2002 Astro Edi Ign. & Scanner Tool

[PaulGH]

Hi,I have an 2002 4.3L Astro with the EDI ign. system with almost 60k miles on it and have recently install my 3rd set of plug wires (cap and rotor also). It seems that after 20k miles on the wires, if the van sits overnite during very humid weather (engine is completely covered with condensation) the wires leak and it won't start until dried.Once I'm able to get it started and warmed up it's ok.This happened with original delco parts and the Bosch parts I used later.Is this normal?

 

Also I'm thinking on getting a code scanner tool (check engine light is on, gas cap is tight), what's a good brand/model? My battery is original and works fine, can this cause an "check engine"?

 

Thanks, any help/info would be appreciated. Paul

[Draenor]

Strange, Ive never seen that. Are you sure the CEL is related to it? What do the plugs look like after inspection?

 

Anny scanner is good, just make sure it can clear the codes too.

 

Actron os ok. It is sold at most parts stores.

[PaulGH]

Strange, Ive never seen that. Are you sure the CEL is related to it? What do the plugs look like after inspection?

 

Anny scanner is good, just make sure it can clear the codes too.

 

Actron os ok. It is sold at most parts stores.

 

No, the CEL being on is something new, the wires problem has been on going since I had 20k on it. The plugs looked good but I replaced them recently anyway.Until lately because of the cold I've been getting 17mpg which is decent. Thanks

[superjim]

Paul,

 

Thats really strange...the problem you are having

It does sound like you need a code reader to help pinpoint what the problem is.

I have never heard of the wires going bad THAT QUICK.

 

Is it possible that the ignition is putting out TOO MUCH VOLTAGE and damaging the wires?

 

I have had three 1999 Astro vans.

Two of them had over 150,000 miles and the third one had almost 200,000 miles on it.

I have never experienced what you are talking about.

 

And i hope I don't.

 

All three of the Astro's still had the original wires on them when I sold them.

They had never gave me any trouble...and if it ain't broke...don't fix it.

 

I now have a 2006 full size Express van, with the 4.3 and almost 60,000 on it.

It has been flawless...so far.

Open the hood every few thousand miles...change the oil..close the hood and drive it till the next oil change is due.

Thats the way all three of my Astro Vans were also.

 

I would be very interested in what you find, when you figure out what the problem is, just in case mine ever does that.

 

If I can be of any help...just ask.

[PaulGH]

Paul,

 

Thats really strange...the problem you are having

It does sound like you need a code reader to help pinpoint what the problem is.

I have never heard of the wires going bad THAT QUICK.

 

Is it possible that the ignition is putting out TOO MUCH VOLTAGE and damaging the wires?

 

I have had three 1999 Astro vans.

Two of them had over 150,000 miles and the third one had almost 200,000 miles on it.

I have never experienced what you are talking about.

 

And i hope I don't.

 

All three of the Astro's still had the original wires on them when I sold them.

They had never gave me any trouble...and if it ain't broke...don't fix it.

 

I now have a 2006 full size Express van, with the 4.3 and almost 60,000 on it.

It has been flawless...so far.

Open the hood every few thousand miles...change the oil..close the hood and drive it till the next oil change is due.

Thats the way all three of my Astro Vans were also.

 

I would be very interested in what you find, when you figure out what the problem is, just in case mine ever does that.

 

If I can be of any help...just ask.

 

Hi Jim, thanks for the reply, it's good to hear that this problem isn't normal. My last van was a 1969 Safari 4.3 which had 250k miles on it when I sold it and I had no trouble with the engine except for replacing the ign. module a couple times. Anyway I'm watching e-bay for a scanner so if I find anything out I'll let you know.

BTW, my CEL cleared itself while on the road yesterday,I guess these Michigan potholes are good for something!