Will not stay running?

Tiny
EVELYN SANDERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 BUICK CENTURY
  • 2.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 144,097 MILES
Car drives and after about 10 minutes it shuts off. It starts back up with little surge, but you have to gas it. If you let off, it shuts off. The car hasn't been driven much in the last 3 years. I have checked the battery, alternator, mass air flow sensor. I'm donating it to an elderly couple who lost their home and car in a tornado and don't want them stuck.
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 10:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,822 POSTS
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties faced by the elderly couple. Regarding the issue with the 1987 Buick Century, based on the symptoms you described, there could be a few possible causes for the stalling and difficulty in maintaining idle. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Fuel Delivery Issues: Since the car hasn't been driven much in the last three years, there's a possibility of fuel-related problems. Stale fuel or clogged fuel filters can impede proper fuel delivery, causing the engine to stall. Consider draining the old fuel and refilling the tank with fresh gasoline. Additionally, inspect and replace the fuel filter if necessary.

Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve: The IAC valve regulates the amount of air entering the engine when the throttle is closed, maintaining a stable idle speed. If the IAC valve is dirty or malfunctioning, it can disrupt the engine's idle operation. Cleaning or replacing the IAC valve may resolve the issue.

Vacuum Leaks: Check for any vacuum leaks in the engine's intake system. Cracked or disconnected vacuum hoses can cause an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture, leading to stalling. Inspect the vacuum hoses and intake manifold gaskets for any signs of damage or leaks. Replace or repair any faulty components as needed.

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): The TPS monitors the position of the throttle plate and sends signals to the engine control module. A malfunctioning TPS can cause erratic idle behavior and stalling. Consider checking and potentially replacing the TPS if necessary.

Electrical Connections: Ensure all electrical connections, including battery terminals and ground connections, are clean and secure. Loose or corroded connections can disrupt the electrical system and lead to intermittent stalling issues.

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 1:46 PM

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