Engine backfires and then cuts out

Tiny
ROBERT HODGSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
Engine backfires and then starts to cut out like I am out of gas. Then will not start for a little while. Almost like the fuel lines are vapor locking, but do not see where it could be doing that. Is it my fuel pump going out? Smells of exhaust bad as well.
Sunday, October 14th, 2018 AT 2:27 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
I would suspect a clogged catalytic converter. The easiest way to test for that would be to take out the upstream oxygen sensors (the ones closest to the engine) and then see if it runs better. It will be loud, but if it runs better, then the catalytic converter is your problem. The reason that this works is because a clogged catalytic converter creates a lot of back pressure, keeping the engine from breathing out properly, and basically choking it. Removing the sensors allows the engine to breathe as it needs to. Here are some guides to help you:

- How to replace an O2 sensor - https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-oxygen-sensor

- How to test a cat - https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

- Symptoms of a bad cat - https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Let us know what you find and we will go from there.
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Sunday, October 14th, 2018 AT 2:43 PM

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