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1995 Buick Riviera loss of power/acceleration
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bpyazel
New User
Feb 26, 2009, 1:29 PM
Post #1 of 4
(5676 views)
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1995 Buick Riviera loss of power/acceleration
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I have a 1995 Buick Riviera, 3.8L supercharged - 65,000 miles, that has suddenly lost power and won't accelerate past about 35 mph. It will only do about 5 mph up hills and frequently stalls. Starts fine though. No engine light has come on, though I did check it and it does work.
I just replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump. Had the fuel line pressure checked and it is within normal levels. Next, I had the catalytic converter removed from the vehicle, suspecting it was clogged. The car still will not accelerate.
Btw, the following parts were replaced and are new because of problems within the last year, so hopefully it won't be any of them: air temp sensor, coolant temp sensor, alternator, battery, and harmonic balancer.
I'm not a mechanic, but a friend of mine is and is trying to help me, but I think we might have run into a brick wall here.
Anyone have any ideas?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 26, 2009, 4:46 PM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: 1995 Buick Riviera loss of power/acceleration
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The fuel pressure should be 41-47psi. Does the engine run smooth? Just severe loss of power? If okay, take a manifold vacuum reading at idle and then again at 2500 rpm, and post the results. The fuel pressure/volume and exhaust backpressure would have been my first guess. I'm leaning towards thinking it may have jumped a tooth on the timing chain. Hope not. With the ignition off, put a wrench or ratchet w/socket on the large bolt in the center of the harmonic balancer and turn the engine clockwise, just a bit. Then, slowly turn it the opposite way, noticing how much 'slop' before it becomes hard to turn again.
Anything over 6 degrees (1/4") on the outside of the balancer is excessive. If this has actual timing marks, you can start at zero and take an accurate measurement of the degrees. Gosh, I hope I explained that correctly.
Loren
SW Washington
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bpyazel
New User
Mar 2, 2009, 4:02 PM
Post #3 of 4
(5659 views)
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Re: 1995 Buick Riviera loss of power/acceleration
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Well, found the problem. The damn harmonic balancer cracked at the key line again and ended up sliding and throwing the timing off. Someone warned me about buying a Dorman harmonic balancer for this car. Guess I'll listen to them next time. 6 months is how long it lasted. The key is damaged again, so now I have to tear down half the engine to get the key replaced again. What a job this is going to be....
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 2, 2009, 4:19 PM
Post #4 of 4
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Re: 1995 Buick Riviera loss of power/acceleration
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bpyazel; Well, I'm glad that you found the problem, but sorry to hear the cause. I've used many Dorman harmonic balancers in the past and never had a problem. For what it's worth. But, you won't go wrong using an OE one.
Loren
SW Washington
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