Another Car mechanic question

[Skins57]

I just bought a 1987 Chevy Astro mini van. 4.3L v6 4 speed auto. When I first bought it the guy who is also my normal mechanic said it was giving a MAP sensor code because sometimes when at a stop it would sputter and stall. So he replaced that sensor but now it does stay running at stops at lot better but when you start it as soon as you drop it into gear it will shut off (sometimes 4-5 times) until I start it and hit the gas in time to keep it going. When it shuts off it doesn't sputter it just dies with no warning. Once you get it on the road and driving it it runs good and has decent power. He has had the van for over a week and he is not getting anywhere fast so I thought maybe someone could offer a hint. Also now it is not showing any codes and the service engine light hasn't come on but i have had it very little to check
Thanks for any help

[riggins44]

Again, I much more familiar with Fords. On a Ford, if you disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes and then reconnect
the cable, you do an idle relearn. This is a 3 step process of accelerating and braking at various pedal pressure. Also, what
brand of gas are you using? If using the cheapest, try couple tanks of Texaco. This should clean your injectors in case one or several are partially clogged.

[Skins57]

Thanks
I always run the highest grade gas I can get, I think this van has a tank of 93 exxon. I just stopped in and talked to the guy working on my van and he thinks the MAP sensor I got was bad, if that doesn't not cure it, it could be heading for the dealer since no one knows them like the guys who make them. I have also run a tank of dry gas through it and fuel additive.

[DeanCollins]

Ok, auto service question. It's time to replace my CV joint/axle driver's side front on my '99 Olds Bravada. With 107k miles, I'm replacing the wheel bearing/hub assembly as well. I've got the wheel, caliper, rotor off and removed the 3 bolts holding the hub to the steering knuckle and am trying to separate the hub from the axle splines. The book (Climer) says something about a snap ring, and pushing the hub toward the axel till the ring falls out. But some online instructions say to use a puller to remove it.
I've tried the puller but it's wedged pretty good, leading me to believe that the book might be right. Which is it?

[twa]

Ok, auto service question. It's time to replace my CV joint/axle driver's side front on my '99 Olds Bravada. With 107k miles, I'm replacing the wheel bearing/hub assembly as well. I've got the wheel, caliper, rotor off and removed the 3 bolts holding the hub to the steering knuckle and am trying to separate the hub from the axle splines. The book (Climer) says something about a snap ring, and pushing the hub toward the axel till the ring falls out. But some online instructions say to use a puller to remove it.
I've tried the puller but it's wedged pretty good, leading me to believe that the book might be right. Which is it?

Don't recall a snap ring except on the CV shaft between the inner and outer joints.

Whack it with a hammer yet?

[DeanCollins]

yeah, I hit it a few times. I'll try the puller (and a bigger hammer) again tomorrow. :D

Hey twa, I also need to replace the pitman arm (and the idler arm). There is a frame cross member under the pitman arm, preventing me from getting a puller on it. I guess that means that the steering box has to come out, to replace the arm?

[twa]

yeah, I hit it a few times. I'll try the puller (and a bigger hammer) again tomorrow. :D

Hey twa, I also need to replace the pitman arm (and the idler arm). There is a frame cross member under the pitman arm, preventing me from getting a puller on it. I guess that means that the steering box has to come out, to replace the arm?

Bigger hammer is usually my solution as well.:D

Don't recall on the pitman arm,but obviously you will if it is not accessible to the puller(them bastards are on tight)...I thought the joint on that was in the center link?

[DButz65]

Sounds like a oxygen sensor went bad. Happened to my jeep all the dame time back in the day, same symptoms.

[DeanCollins]

Sounds like a oxygen sensor went bad. Happened to my jeep all the dame time back in the day, same symptoms.

I'll bet that he doesn't have that car anymore (2002) :laugh:

[DButz65]

I'll bet that he doesn't have that car anymore (2002) :laugh:


LOL Doh, didnt even notice *slaps self*

[DeanCollins]

Alright twa, I got the bearing/hub assembly apart from the CV spline and off (by beating the back of the hub while ratcheting the puller, that biatch was on there). Jacked up the lower control arm and separated the lower ball joint (I think that's what the book said :doh:) and I can't seem to get the lower ball joint up an out of the steering knuckle (so that I can swing it out of the way of the CV axle). Was I supposed to separate the upper ball joint instead? :silly:

[twa]

Alright twa, I got the bearing/hub assembly apart from the CV spline and off (by beating the back of the hub while ratcheting the puller, that biatch was on there). Jacked up the lower control arm and separated the lower ball joint (I think that's what the book said :doh:) and I can't seem to get the lower ball joint up an out of the steering knuckle (so that I can swing it out of the way of the CV axle). Was I supposed to separate the upper ball joint instead? :silly:

I usually just do the upper and tie rod,never have attempted just the lower.

From what I recall the steering knuckle has a lip(or backing plate) preventing the lower from coming out till you pivot the top in.

[DeanCollins]

That's what i thought. Oh well tomorrow is another day.

[twa]

That's what i thought. Oh well tomorrow is another day.

Yep, have you grown to hate cars and engineers yet?:D

[DeanCollins]

No not yet. But I could see how you would. As a part timer, I'm getting more patient in my old age.

[Elessar78]

What do the Knock Sensor and O2 sensor do for a car? Will I do long-term damage to my car if I don't replace it ASAP?

car model: 2003 Honda Accord 2.4L 4-cyl V-tech.

[twa]

What do the Knock Sensor and O2 sensor do for a car? Will I do long-term damage to my car if I don't replace it ASAP?

They pick up data used by the computer to adjust ignition and fuel mixture.
Generally it simply goes to default settings if they are out and cause no real harm other than performance/emission issues imo...kinda depends though

post the model and yr and perhaps someone will be able to give more specifics