02 Chevy 350 auto 3500 express, Roadtrek RV. 70,000 miles

1st time issue. Stopped after driving for several hours and van would not idle, kept dying. Sat for a few hours and ran fine, no codes. Had checked over and could find no issues, did not happen again.

2nd issue, driving along and van feels like it is shutting off for 1/2 second, no lights and no codes, happened once and not again for several weeks.

3rd time. Raining hard. Van feels like it is shutting off for 1/2 second, twice at 45-50 mph twice above 60, 3 or 4 more times buy not sure of the speed. No lights no codes. Took it to shop and manager told me without code he would just be stealing my money by trying to diagnose it. Next day no rain and drove 500 miles and nothing, ran fine.

Is there a better description that feels like shutting off, I doubt it is actually shutting off? Any ideas where to look or suggestions?

 

Best bet is to carry a scanner with live data capability and look for issues when the trouble is happening.

I might also look over the cap and rotor (be careful removing the cap, it's easy to break the distributor base) for cracks, wear, or anything loose.

 

I went thru a couple OBDII scanners before settling on the bosch- supported Actron for about $175. it has live human tech support by phone to Detroit MI. and it stores 5 data recordings that you can look at even if no MIL check engine lite came on and no code was thrown. you can upload its data to a windows computer but not a Mac apple. (don't buy Foxwell made in China, it got good amazon reviews .there is absolutely NO tech support by humans. )

 

I carry a CGSULIT live data scanner, it is above my pay grade but hope I can find someone for directions if I ever get stuck. Been searching the net a common reason for this seems to be the crankshaft or cam sensor. Other issues of course but these seem to be common so as much as I detest throwing parts at a problem I may give it a shot.. This is an RV and not driven often

 

After numerous web search's it appears that the cam position sensor or the crankshaft position sensor are common culprits. I absolutely detest throwing parts at a problem, the only thing I dislike more is calling a tow truck! I took the dog house cover off which so far has been the worst part of the job. Inspected and looks like everything is OE at 70k and 20 years old. I ordered sensors, cap, rotor, wires, plugs.

Removed the distributor cap and oh my is it corroded in there, I got the vacuum out! I am not a mechanic, just an old guy with tools so I replaced the Cam sensor and reassembled with the old parts. I have went in and replaced everything in my youth and ended up with a no start and no clue what I did wrong. So one thing at a time. Will drive it around a bit and then do the rotor and cap, if that works then the wires. How in hades am I suppose to get to the plugs?? I may take it in for those.

 

through the wheel wells

 

Thanks for the response. I'm 74, through the wheel wells looks different to you than to me I did get the new cap and rotor in yesterday and went for a ride, it seems to be running smoother, not sure if that is like it runs better after I wash it. Next time I will take a before video.

 

So I am attempting to do the plugs, getting the dog house off was the worst part. Did 2,4,6,8 and the wires, not so bad. Off to the other side,pull the wheel and 7 was a bit difficult. Getting the new 7 plug in seems damn near impossible. Any tricks? Tried hose and will not start threading.

 

That is one well used cap/rotor!! Once you get the plugs done, see if you are up to doing the wires too. Bet it will help if they are original.
BTW I'm 10 yrs behind you and already feel your pain!