Electrical problem
1991 Buick Riviera 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 155000 miles
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I ran my 91 Riviera out of gas but only because the dash was reading 00 error again. So I cranked it over and restarted it twice just enough to pull it out of traffic. (I really hated having to do that) I called for assistance got 2 gallons of gas and headed for the nearest gas station.

The car started initially but died 4 or 5 times on the freeway. I restarted from rolling neutral but did not make it to the gas station and had to pull off. I tried to start it after I came to a stop and although the dash and everything else came on when I turned the key there was nothing. Not even a click.

Two hours later I went back to get it and it started right up. I did notice the idle was a bit rough but I drove it to the gas station left it running while i put in 10 gallons of gas and drove it the 5 miles home without any problem.

It started fine the next morning but with an odd rough idle and I drove it the 8 miles to work. It died just as I was pulling in the drive. After work I drove it home and it died 3 or 4 times and I finally had it towed to the house.

I changed the fuel filter and I can hear the fuel pump engage and I switched the relays around.

It starts but wont run for any length of time and it will back fire if i try revving it up tho smooth idle. It smells like the fuel is running very rich.

check your coil pack and make sure all six cylinders have spark.

I will do that tomorrow and I will let you know. Thanks.

I have plenty of spark in all wires. I am still hearing the fuel pump engage.

It cranks and starts, I have to pump the accelerator to get it and keep it running initially, then it wants to idle a bit fast and is still running rough. Iit does run at the higher idle but backfires a bit. It will not stay started once I put it into gear.

Interestingly, On each start including the first cold start today a tiny puff of smoke came from the front of the engine in the area of the exhaust pipes. It dissapated pretty quickly but it was there at the instant I started it EACH time today. Manifold leak and/or Oxygen Sensor?

I will clean the intake and put in a new air filter today.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Choppercook

I Cleaned the intake and Mass Air Flow Sensor and replaced the Oxygen Sensor. It ran like crap. I then UNPLUGGED the MAFS and it ran like a PEACH! So I will be putting on a new MAFS. That seems a bit backward but I figure that a part That sends no signal is more insidious in the longrun than a part that sends bad signals and forces you stop and pay attention to your car.

3 coils at $19.99 each plus tax=$64.00 (1 year Warranty) I Didn't have to replace all three but I think this was a good low cost investment.

(My 88 Olds Delta 88 With a 3800 V6 took a Coil PACK)

Oxygen Sensor=$24.00

My Dad Already had the $10.00 socket Tool

MAFS/INTAKE CLEANER=$7.25


Thanks.

Mass Air Flow Sensor= $140.00 With a $70.00 Core.