engine dies while braking downhill

[john tilson]

My 2000 mountanieer runs fine except to intermitent die when braking to a stop sigh especially down a hill. Since I have a steep descending driveway ti dies there too. Yesterday I had to coast on down to level ground before it would restart. It is the v8 engine. No codes set and not engine lights have come on.

Any ideas. Incidentally the fuel guage quit working a few days ago too. could that affect this any wal?

 

[john tilson]

What? No genieus here?

Earlier I posted that my 2000 V8 dies if I brake to a stop down hill. Will not restart while still on the hill. I coast to level ground and it restarts like nothing happened. Does not die when stopping on level ground. If I hold it in place in reverse down the steep hill in my driveway, it doesent offer to die until I step my foot on the brake.

Could the abs system be causing this?

I have checked the inertia switch and it is not popped plus when I get back to level ground it restarts.

Seriously, anyone know how to figure this out???????

 

[FROADER]

I merged your threads. You didn't even post your original one 24 hours ago on a Saturday. Give it some time for people that might know the answer to see it and then reply. Please don't start more than one thread about the same thing either.

 

[bphodgesus]

It's a downhill struggle

Look at your fuel tank. I think the pick up is in the rear of the tank Is your tank low on fuel? Could there be water or debris in your tank? I had an experience where with a fuel tank that was low, I parked in a spot that had my nose pointing down hill that I had to add a gallon of fuel to the tank for the engine to start.

 

[pumpkin]

Here's a wild guess: Since the fuel filter is on the drivers side frame laying horizontally, maybe MAYBE there's a lot of trash in it and when you head downhill, it clogs up and when you level out, the trash falls to the bottom. :scratch:

 

[bphodgesus]

Here's a wild guess: Since the fuel filter is on the drivers side frame laying horizontally, maybe MAYBE there's a lot of trash in it and when you head downhill, it clogs up and when you level out, the trash falls to the bottom. :scratch:

That sounds plausible as well. I would probably pursue the water/debris angle in the fuel system if your fuel level is adequate. You could try some Seafoam or similar product in your tank to remove accumulated condensation, etc. And if that doesn't work, replace the fuel filter. If it isn't one of those, report back and we can try to find the solution. Either way let us know what you find.

 

[john tilson]

Okay, Ill have a look at the filter, but the tank is full and it does the same as when iit was low. The curious thing to me is there seems to be no hesitation until I brake.

To the moderator: I was just feeling desparate with no other transportation. Not a happy feeling. I appreciate your understanding.

 

[budwich]

well... you have set up the conditions pretty simple.... going down hill and hit the brakes and it dies. then it will not restart. IF you get it in this "repeatable condition", see the "millions" of "no start" threads and even the sticky (I think) which all give great troubleshooting, information collecting, measuring advice to help you and people here get you going. Without any of that, you are going to be "desparate" for a lot longer and likely chasing "solutions" that won't get you anywhere.

 

[john tilson]

No Mr.budwich. I didnt say that it wouldn't start. In fact it restarts easily when sitting level. You are right though.. There are millions of no start posts. Perhaps I could check a few thousand of them each day...might loose some weight if I dont eat while doing it. You are very helpful so have a nice day while I scan a few thousand more.

 

[budwich]

Well Mr. tilson, your second post says it will NOT restart once it has stalled on a hill..... so leave it there.... and do the checks for "no restart".

 

[Turdle]

I suspect the sending unit-fuel pump assembly--you already stated the guage doesn't work. Possibly a broken wire on the basket--

 

[budwich]

It would appear from other posts in the forum that your most likely area of focus should be on the fuel regulator which is "sensitive" vacuum which is most likely being "disturbed" when you hit your brakes. Check your fuel pressure when your "no start" condition "shows" up. It will likely show little or no fuel pressure.

 

[john tilson]

Well I thought the same thing Mr. Budwich but then I pointed her downhill against a block with no brake on and presto, she died the same way! That eliminates the vacum from the brake booster doesn't it.

I think I'm back to something floating around in the tank or the fuel filter. As soon as I hit level ground again it starts back up immediately so that would indicate good fuel pressure would it not?

Appreciate the help

 

[Turdle]

Possibly the float on the sender, rather off the sender?
You need to drop your tank and find out.

 

[budwich]

Well, without doing some "actual" testing which means measurements / checks, you are going to have a "lot of fun" chasing things that may or may not solve your problem..... things like dropping tanks, replacing parts, etc.... good luck.

As for your recent "test", don't know.... you were the one that "suggested" that by putting on your brakes going downhill, your vehicle dies. As it stands now, it appear that brakes has nothing to do with your problem where as position does. But again not sure with the "testing" that has been done. Basic troubleshooting techniques usually try to place the problem at its "lowest common denominator"... meaning eliminating everything that has nothing to do with your problem resulting in only those conditions that do affect things. Then get the problem repeatable and in a state that allows you to measure / check things (e.g. no start) which usually will take you the rest of the way to resolution.

 

[john tilson]

Mr budwich. Would you suggest some of the tests you are talking about? What specifically should I do before dropping the tank. I have done many searches and not found exactly what to do.

Would you mind please?

 

[Tbars4]

i would say as mentioned before, replace your fuel filter, cheap fix...if that does not do it, replace your fuel pump assembly as also stated before...it's a bit more time but well worth the effort...when one thing fails and is not remedied, it's not long before other things start to fail also...

 

[budwich]

simpliest test when it doesn't start is to check for the sound of the fuel pump and / or voltage going to the fuel pump. Check for fuel pressure. Check for spark.... these are all tests for "no start" and ultimately could result in "die" in the right situations.

 

[john tilson]

Okay here is the outcome of the situation. Pulled the tank. A large piece of plastic liner(baffle) of some type was floating back and forth in the tank. It had broken off the bracket holding the fuel pump and float. They were hanging by the wiring mostly more or less sideways. Thus driving on level or up hill the pump was able to provide fuel but with nose downhill and most of fuel in front of tank no fuel was reaching the fuel rail.

Took all the pieces off the bracket, riveted the bracket back on, withtin snips clipped the plastic into small enough pieces to get it out and clean tank.
Reinstalled everything...it runs fine!

As far into the tank as I could reach could not find any way of reattaching the plastic nor could I feel what it broke off from. So who knows.
Where are the Japanese when you need them?

 

[Tbars4]

thats a new one on me...i never heard of that myself...:scratch: