Engine random stalls won't restart - '92 Geo Tracker

[Mousepad99]

Hi All!

I've been enjoying what I call my toy for many months now. I bought a Geo Tracker '92 about 3 months ago.

My problem began 1 month ago. I'm on the highway, and suddenly I felt the engine fail. But press the clutch, let out the clutch and engine is back on. No problems for 2 more weeks.

Then the problem began to occur frequently, first the engine would run fine but would not start after turned off when hot. What I would do is wait a minute or 2 and the engine would start. This could occur in one day every time I would stop the engine and try to start it soon after or not at all, depending on the days. But especially in hot days.

Then, it started happening while driving. The engine would stall, not responding at all. Sometimes, while still going at around 50 km, starter would restart it, sometimes not. But it would always restart after a minute or two.

Then things got worst, it could work for 2 days without a problems, or a day 5 minutes ok, then have to wait for 15 minutes for it to start. Yesterday, had to wait 10 hours. Today, it won't start at all.

When I turn the key ON, i can hear the gas pump humming for a few secs, spark plugs are sparking, gas is coming out from injectors, air filter is new. It won't start now. Maybe tomorow it will start again but if I go on the road, I am sure it will stall out randomly after about 30 minutes and won't restart. The thing is very random and getting worst and worst.

Any idea, suggestion? I'm an expat in Mexico and this vehicule is very unknown to the local mechanics because it was not sold here at the time and imported it from the states, because I love trackers.

Best Regards,

Steve

[joejoe]

i have seen this type of problem of several type of cars/trucks (non coil pack). In these cases it was the disturbutor. To narrow it down it was the ignator is failing. In most cases the dristrubutor you will need to purchases the whole unit, so you may not be able to get the one internal part you need.

Joe

[ranger88den]

You say you have spark, so when it dosen't start, try spraying starting fluid in the throttle body/carb., if it runs for a short time, you probably have a fuel related issue. Don't just replace parts, test the parts you think are defective. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and Good Luck. Dave

[Mousepad99]

Originally Posted by ranger88den

You say you have spark, so when it dosen't start, try spraying starting fluid in the throttle body/carb., if it runs for a short time, you probably have a fuel related issue. Don't just replace parts, test the parts you think are defective. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and Good Luck. Dave

Did exactly what you said with carb cleaner and the engine was kinda running while spraying the fluid through the air duct, so it was indeed a gas problem. I called a mechanic at home cause I'm terrible with engine works. we first thought it was the gas filter, it was really dirty and almost blocked, but that didn't fix it. We found out that yes gas was coming but not from injector. The cable giving power to the injector didn't give power. We connected the power cable of the injector to the battery while i am waiting for a new ECM. Because I don't like that ugly "hack". Temporary fix but it does work.

Thanks for taking the time to read my problem and recommending solutions guys. Really appreciated.

[nascarmaniac]

Originally Posted by Mousepad99

Did exactly what you said with carb cleaner and the engine was kinda running while spraying the fluid through the air duct, so it was indeed a gas problem. I called a mechanic at home cause I'm terrible with engine works. we first thought it was the gas filter, it was really dirty and almost blocked, but that didn't fix it. We found out that yes gas was coming but not from injector. The cable giving power to the injector didn't give power. We connected the power cable of the injector to the battery while i am waiting for a new ECM. Because I don't like that ugly "hack". Temporary fix but it does work.

Thanks for taking the time to read my problem and recommending solutions guys. Really appreciated.

I consider this a very good post. This is how you solve problems without just throwing parts at it. Well done ranger88den good call, and mousepad99. clap,clap

[tcas1355]

I just completed a repair to my friends ECM on his Tracker. It's actually a very easy fix. I'm not talking about the "hack" bypass of the ECM, but an actual repair of the bad capacitor inside of the ECM. It involves a little bit of knowledge, but it's overall pretty easy. A lot cheaper than a new or rebuilt ECM.

[TURBO91GEO TRACKER]

If You Need A Ecm Ebay 75-99 Dollars 1 Year And Life Time Warranty . I Have One It Is The Best.look For Ebay User Trailsidekick

[master_zuk]

I need to do the same thing.

My problem is similar, but my Tracker doesn't stall out. Rather, it bogs down like it isn't getting fuel. In my experience, this sounds like a fuel problem, but maybe it is in the plugs or distributor?!

I'm going to try a fuel system flush (Wynns, baby!) and go from there. I hear Seafoam works pretty well too. Any opinions?

JT - Cold and wet in MT!!!

[tracka96]

Try advancing your timing and see what it does. Tracka