[stryqer]

I posted before on a random misfire/hesitation on acceleration then the SES light would flash, then go away then everything was fine most of the time. The problem started up again yesterday and this morning it wont fire at all. First it acted like the battery was dead (clicking) then with a jump turns over but its like there is no spark at all at least its not firing. I am guessing an ignition issue? any thoughts thanks

 

[stryqer]

Forgot, the Van is a 2001 AWD 160,000KM or about 100K miles

 

[stryqer]

OK it had fuel, had spark but absolutely not firing at all, not even a hiccup

Guess what, changed the CAP with an old one I had kicking around and bang, fired right up and runs better than ever.
This would explain the flashing SES and crappy acceleration at times.

 

[astro355]

Yep, that will do it everytime. How did the inside of the cap look (the one you removed)?

 

[stryqer]

It looked like it was the original cap (100,000 miles)
Very corroded, I can't believe the van ran at all.
I also put dielectric grease on the contacts and wires, very nice runner now!

 

[Matrixx]

Hi stryqer

Was it a Delco cap you replaced the old one with? That's exactly what happened to me with an after market cap. You were lucky, I had to tow mine back to the shop, replaced the new cap with the old one I had as back up just to see, and Bang it fired right up. I put a new Delco cap on it and it has been running fine ever since I switched back to the AC Delco brand.

If it was a new Delco cap you used, then your vent screens need to be cleaned at the bottom of the distributor housing. I spray the inside of my cap with WD40, it helps prevent corrosion and it's non conductive. Hope this helps.

 

[astro355]

The main problem with these vans are the design of the doghouse. Too much heat gets trapped in that area and 'cooks' the cap. In electrical terms, more heat equals more resistance and the more resistance you have requires more voltage to jump the gap (or the amount of voltage jumping the gap is decreased).