Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Howley on May 17, 2008, 01:40:51 AM

Title: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Howley on May 17, 2008, 01:40:51 AM
I know this is not a moto topic but i figure it'll get more help here.

I have a Ford Econovan, it's a 2L carby petrol engine. Two days ago I'm driving it home and it starts dying. If I try to give it some gas it just won't fire, it's like the engine is still spinning but not sparking. If I keep accelerating it backfires massively. This is the case even when it isn't moving. The next day it seemed fine so I drove it, but it started doing it again after about 1km.
It's strange. It doesn't shudder or anything, it just makes zero power, engine stops revving, and it backfires. If I let off the accelerator it runs again. It starts and Idles fine.
I changed the fuel filter but that didn't do it. I thought it felt the same as my monster did when there was water in the carbs, and it was raining the day it happened, but the past two days have been fine and sunny and it still happens. I haven't checked the plugs because I don't have a wrench with me.

What could it be?????
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Howie on May 17, 2008, 03:44:55 AM
It does sound like a fuel problem.  I would try these two ideas first:

Remove the top of the carb.  Inspect the fuel in the float bowl for contamination and fuel level.
Test the fuel pump for pressure and volume.

If there is junk in the carbs you will need to clean the fuel tank as well.
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: 64duc on May 17, 2008, 05:27:37 AM
Change the fuel filter.
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: ducpainter on May 17, 2008, 06:23:05 AM
I'd use drygas first and take things apart later.
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Ddan on May 17, 2008, 10:56:16 AM
Try running it with the cap off the tank
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Howley on May 17, 2008, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 17, 2008, 06:23:05 AM
I'd use drygas first and take things apart later.

So it sounds like water in the fuel to you nate?
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: ducpainter on May 17, 2008, 06:28:49 PM
Quote from: Howley on May 17, 2008, 05:47:00 PM
So it sounds like water in the fuel to you nate?
It's the first thing I try when a rig suddenly acts like you describe.

It's cheap...and can't hurt anything if you add a small container to a tank of fuel.

It isn't always instantaneous though. Water can hide in a fuel system.
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Rameses on May 17, 2008, 07:42:35 PM
It's probably b/c you're on the bottom-side of the world and your gas is dumping out of your float bowls.


:P
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on May 18, 2008, 12:00:06 AM
Quote from: Rameses on May 17, 2008, 07:42:35 PM
It's probably b/c you're on the bottom-side of the world and your gas is dumping out of your float bowls.


:P

He's right.

Turn the Van over.
Title: Re: What the hell is wrong with my van???
Post by: Major Slow on May 18, 2008, 07:42:11 AM
Check to see if your exhaust is plugged