Hi All,
I just got back from camping in the Sierra's and had a little problem
with fuel. Looking for your thoughts on causes and solutions.

91 Multivan automatic transmission, 200,000+ miles (about 15k on a
rebuilt engine)

Problems started on Friday night as I was driving up into the
foothills. Felt some "lurching" while going up hill. I was giving it
gas but got no response, RPM's dropped!!  That happened twice. I was
somewhere between 5-6000 ft in elevation. Made it to the campsite
without any further problems. Campsite is above 7000ft

Started up fine on Sunday morning but stalled a few times trying to
get out. Maybe it was just cold?  I stalled going downhill on my way
to the main road. Same problem as Friday night, no response when
giving it gas. Stalled once more before
getting to the main road. It was 22 miles to the next town and needless to say I
stalled about 10 times before making it to town, mostly on downhills.
There were some backfires and knocks, sounded as if there was
something clogging the fuel line or filter.

Once in town I put some fuel system cleaner in and topped it off with
high octane gas (a recommendation from a passenger). It ran fine after
that all the way home. Once home and unpacked I had to move the van
and encountered the same unresponsiveness and some backfires while
switching from reverse to drive and being on a steep hill (in San
Francisco).

Looked through the previous owner records and found no receipts for
work done on the fuel system. I'm thinking the filter must have been
changed.

Does this experience sounds familiar? Bad gas or the fuel filter?  Both?

I was thinking of replacing the fuel filter first and seeing if that
makes a difference.

What octane gas are people normally putting in?

What about the cleanliness of the tank. Is that something to worry
about with over 200k? If so, should i have it cleaned?

Regards,
Yoel

--
Tina and Yoel Crane
mailto:yoelandtina@gmail.com