Wont stay running

Tiny
MPGRIMES
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 BUICK ELECTRA
Engine Performance problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have been fighting with this issue for some time now and haven't driven the car in months.

Car starts, runs, shuts off almost instantly, if I start it and constantly work the throttle it will run, but very rough.
its a 3.8l fuel injected engine.

Here is a list of things I have tested/replaced:
Plugs
wires
crank sensor
cam sensor
MAF
coil pack
ignition module
oil pressure sender
ECM

Fuel pressure is good and flowing, have powered fuel pump directly.

TPS, tested, read ok.
EGR, cleaned, no leaks.

also, I have gone though the GM 87-88 3800 stall diagnostics manual from gm.

so, whats left?
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Monday, August 10th, 2009 AT 1:32 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When you say EGR cleaned did you test it to make sure it is sealed? Here is a video to show you how. Cause it sounds like it is leaking.

https://youtu.be/DqUCbbKdWf4

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers
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Monday, August 10th, 2009 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
MPGRIMES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You are like a car magic man, that was the problem got a new one all fixed thanks again :)
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+1
Monday, August 10th, 2009 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
KIDSVILLE7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1987 BUICK ELECTRA
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I have a buick electra park ave 1987 it has no problems starting up but when I put it in drive it dies replaced the fuel filter any ideas what it could be please and thank you
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
Yes, you must find out the reason for not enough power to handle the transfer of power, fuel pressure, spark control, or timing of valve train. In that order. Use pressure guage, scan tool, and visual inspection. Your welcome.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SPUDA_1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 BUICK ELECTRA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 29,000 MILES
My car stalls while I drive it but starts right back up.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Try cleaning the throttle plate with choke cleaner getting all the oil off of it on both sides.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MEGGU007
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1986 BUICK ELECTRA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I just recently bought a 1986 Buick Electra 380 from a family friend for $500.00. I got the car knowing it has a slight issue where when you're driving it tries to stall and eventually will. We checked the ignition coils and there wasn't a big enough spark going between them so we got new coils and replaced the old ones. Well we checked them again and there still wasn't a strong spark going, so we replaced the ignition modal and everything seemed to be going smoothly after that. Then while driving the car, it stalled out of no where on the highway, and we could not get it running again that night. We got it to start the next day and got it back to our house and now here we are. I need to know of something that could help because I am out of ideas! Is there anything that you can think of that can fix my car?
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Check crank and cam sensors and have ignition module checked, autoparts do that.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HERBYSGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1978 BUICK ELECTRA
Engine Mechanical problem
1978 Buick Electra

When I first start the car and drive for 20 minutes or so. Every thing is fine. But as it gets warmed up or after the 1st 20 minutes it acts as if it's running out of fuel. It's doesn't matter what gear I'm in. It doesn't matter if I let off. After 20-30 minutes is stalls and then. Then it won't even turn over. When u turn the key it acts like it doesn't have any juice? However. All the dash lights & head lights (all electrical) is fine.

After letting it sit for another 20 minutes (cooling off?) It will turn over, start, and run fine. For 20 more minutes. Then we do it all over again.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test the coil, distributor pick-up coil and the ignition control module
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:11 PM (Merged)

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