engine cutting out

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teach
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engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Hi
Not sure if this is the right part for this question but here goes.
I have a 91 Suzuki Vitara. It has just started spluttering and losing power momentarily, like there is a momentary blockage in the fuel supply. I did notice it started with a puff of blue smoke. Not sure if that is related.

It is worse when it is hot and seems better at high revs in low gear (like when I am in third and really should have changed into 4th).

Anything I should be looking at?
Was going to replace the spark plugs tomorrow. Could it be the fuel filter?

Thanks in advance for any ideas. i am not the best mechanic but have been teaching myself slowly.
nzlux
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by nzlux »

I had a car that use to momentary cut out at lower revs, it was caused by a spider in the fuel filter,

If you have not already done so you may want to replace the fuel filter and see if that helps.
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teach
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Yes, that will be the next step. I just replaced the air filter and now can't get it to fire up at all.
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teach
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Fuel filter replaced. Still not a goer. Turning over fine justnot firing. Checked the distributor cap and cleaned the contacts. beginning to think it could be something expensive.
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Swamped
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by Swamped »

Fuel, spark and air are your directions of checks . A loss of any of the 3 and you have no motor.This is assuming the motor is mechanically fine cos it was running ok.
Any lights come up on the dash when it was sounding sick ie battery light or check engine? Catalytic converter sensors can be a pita on vitaras but you should still be able to start it id expect and you get a check light up.
Got spark at the plugs? Just pull one out and hang it on the side of the block and have someone crank it to see what its like. I've had similar symptoms with a damaged lead.
I'd then be checking if its got fuel from the pump to the motor to see if the pumps ok.
Will it run a bit on engine start?

Thats all easy stuff you can look at yourself for free and give you a lot more of an idea.

My 2 high k'd vitaras always smoke on startup - Just burning some oil :lol:
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teach
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Fuel pump works because I can hear it when the key is turned on.
Can't get the spark plugs out as it is a relatively recent purchase replacing a Bighorn so had no need for a special spark plug removal tool.
Not a hint of ignition when the key is turned.
Off to the mechanic tomorrow. Was really hoping it was going to be something simple like the fuel filter.
I swear my vehicles can tell when I almost have enough saved up for a new fly rod.
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Swamped
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by Swamped »

Its always like that :lol:
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Mattman
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by Mattman »

As above its fuel spark or air. Air is unlikely unless you have lost all compression or got a fully blocked intake.

Fuel, crack the fuel rail if its injected or carb supply line and crank it over and confirm you are getting fuel to the motor.

Spark, pull one plug and leave it connected to the lead and sit it on the block so its earthed and crank the motor and yoiu should see visible spark.

A stands plug socket should work fine to pull a plug. Report back here after doing the initial checks.

Matt.
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crzyfl
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by crzyfl »

To check if it fuel or ignition you can spray aerostart or start ya bastard in the air intake while someone cranks it. If it fires it is fuel. If it doesn't it is ignition. If it is carbed check the distributor points.
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teach
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Well, towed the vehicle to the garage. Had him stumped for a while. Turns out the ignition coil igniter was the issue.
dtchch
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by dtchch »

How much did the coil cost you? Did you go new?

I've been fighting a similar problem, real bad misfire when flooring it goes alright over 3k rpm.
New plugs fix it for a while but then craps out after a while, I wonder if its weak spark
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jervisad
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by jervisad »

it could be sucking in to much air ie. intake manifold gasket which is what mine was
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jervisad
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by jervisad »

it kept dieing at low revs this is a carby 1600 tho
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teach
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Re: engine cutting out

Post by teach »

Went new for the part. Cost $280. Plus labour. Then i discovered the mechanic broke off the temperature sensor so he is replacing that.
I went on holiday so after he got it going he dropped it back at my house no charge for me. So I didn't get too pissy about the sensor.
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