideas on what could be the problem? It seems to cut out anywhere after 15 minutes of driving.


The distributor cap seemed to be in decent condition, but I didn't look at it too hard. I'm not quite sure what to look at for this problem. The battery connections are fine and it has plenty of gas and the oil level is fine.


(This post was edited by Monroe on Aug 14, 2009, 11:27 PM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 14, 2009, 11:48 PM

Post #2 of 3 (4442 views)
Re: Chevy Caprice engine cuts out while driving. Sign In

 All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be test during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
I know this may seem impossible but believe me, there is no other way.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Aug 15, 2009, 10:14 AM

Post #3 of 3 (4434 views)
Re: Chevy Caprice engine cuts out while driving. Sign In

As HT suggested, need to find out what is lacking when the engine dies. Fuel or spark. The most common cause of your symptoms would be the ignition control module. It is mounted on the breaker plate of the distributor. Remove the cap and the rotor and you will see it. But, first, determine that it is in fact, losing spark.
Loren
SW Washington






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