Intermittent misfire and backfire

Tiny
MIKELEASARA
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM CRUISER
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
I have the car listed above Oldsmobile Ciera or Cutlass Cruiser (depending on where I type in the vin # ) station wagon.
I have an intermittent but very frequent problem that seems to have started with a skip. When I found #5 cylinder skipping I put a spare wire on and seemed to fix it so I replaced the wires with AC Delco wires and double platinum plugs.
It seemed okay then I started to notice on acceleration it would pop and stumble, worse the harder I accelerated unless it downshifted removing the load. It is definitely a backfire as it has pushed off the air cleaner nozzle and even the vacuum line for the vacuum modulator.
It also seems to have a skip for 10 seconds on cold start up at times. And I believe when I caught it once it seemed to be cylinder #2 as if its jumping around?
And I couldn’t duplicate the problem driving while disabling each cylinder one at a time, both via fuel injector and spark plug wire, of course there was a skip!
Other than that she will cruise at 80 MPH no issue. Idles fine Just acceleration even light acceleration as long as there's a load!
All with no codes.
So I decided to change the crank sensor AC/Delco because I didn’t see a code listed for that sensor and it would seem to affect timing.
No change
Some other things I have changed since most without intentionally trying to solve the problem. Over the last 6 months.

I kept a spare module and coils in the car and in drilling out the rusted coil bolts I damaged a coil so I changed both the module and coils with new stainless bolts. A new PCV, alternator, mass air flow new Cardone.
Also I put a new Delphi fuel pump with sender about a year before all this with a new filter and have about 37 PSI.
Any thoughts or opinions?
Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 AT 12:57 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The fuel pressure is low and is most likely the cause of the backfiring. It is too lean causing the backfire.

FUEL PRESSURE
1. Ignition "OFF" for 10 Seconds.
2. With ignition "ON," engine "OFF" and fuel pump running, pressure should be 284-325 kPa (41-47 psi).
For additional fuel pressure testing procedures, See: A L L Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ) > Related Tests, Information and Procedures > A - E Charts & Related Test Procedures

37 pounds is not enough.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

I would start by changing the fuel pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Roy

NOTE: DO NOT handle the fuel sender by the fuel tubes. Due to the length of the tubes, the amount of leverage generated by handling the tubes could damage the solder joints.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT:

1. Negative battery cable.
2. Relieve fuel system pressure.
3. Drain fuel tank.
4. Fuel tank.
5. Fuel sender assembly.

DISASSEMBLE:

1. Support pump with one hand and grasp strainer with other hand. Rotate strainer in one direction and pull off of pump. Discard strainer after inspection.
2. Fuel pump electrical connector.
3. Place fuel sender assembly upside down on bench. Pull fuel pump downward to remove from mounting bracket, then tilt pump outward and remove from fuel pulse dampener.

NOTE: DO NOT run fuel pump unless submerged in fuel.

4. Inspect fuel pump strainer. If strainer is contaminated, the fuel tank should be cleaned. Fuel pump inlet for dirt and debris. If found, fuel pump should be replaced.

ASSEMBLE:

1. Rubber bumper and rubber insulator on fuel pump.
2. Position fuel sender assembly upside down. Install fuel pump between fuel pulse dampener and mounting bracket.
3. Fuel pump electrical connector.

IMPORTANT: Always install a new pump strainer when installing fuel pump.

4. Position new pump strainer on fuel pump and push on outer edge of ferrule until fully seated.

INSTALL:

1. Fuel sender assembly.
2. Fuel tank.
3. Add fuel and install fuel filler cap.
4. Negative battery cable.
5. Turn ignition switch to "ON," position for two seconds, then turn to "OFF" for ten seconds. Again turn to "ON" position, and check for fuel leaks.
6. Perform the "Idle Learn Procedure." The ECM will need to relearn the IAC valve pintle position following battery reconnect.
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Sunday, January 24th, 2021 AT 6:33 AM

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