1992 Grand Am No Power

[spauley]

I was recently given a 1992 Grand Am in great condition except that the engine does not have any power. It acts as though the catylitic converter is plugged. This was checked and found not to be the cause. My thought is possibly an EGR valve problem. When the engine is running there is a strong odor of gas from the exhaust and the engine sounds as though it is running through an obstruction. Any ideas would be helpfull and if it is the egr valve if someone could explain where that is in a front wheel drive vehicle.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

[richtazz]

give us a little more info, engine size, mileage, etc and we can better help you

[spauley]

Sorry about that,

2.3 Quad 4 85,000 miles. Automatic trans. I have replaced all of the vaccum lines and it has improved some. I noticed this has the air/oil seperator rather than a pcv valve and am wondering about that. All of the vac. lines were in really bad shape, pretty much disintigrating. It sounds like the muffler is plugged or obstructed. Hope this helps.

[dblye]

Originally Posted by spauley

Sorry about that,

2.3 Quad 4 85,000 miles. Automatic trans. I have replaced all of the vaccum lines and it has improved some. I noticed this has the air/oil seperator rather than a pcv valve and am wondering about that. All of the vac. lines were in really bad shape, pretty much disintigrating. It sounds like the muffler is plugged or obstructed. Hope this helps.

Hi Scott,
Have you had any luck with your power problem? I have a 92 grand am with a 2.3 quad 4 with exactly the same problem!! The engine starts fine but idles a little rough. If I disconnect the battery cable to clear the trouble codes it idles great, until I put it in gear then the problem returns. I am getting a code 24 {Vehicle Speed Sensor}. Like you I changed the vac. lines, they were also in bad shape. I have replaced the fuel filter..no help. Replaced the cat. converter no change. I cleaned the oil seperator, replaced the idle valve, checked the throttle position sensor it was fine. I have tried disconnecting the TCC, but that changes nothing. With all of the parts replacements, the idle has really improved, until I put it in gear. I am going to be working on it again today, but I really dont have a clue where to go next. The vehicle is really high mileage {over 200000} and should probably be replaced but it uses no oil and has served me very well up to now. It has been looked at by a couple of mechanics who seem as confused as I am. If you have found your problem I would really appreciate some advice, and If I get lucky and find the problem I will let you know.

Thanks,
Dave