'88 Cutlass Ciera stalls

wheresmyres · 11-08-2009, 06:33 PM

I'm guessing the problem has to do with fuel, as in it's not getting enough. Possibly a filter or pump or something in that area. Originally it was just a starting issue. The car would crank fine, but without 50%+ throttle, it will die. No idle. It also has a random rough idle at stop lights.

The problem has progressed. The starting problem is more severe and it now stalls on me while running. If it doesn't stall, it just sounds like the motor is wanting to conk out. I have to over throttle just to keep it running. It does calm down after the motors warm and been running for 10 minutes or more.

I checked the plugs which were fine and I ran a cleaner through the tank plus 91 octane just to clean up injectors and what not. Problem still persist.

Does it sound like a fuel issue? If not, where might I look?

I also have a '98 Achieva with a 3.8L (same size as mine). This isn't as important a question, but is there a chance I can pull parts off the Achieva for a fit on the Cutlass?

Forgot to mention, it's a 3.8L motor and has 164K miles on it. It's been well kept by previous owner.

**octaneman** · 11-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Hi wheresmyres

Check for any codes and please post them. When the engine is not sustaining idle could mean the IAC motor not functioning and the ports blocked by carbon deposits. Clean the IAC and the port with decarbonizer and check for IAC proper operation. Inspect the air filter for blockage and replace if necessary.

post back your findings.

11-08-2009, 06:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
wheresmyres Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8 OS: Vista	'88 Cutlass Ciera stalls I'm guessing the problem has to do with fuel, as in it's not getting enough. Possibly a filter or pump or something in that area. Originally it was just a starting issue. The car would crank fine, but without 50%+ throttle, it will die. No idle. It also has a random rough idle at stop lights. The problem has progressed. The starting problem is more severe and it now stalls on me while running. If it doesn't stall, it just sounds like the motor is wanting to conk out. I have to over throttle just to keep it running. It does calm down after the motors warm and been running for 10 minutes or more. I checked the plugs which were fine and I ran a cleaner through the tank plus 91 octane just to clean up injectors and what not. Problem still persist. Does it sound like a fuel issue? If not, where might I look? I also have a '98 Achieva with a 3.8L (same size as mine). This isn't as important a question, but is there a chance I can pull parts off the Achieva for a fit on the Cutlass? Forgot to mention, it's a 3.8L motor and has 164K miles on it. It's been well kept by previous owner. Last edited by wheresmyres; 11-08-2009 at 06:38 PM.

11-08-2009, 07:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 548 OS: WINXP	Re: '88 Cutlass Ciera stalls Hi wheresmyres Check for any codes and please post them. When the engine is not sustaining idle could mean the IAC motor not functioning and the ports blocked by carbon deposits. Clean the IAC and the port with decarbonizer and check for IAC proper operation. Inspect the air filter for blockage and replace if necessary. post back your findings. Last edited by octaneman; 11-08-2009 at 07:26 PM.