I own a 1996 Bravada, 4.3L, Vortec. About a month ago, I was towing a boat on a hot day with the A/C on. 40 minutes into the trip the engine stalled out, restarting after about two minutes of coasting downhill. I noticed the temp gauge read about 210. This kept happening until the starter blew. End of trip. Now, a month later, another hot day I am towing my boat, but no A/C. I have cracked open the hood lock to provide airflow over the top of the engine and have kept the engine temp gauge at about 160. This time it took 90 minutes for the stall, even though the engine temp never exceeded 160 according to the gauge. I turned the heater on, broiling my feet, but had no further problems.

My conclusion (right or wrong) is that an engine component (coil? computer?) is getting too hot and stalling the engine. Just Answer Man, do you have any suggestions, comments, solutions or a way to solve this mystery?

Thanks for the help,

Art