I need something to drive to go get parts for the Yaller Raider. I've been looking for an awd Astro van, with the back of the mind thoughts about making it into a mini Quigley after the Yaider is running right.

I don't want to spend 2grand$ on one, and I found one, a repo in Alabama, a 99 with the vortec v6 and awd and the dutch doors out back instead of barn doors (it will be my work truck, too - hauling too much now for a swb). The repo-er is a car dunce. He says it was not run without oil, per the previous owner, and there's a hole in the oil pan, but he hasn't crawled under to see. He says now it won't crank, and there's a red light on the dash.

I seem to remember that there is a low oil sensor on the 4.3 vortec, and it kills spark if the oil is too low. The owner says when he first got it back, it cranked and ran for 10-20 seconds with no knock or noise. When he went to crank it 3 weeks later, it would not start.

I've researched changing the oil pan (the fsm says remove the whole subframe with engine and tranny and front suspension) and it can be done by taking the front diff loose along with the pside axle tube, and removing the starter, and the pan will come out (hidden bolts into the tranny case). Pans cost about a benjamin.

Here's my question. Does the 4.3 vortec have the low oil sensor, and does it kill spark when too low? I know there are some pro mechanics on here who know. All I know about astro vans is the vortec runs like a rocket and they haul the world at 18.5mpg.

I don't want to drive all the way to ne Bama if this thing is probably fried, but if the spark/oilpress interlock thing is true, it's hard to fry one for lack of oil, and I might get a good and cheap one...

4.3 vortec's, pretty common motor in the yards around here. Is it a cheap enough deal to make it worthwhile to roll the dice on it?

$650 for a 99. Pretty good price.

real good price. Doesn't that put out a code on the 'puter, just check that. $400-$500 is going price from the good yards here, even less from the less reputable yards. Sounds like it might be worthwhile.

seller says it "has a light on the dash now", so it's thrown some kind of code. So all I need is an obd2 scanner to check that.

My local auto parts store (Autozone) will loan scanners in expectation of selling parts. Yours may also.

http://www.astrosafari.com/

This site has a lot of good info.

Found them already. Already hunting for a essdime donor 4wd, and a lift kit, and some longer coils, and some big ol' tars an wheels, and a Yosemite Sam spare tar covir...

There is plenty of room in the doghouse for any sbc up to an LSn (name your poison) including a std. clutch fan (radiator stays at home), and the awd tcase and front diff are the ones used in the Syclone/Typhoon turbo 4.3's.

I've got a 1994 myself (Safari) and totally dig it. Jury's still out on the upgrades, but at least a basher bumper and 2" lift.

I'm in love with the 4.3 vortec. It just pulls and pulls and pulls. Then there's the semi-mythical W engine with even more torque than the vortec. I see no need for the v8. I used to love the 700r4 in the LC FJ55 with the 350. Nice low 1st, nice long o/d. 4.11's = a 2.89 in o/d.

I've had a couple of thoughts, but done no research yet, on using the stock awd tcase with a tcase reduction gearset in front of it to supply lorange. But then you're stuck with the 35-65 torque split. Guess better a std 4wd tcase, unless there's a lockup for the 4472BW awd viscous box.

Yes, the Astro does have an electrical setup that will kill power to the fuel pump, if the oil pressure gets low enough. I'd heard something like this before, so I went hunting, online. Here's more info: http://www.10w30.com/thread-3934.html

My dad had a pair of those vans for his business, when I was young. They weren't my favorite thing, back then, but they were pretty [email]d@mn[/email] quick and hauled a lot of equipment, and 18 mpg sounds about right. I'd thought about putting one of those in my old Montero or a friend's Jeep for a while. I think it would be a good swap, both for power and fuel efficiency.