Posted in Car Repairs

1996 Chevy Astro Van – Misfire Turns Out to Be a Fuel Flood!

   November 10, 2025  34 Comments on 1996 Chevy Astro Van – Misfire Turns Out to Be a Fuel Flood!

In this video, I take a look at a customer’s 1996 Chevy Astro van that’s been fighting a stubborn misfire. What looks like a classic ignition issue turns out to be a rich-running nightmare — we’re talking raw fuel out the tailpipe rich. The van had a new OEM spider injector installed less than a year ago, so it shouldn’t be the problem… right? Let’s dig into the data and see what’s really going on.

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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, we cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications or improper use of the information provided in this video. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or personal injury resulting from the use of any tools, equipment, chemicals, lubricants, or information presented. We strongly recommend following safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, or any other tools and equipment shown or implied in this video. No information in this video creates any express or implied warranty or guarantees any particular result. Use this information responsibly and at your own risk.

#AstroVan #ChevyAstro #GMV6 #MisfireDiagnosis #FuelInjector #MechanicLife #AutoRepair #CarRepair #DiagnosticWork #RichCondition #ScannerData #ShopLife #NoPartsRequired #ASETech

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34 thoughts on “1996 Chevy Astro Van – Misfire Turns Out to Be a Fuel Flood!”

  1. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – If you are watching this video on 10/30/25 or 10/31/25 and you don't fall asleep before the end screen and you see that part II is listed as "Members Only." DO NOT PANIC Do not send me nasty emails, don't unsubscribe, don't tell me I am an asshole or a sellout in the comments and DO NOT CALL MY SHOP to tell me you can't watch it. The part II will be posted on the 1st at 5pm just like I ALWAYS DO. The reason it says members only is because there are some folks that support our YouTube channel by becoming a "YouTube Member" and it gives them early access to all videos I put out. Take a breath, slow down, everything is gonna be OK. Nothing has changed. It's still free like it has been for the past 11 years.

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  3. Yup. Changed a few of those older type "spiders" with the new GM unit. The new one had the electrical with an injector at the end of the fuel tube. Looked more like a "normal" fuel injection system. But those vans with the engine running right were like a hot rod. Talk about power from that 4.3!

  4. Isn't it great, repairing with pre broken parts? I was NAPA for decades and those spiders are about 90/10 good bad. One shop made a way to test new ones as they came in. 60% of the time it worked every time.

  5. Who remembers the 1985 commercial with it driving on the rings of Saturn? "Chevy, Chevy, Astro, Astro". Best car commercial ever…it's hilarious.🔧

  6. I replaced mine last year, i found the regulator that came with the new spider unit did not regulate the fuel pressue high enough and was dumping fuel above 30psi, put in the origional pressure regulator with the new spider injector unit, trucks run perfect since

  8. the infamous spider injector put a rebuilt one on my cousins 95 s10 pickup 4.3 worked for a while then had to replace the regulator(prob on the shelf for a while then an o2 sensor,plugs(not fun)and an oil change,seems good for now,just getting good parts for these old rigs is quite a process(update)had to replace the o-rings on the pressure and return lines on the injector unit(rich again) ok for now,added marvel mystery oil to fuel to help combat the ethanol

  19. Growing up we had Astro van like this low mile purchase from the Chevy dealer , I was like 10 years old. Man this brings back memories. Now I think back like dad how can u buy an Astro van and mob it around 😂 rip

  26. These were good vehicles, wish they still made them. The earlier TBI engines were nearly bullet proof. I'd still take the spider issues over the timing chain and lifter problems of the more modern engines…

    I've still got a 92 Astro, 99 Blazer, and 99 Jimmy. I have far less problems with them than a lot of my co-workers do with much more modern vehicles. When there is an issue i can fix it myself and it's far cheaper.

  34. I remember putting an updated spider on my parents 2001 back about ‘08 or’09. Lots of going back and fourth inside and out front for dissembling and re-assembling

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