Q: Random sputtering and power loss - 1992 Dodge B350

asked by on September 28, 2016

I have an issue with the van that has been occurring for years and completely at random. Most of the time, the van starts immediately and runs well. However, at times, it would sputter a lot. At that point, the engine gets hot as well. At times, I would be able to drive for a few hours and then it would begin sputtering. There are no unusual noises. It just has the sound of the engine power loss. I had several parts replaced already, including the distributor, distributor cap, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, timing chain and crank sensor. Also, I had the compression tested and there are no issues there. I'm not sure what else I might do. Do you have any suggestions?

Thermostat Replacement $157.20 - $759.78 Get a Quote
Water Pump Replacement $187.27 - $1236.57 Get a Quote
Engine is sputtering Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. There may be separate issues going on here and even the possibility of one causing the other. An overheating engine can misfire and sputter if the engine is extremely hot. Typically this is due to a failed thermostat, water pump or a low coolant level from a leak. If you need help having this checked, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the sputtering problem to have this appropriately addressed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Brake lights out in a 2004 Toyota Solara
It sounds like the fuse for the brake lights may have blown. This would cause all your brake lights to stop working. I would ask for help from one of the mechanics at YourMechanic to inspect your brake light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-is-not-working-inspection)...
Car won't start after it gets warm.
These are all possible causes for code P0021: Bank 2 camshaft sensor or Bank 2 cam timing solenoid faulty Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded Wire harness - Check harness for correct voltage Open, short to ground or short...
Car stalls, burns oil
Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Chrysler Cirrus LXi V6 2.5L. The oil is leaking past the piston rings most likely. You should have all the spark plugs removed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) and see if they are getting oil fouled. Check...
How many control arms do the rear passenger side have?
Hello, The rear of these vehicles have about eight different links across the rear of the suspension including both sides. When ordering parts, you can either buy a whole kit or you must be very specific with which piece you...
No front or rear license tag park lamps
Hey there. Any lights that are dark may be caused by bad wiring or a number of other issues. You are doing good to work through the circuit in your search. Under the conduit may be corrosion or a broken...
My car starts and goes into gear but acts as though it is struggling to accelerate and then it just quit
This may be many different possibilities, however this sounds a bit like a faulty or dirty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into...
Oil pressure went all the way t 0 while driving
The oil pressure will usually drop down to zero when one of two things are happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil or the oil pressure sending unit (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) is not working properly and may be producing...
Why does my red brake light with exclamation mark show up when I start my 2004 Audi A4
Hello. This can be caused by low brake pad lining or by low brake fluid. I would usually start by checking the brake fluid level. If the fluid level is low then it will cause this light to come on....
New batt New alt batt voltage still drops?
It's possible that the charging circuit is not properly connected (wiring, fuse, or ground fault) or there is some large excess current draw in your car's electrical system. Basically, if the battery is new and fully charged and charging system...

Related articles

Top 10 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Car
Every driver wants a car that lasts a long time. Make your car last longer by checking your motor oil, parking in the shade, and keeping it clean.
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Charger
If If you’ve always loved driving performance cars but you don't know how you’ll fit a baby seat in a Mustang or a Camaro, the 2012 Dodge Charger could be the car for you. While it has the room and...
How Long Does a Thermostat Last?
No No matter what kind of car or truck you drive, it has a thermostat in it. This thermostat is responsible for monitoring and regulating the coolant temperature in your vehicle's engine. If you were to look at the thermostat...