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royr
Novice
Jan 12, 2009, 8:15 AM
Post #1 of 9
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1993 Regal stalling
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1993 Buick Regal Custom
3.8 Liter
240,000 klm
It was -12 out. Car started up fine. After scrapping the car windshield and letting it warm up for 5-10 min., we started off. After 2 minutes of driving at 40 klm the car started to sputter and stalled. Put in back into gear and she started up fine. Went another kilometer and it stalled again. Once again it started up fine. Turned the car around and took it back home. I couldn't give it any gas as this caused it to sputter. Just went home at idle speed. Took the Corolla instead.
Any advice on the matter?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 12, 2009, 9:06 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Just a guess and a suggestion: Can you put the car in a garage above freezing for a while? Then I suspect there may be a frozen gas line (water can be there in partial amounts) and it would take specific "moisture removing" dry gas and a run to get the product to the spot while liquid to work. It might just be something like that. As said - a guess and wouldn't hurt anything.
FYI: Isopropyl Alcohol (usually what's used in the higher end dry gas products) - near 100% (just one regular container ?12oz?added though) should mix with both fuel and water and allow both to pass thru,
T
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royr
Novice
Jan 12, 2009, 9:17 AM
Post #3 of 9
(1918 views)
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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I will give this suggestion a try. Possible that there might be some water in the tank. Before I bought the car last month, it had sat for 6 months on the sellers front lawn.
thanks
roy r
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 12, 2009, 9:31 AM
Post #4 of 9
(1915 views)
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Now the chances are higher yet for water. Know that water can be just common condensation inside the tank - same as you see as dew on the windows but the droplets can't evap out from under the water.
The problem hasn't been so common since more damn alchohol is used in the fuel we buy anyway AND with tighter evap emission controls. When you can - get a new fuel filter also as some may not allow water and or any mix therof thru,
T
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royr
Novice
Jan 13, 2009, 12:20 PM
Post #5 of 9
(1899 views)
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Tried to start the car, cranked over, but no start.
Tempature is at -6.
You suggested changing fuel filter, do you know whereabouts that is?
thanks
roy r
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 13, 2009, 12:33 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Guess - but pretty sure it's on the frame rail underneath. Perhaps placed closer to rear wheels on the underbody railing. May use flare nuts and if the least bit rusty or corroded can be a nightmare to remove without some damage to lines and them needing repair.
If this is iced in the filter and line it will need to warm up once somehow, somewhere or even treatments won't get to the ice. Can you hear the fuel pump prime up with just key turned to "run" position?
T
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royr
Novice
Jan 13, 2009, 2:17 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Yes, I can hear the fuel pump priming
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 13, 2009, 3:07 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Hmmm? My guess is you really can't move this car easily so here's some things to try and shouldn't hurt....
1. Dry Gas as mentioned. Napa has one "Thermo-Aid" that used to be 99.9% isopropyl alcohol formula. Heet is another but look for wording that say MOISTURE REMOVER on labels. They sell stuff that just keeps water from freezing - not good for this.
2. Get some SeaFoam fuel treatment. Don't use too much! A few ounces is plenty. This product can disolve gunk and perhaps allow fuel to flow thru a partially clogged filter - a maybe. My own seasonal equipment - some that doesn't get used each year even just won't behave without some of this thru it - IF I STUPIDLY ALLOWED FUEL TO BE IN THE THINGS!
3. Starting fluid spray. Take off snorkle to air intake and spray some in. Annoying but put snorkle back on quickly before trying to start. If that kicks it to for a few seconds and quits - repeat. Don't kill the starter over trying things either. Know that starting fluid should be carefully stored when not in use - duh - it's highly flammable!
4. Eventually we need to move on to test for spark. Pick the easiest plug wire at the plug for testing. They sell testers that go inline with wire and plug or ask and see what we can come up with that you can do.
5. If all tests fail I'd like to see what one spark plug looks like at least. May be seriously soaked by then and that alone can be the problem. Not all dry out with time but need very high heat or replacement.
* If you can - keep the battery charged. If where you can run a cord use an automatic battery maintainer which is cheap but works great (slow-hours perhaps) but will do a full charge and shut down itself. Cold = less power from your battery anyway and a good strong crank and holding voltage up while doing so is mandatory.
{} Don't know where you are located but for my area the temps are dropping and expected to be lengthy times without a break from near ZERO F. overnite temps and below. At some point you may need to tow the vehicle to get help with this. It stinks but there's only so much doable without a shop.
Good luck. Keep posting observations or any questions - we are watching,
T
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royr
Novice
Mar 17, 2009, 12:59 PM
Post #9 of 9
(1809 views)
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Re: 1993 Regal stalling
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Finally got the car towed and fixed.
The ignition module was faulty.
399.00 to replace it plus labour. (ouch!)
works fine now
roy r
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