What would cause your 1988 Plymouth Voyager 3L to die completely while driving and then start again after a few minutes sometimes easier after rocking the van a bit?

Answer 1

check the water level in your batteries-- after i took off the alternator (which was a job) i had it checked and it was ok-- then i filled the batteries water level it ran fine

Answer

A good thing is there is nothing too tricky under the lid. A bad thing is the time it might take to find the fault. It's a process of elimination. If it cranks the problem is probably not electrical but check the cleanliness and security of all the ground wires in the engine bay especially those between the battery and chassis and the battery/chassis to the engine block and manifold (if fitted). And, once the engine dies, check for a strong spark at the plugs. Coils are known to breakdown when hot.

Rocking the van would suggest fuel. Check there is good airflow around the carb and that any heat shielding for the carb or fuel lines is in place. When the van dies, take off the fuel filler cap. If there is a hiss the cap vent is blocked causing a vacuum. The engine dying as it does can also be a symptom of a partially blocked fuel filter or fuel line, insufficient delivery from the pump or a build up of crud in the carb float chamber. A good trick (if not one already) is to fit, where you can see it, either a clear piece of fuel line or a clear plastic in-line fuel filter. They cost pennies. When the engine dies, a quick check will tell whether there is fuel getting to there at least. Other things to check for are a dirty/blocked air filter. And the outside chance of a failed inlet manifold gasket/ carb to manifold gasket.