Starting problems

[Tuni]

My car is a 94 Olds 88 Royale with about 135k miles on it. It has been having a lot of problems lately, but most of them have been pretty obvious. Within the last 6 months, I've replaced the transmission, belt, camshaft sensor, two coil packs, spark plug wires, and fuel filter.

About two weeks ago or so, I replaced two of my coil packs because it would seem like a cylinders weren't firing, at least not properly. So I replace the coil packs and it works fine.

Then, this last Saturday, it was raining when I was driving on the freeway when I started to notice that my car was lugging down. I would intermittenly attempt to push the gas pedal down, sometimes getting a normal response, and other times get more lugged down (the car was in overdrive, so I'm guessing that kicking it down was lugging it more because the tranny was locking in). So, eventually, my car pretty much dies and I pull over. I attempt to re-start it and no luck. I wait about 15 minutes, I go to start it, and it starts, but still running real rough. I manage to keep it running (barely) long enough to get it at a parking spot at my apartment, with it lugging and dying sometimes the whole 2 miles there.

I call up a fellow who used to be a mechanic and had the same kind of car. He tells me it's either a plugged fuel filter, coil module, or crankshaft or camshaft sensor. So, I rule out the camshaft sensor since I just replaced it. I go out today, try to start it and it starts, but chugs and then dies about 2-3 seconds later. I replace the fuel filter, and it does the same thing. So, this leaves me with the recomended coil module or crankshaft sensor suggested before, and a newly suggested fuel pump going out. I've tried starting while having someone beating on the fuel tank, as I've heard that should keep it going for a little longer, and no luck. It always does the same thing. Also, the check engine light doesn't come on for the 2-3 seconds the engine is running.

Any other ideas, tests, ways of telling what's wrong, etc. would be appreciated.

[Ron AKA]

Have you attempted to get the codes out? It requires shorting two terminals on the OBD socket and then turning the key to the on position -- but not starting. Also you may want to try measuring the fuel pressure when cranking it (even if it does not start). Fuel pressure gauages are not too expensive.

Another possibility assuming they have them on this engine, is the MAP sensor.

[Alibi]

No MAP sensor. And you can rent a fuel pressure gauge from Autozone...

And you definitely need to pull codes before you start throwing parts at it. If its OBD1 (I think 94 is) then this ought to work: http://www.3800power.bravehost.com/code_list.htm

Pull codes, if any, and post back and then we can go from there

[Tuni]

Problem solved. I switched the fuel pump and it works fine. Thanks anyway for suggestions.

[crashdragons2]

hey new here but i got a 93' 88 royale with the 3800 motor it will turn over and not catch or catch and sputter for about 2-3 seconds and die. the fuel pump is working fine i just changed the oil and tranny fliud about 2 weeks ago the coil packs are new ish about a year old just replaced the spark plugs and wires need ideas urgent i need to get get my roommates car running again so he can get to work

[inafogg]

best to start your own thread as this one is 3 years old