Tom

Dear    Tom,

Q Some time ago I was having trouble starting my van. I thought it was

from the change in weather and would straighten itself out. The other day
when I went to start the van, the muffler blew out at the seam from a
backfire. We had the muffler and catalytic converter replaced. The shop
suggested that we have a diagnostic test done on the vehicle to see why it is
getting too much gas. What do you suggest?

Laurie  Jo—Minnesota

Laurie  Jo,

A Yes, your problem could be electronically based. For instance, if the

coolant sensor were shorted, it would dump fuel in the system (not just on
cold startup, but all the time). This could cause an excessive amount of
unburned fuel and vapors to accumulate in the converter and muffler. Upon
ignition from hot exhaust gases, this would result in an explosion (or
backfire). I would have the system scanned as soon as possible and then
perform the needed repairs. Letting a problem of this nature go could result
in further damage to related system components.