The other morning I went out to start my van and it would not. It had not been running or driven prior, but just cranked. Mind it was hot here, so I opened the hood and toss some cool water at the front of the engine, left the hood open, and waited awhile..then it started. The van was parked near my window ac. so I am guessing some sort of temp sensor because the ac was blowing hot air that direction. I have this problem on hot days, even when it isn't really too hot that it should start. Had to have it towed home one time, but the next morning it fired right up again..of course $80 towing fees later. That's why I did the cool water thing, remembering the towing day Is there a temp sensor somewhere causing this to happen. It's a 1988 ram van, b250, 316 or whatever that is in litre stuff.

 

A quick check on the internet says that you are likely getting a lean fuel mix, as the van thinks you are at operating temp and not offering a rich enough mix to start, or thinks you are already running.

Could also be your battery?

the cheapest fix is obviously to cool down the engine with water, check your battery operating specs.

Park the van in the opposite direction?

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes that's what I did tossed some cold water at it and cooled it off. Of course we have had 100 F temps also, so I can see that maybe. But I have had this happen too after driving a bit and stopping off at a store etc on much cooler days. When I went back out it would just crank but never start. Of course after an expensive tow home.. 8 hours later t started right up like nothing ever happened What would cause the lean mixture issue?

 

Would this be the O2 sensor? ..as I am having a problem also with after driving a short distance..the engine light comes on and the the van drops down in power and starts dying at stoplights, etc. A mechanic said it could be that. What I would not give just to have a good old days Mopar again..lol

 

You had mentioned the heat which is what I was looking at but your further explanation sounds like some TLC is needed.

I have some simple tips here https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...-your-van.html
these should fix your problems let me know