Shuts off while driving?

ZACS

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My 1997 Chevy 1500 keeps dying on me after I have been driving it for a while. If I drive it for an hour, it seems the engine gets hot and dies. Then won't start unless I let it sit for 20min or so. Was told this could be vapor lock? I recently replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump, so I hope that is not the problem. My temperature gauge says the engine is not hot when it shuts off. Not sure what the problem is here.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Next time it shuts off don't wait do below immediately to determine if its a fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.

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Monday, July 12th, 2010 AT 2:57 PM

NINA MCKELVEY

MEMBER
1 POST

I'm having the same exact problem with my 97 chevy k1500, is there any way you could tell me if you were able to fix the problem and if so, what was it? Please and thank you.

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Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 AT 5:21 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,840 POSTS

This can be a defective fuel pump, when the engine stalls out turn the key off and then on again to see if you hear the pump running in the fuel tank for about 5 seconds. If so, let's check for spark in case the ignition coil is getting hot and failing.

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Please go over these guides and report back.

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Thursday, January 12th, 2023 AT 5:57 PM