Car ran great until a couple of days ago

Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 DODGE ARIES
  • 50,000 MILES
Car ran great until a couple of days ago. While driving at 55mph it stumbled once. The next drive three times. The next morning it started and then stalled three times, then ran fine on the forth start. Later that day it started losing power while driving and stalling at stops. It now will always start with no problem but only for a few seconds and then stall. Please help!
Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 6:34 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check the spark plugs, wires and ignition coils for a start.
Are you able to keep the engine running if you feather the throttle?
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
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  • 6 POSTS
It does keep running with the throttle feathered, however it is not steady and does stumble.
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The idling speed is too low and I would suggest cleaning the throttle body and checking for vacuum leaks.
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
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  • 6 POSTS
I found a broken vacuum line coming from the heated air and purge canister nipple. I am going to get a vacuum splice to fix the line. Would that fix this issue?
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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If it is a constant vacum line, it most probably would fix the problem. You need to get it fixed to know it that is the cause. You can try plugging the vacuum source to test.
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have ran down all the vacuum lines. Made the repair I mentioned earlier and no improvement.
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Also, when I open the throttle, a white vapor comes out. Is that normal? The car develops a strong gas smell when repeatedly started and kept running by giving it gas.
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Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If anything is coming out of the throttle, it could mean the ignition timing is too advanced.

Symptoms indicates the engine is running rich and if you have not checked the spark plugs and related components, go through them.
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Thursday, December 6th, 2012 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
RYANOKEEFE
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  • 6 POSTS
I have checked those. I am going to check the timing belt next to see if it is okay.
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Thursday, December 6th, 2012 AT 3:39 PM

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