Van engine starting to miss, what to check?

[Bignate603]

The '97 chevy van has about 125k on it, runs pretty well. Sometimes at idle it feels like the engine is missing at idle, not always but often enough to be a worry. It's fine under power and hasn't started throwing a code but I'd like to fix this. The little kicking that it does at idle definitely doesn't feel healthy.

I was going to start with plugs and wires because it's probably time anyways, but any other ideas? What leaky vacuum lines should I check?

 

[Vette73]

What have you done to it?
Here is a list to check off.


1. Plugs (Just use copper plugs like AC, Champ, bosch, etc...)
2. Plug Wires
3. Cap + Rotor
4. Fuel filter, PCV Valve, and air filter
5. Clean out Throttle body (Open TB and spray carb cleaner into engine)


Start with all that is you have not done any in over 30k. Report back after that.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
What have you done to it?
Here is a list to check off.


1. Plugs (Just use copper plugs like AC, Champ, bosch, etc...)
2. Plug Wires
3. Cap + Rotor
4. Fuel filter, PCV Valve, and air filter
5. Clean out Throttle body (Open TB and spray carb cleaner into engine)


Start with all that is you have not done any in over 30k. Report back after that.

Air filter is brand new but everything else hasn't been changed since I've owned the car. I'll try all that but probably leave the fuel filter till last just because it would be the hardest to get at.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
What have you done to it?
Here is a list to check off.


1. Plugs (Just use copper plugs like AC, Champ, bosch, etc...)
2. Plug Wires
3. Cap + Rotor
4. Fuel filter, PCV Valve, and air filter
5. Clean out Throttle body (Open TB and spray carb cleaner into engine)


Start with all that is you have not done any in over 30k. Report back after that.

Air filter is brand new but everything else hasn't been changed since I've owned the car. I'll try all that but probably leave the fuel filter till last just because it would be the hardest to get at.

What kind of van? small (4.3l V6) or full size (V8)??? The fuel filter on either should be under the rear. Its probbale easier to get to then the cap and rotor.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
What have you done to it?
Here is a list to check off.


1. Plugs (Just use copper plugs like AC, Champ, bosch, etc...)
2. Plug Wires
3. Cap + Rotor
4. Fuel filter, PCV Valve, and air filter
5. Clean out Throttle body (Open TB and spray carb cleaner into engine)


Start with all that is you have not done any in over 30k. Report back after that.

Air filter is brand new but everything else hasn't been changed since I've owned the car. I'll try all that but probably leave the fuel filter till last just because it would be the hardest to get at.

What kind of van? small (4.3l V6) or full size (V8)??? The fuel filter on either should be under the rear. Its probbale easier to get to then the cap and rotor.

It's a venture, has a 3.4L in it. I'll check out where it is. I've gotten used to those stupid filters in impossible to reach places. A friend of mine just had to drop his tank to get at a filter.

Edit: Looks like it's underneath the driver's side on the rail halfway back. That will be ridiculously easy to change, maybe 10 minutes. Thanks.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
What have you done to it?
Here is a list to check off.


1. Plugs (Just use copper plugs like AC, Champ, bosch, etc...)
2. Plug Wires
3. Cap + Rotor
4. Fuel filter, PCV Valve, and air filter
5. Clean out Throttle body (Open TB and spray carb cleaner into engine)


Start with all that is you have not done any in over 30k. Report back after that.

Air filter is brand new but everything else hasn't been changed since I've owned the car. I'll try all that but probably leave the fuel filter till last just because it would be the hardest to get at.

What kind of van? small (4.3l V6) or full size (V8)??? The fuel filter on either should be under the rear. Its probbale easier to get to then the cap and rotor.

It's a venture, has a 3.4L in it. I'll check out where it is. I've gotten used to those stupid filters in impossible to reach places. A friend of mine just had to drop his tank to get at a filter.

Edit: Looks like it's underneath the driver's side on the rail halfway back. That will be ridiculously easy to change, maybe 10 minutes. Thanks.

Yep it is.

But that does not have a cap and rotor. I thought when you said van you meant work van/astro van. Not a FWD Mini-van. So everything but the cap and rotor.

 

[bruceb]

I agree, it is very likely bad plugs and wires, especially if they have never been changed in 125K miles.
On GM cars, your best bet is use the same type and number of plug that is in there. They are usually
with platinum or iridium. A bit costly, but they will last 100K miles or so. Plugs wires can be any decent
8mm silicon wires, such as form Delco, or Accel or other good names. Just be sure you use the correct
length wire for each plug and don't let them touch hot engine parts. For the plugs, put a small amount of
Antiseize on the plug threads before you install them. Do not overtighten the plugs or the insulator can crack.