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1991 Olds Cutlass dies after warming up


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crandel
Anonymous Poster
carlwrandeljr@hotmail.com

Apr 30, 2009, 8:38 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1969 views)
1991 Olds Cutlass dies after warming up Sign In

I have a 3.3L V6 1991 Olds Cutlass Ciera that runs great for about 15-20 minutes then dies with no check engine lights or other warnings. The car will not start, it just turns over and acts as if the engine is either not getting any spark to the plugs or no fuel. Once the car cools down, the car will start up just fine and again will run great for a few more minutes. I tried replacing the ignition control module, but that did not fix the issue. I do not think I have a fuel filter or pump issue since the cars runs great and then just dies. Any ideas???


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 30, 2009, 8:40 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1966 views)
Re: 1991 Olds Cutlass dies after warming up Sign In

 All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injecter pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injecter with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



crandel
Anonymous Poster
carlwrandeljr@hotmail.com

May 7, 2009, 7:38 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1947 views)
Re: 1991 Olds Cutlass dies after warming up Sign In

Okay I've finally got this car through a professional diagnostic service at my local garage. They have determined it is the Crank Sensor that needs to be replaced. My question is is this something that can be replaced fairly easily, or does it require special tools or experience? The part is only about $40 and the garage is quoting me $220 for part/labor. If at all possible I would like to save the cash and do this myself if I can. I have a Haynes Repair Manual that discusses the replacement of this part, but my only concern is that it mentions removing the crankshaft balancer and using a "special tool" (when replacing the balancer) which fits over the end of the crankshaft to check the interrupter rings and adjust the new sensor. Anyone have any experience do this?? Thanks for the help


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 7, 2009, 7:53 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1940 views)
Re: 1991 Olds Cutlass dies after warming up Sign In

It would be difficult to try this on your own. You would need a puller for the balancer at the very least and that would only be if you had experience in positioning the sensor correctly without the $600 tool that does that for you.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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