Well, we were supposed to leave tomorrow morning for an 11 day camping trip
w/ my 90 carat, but now this...

The van has had random minor hesitation/stumbling recently.  It started out
being very occasional - most noticeable when accelerating.  It would
otherwise cruise fine (occasional hiccups); power was good; gas mileage
normal; started/idled fine; air temp didn't seem to be a factor. But in the
past few days the problem has rapidly worsened, requiring gentle throttle to
keep it from bogging when accelerating.

[Back in Nov 02 (16k mi ago) I replaced the 02 sensor, spark plugs, wires,
FI temp sensor.  Ran good.  Fuel filter replaced 25k mi ago.]

Yesterday I opened up the AFM, cleaned/realigned wiper, added capacitor fix.

This morning after 10 min on the freeway, the car began stumbling hard and
losing power and died when I came to a stop.  Took several tries before it
started up again and I managed to get to a parking lot.  It died again and
wouldn't start.  I tried disconnecting the 02 sensor without luck.

An hour or so later, the van started again, but was idling very rough and
running rich - coughing black smoke.  Since I had a spare (new) AFM, I put
that in, with no effect.

So I had it towed to a mechanic where I left it.  He started it up and it
was sputtering and belching out the black smoke.  He said he tested the fuel
pressure, temp sensor, O2 sensor, checked connections... All okay.  Started
it up again and it ran perfectly.  He's going to keep it until the morning
and see if he can find out anymore.

In the meantime, any suggestions/ideas would be appreciated.  The mechanic
is leaving at noon on vacation as well... So if he can't figure it out, I'm
on my own - at least until Monday when I can take it somewhere else... And
I'd hate to shorten/delay/cancel this much needed vacation.

Thanks,

James V
90 Carat