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84 Oldsmobile runs rough, plugs fouling
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pikalpha
New User
Jul 30, 2012, 10:23 PM
Post #1 of 2
(2045 views)
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84 Oldsmobile runs rough, plugs fouling
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I have a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (Hurst Olds) with a 307 engine and 54k Kilometers. The car was the victim of an attempted car theft. The thieves smashed the steering column in an attempt to hot wire the car but the aftermarket alarm system that cuts the volts going to the ignition from 12 to 6 prevented the car from starting and the thieves gave up.
The column has since been repaired and all looks good but soon after, at different times, wisps of smoke that smelled like wire insulation burning came from the ignition key cylinder. Soon after the wisps of smoke stopped, the car started running rough and spark plugs were fouling out very quickly, it seemed every 10-20 miles it was time to replace them. When taken out, the plugs were a mixture of dry grey soot and black, wet with gas.
I took the steering wheel off, took out the lock cylinder and saw no signs of burnt wires; so maybe the problem is further down the column? I have been told that the automatic choke may be stuck open. I opened the auto choke on the carb and saw nothing unusual but replaced it anyway, but don't know if that really helped any. I also replaced the ignition switch on the column under the dash but that didn't seem to help. I do wonder if the old aftermarket alarm system, which is still wired in the car but not working, could be part of the problem but would this cause wires to burn in the column? I would have taken the alarm system out but I don't know how to reroute the wires.
This does seem to be an electrical issue because it appears that's how the problem started. I am stumped at what the problem might be.
Hope I've given you enough info to go on. Any help or suggestions on what you think I should look at or maybe replacing would be appreciated.
thank you!
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 31, 2012, 3:10 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1982 views)
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Re: 84 Oldsmobile runs rough, plugs fouling
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I would tend to agree with you that the alarm is at fault here. I would guess it still is limiting voltage but just enough to allow it to run, crappy but running nonetheless. Check your voltage at the ignition coil terminal to verify this. I would recommend you find the info on this alarm and contact the manufacturer. I would think their website would show you exactly how it is installed so you could properly remove it without further damage.
While its a shame you have to go through this trouble and expense because some sticky fingered punk doesn't want to get a job to buy what he wants, I'm glad he didn't get the satisfaction of leaving with your car. Never use car alarms myself, got a pistol grip 12 gauge that tends to make them nervous. Some have tried to jack my ride over the years but to date no success.
Let us know what you find on this alarm and about the readings at your ignition coil.
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