96 Regal start/dies

[EVERETT HOOVER]

96 Regal starting and stalling. 3.1 engine. Some times starts and runs perfect. But sometimes it barely starts and acts like only hitting on 2 or 3 cylinders. Extremely rough. Horrible smell of unburnt gasoline. And engine knocks badly. Well sometimes it will keep hitting like that for maybe aronnd 30 seconds then it will smooth out and I thankfully drive away.
BUT at other times it chugs to a die. Now repeatedly try to restart and it is no go. It turns over real fast but doesn't fire. Or if it is firing it is doing it at he wrong time. Now set there for around 30 minutes repeatedly trying to restart, it is no go. But at about the end of that amount of time it starts instantly and I thankfully drive away. Also when I am going up a slight incline it sometime bucks or chugs until the road levels out.
Car runs perfect at most of the time.
Never a check engine light.
So far has never quit on the highway.
Thanks to any one that can offer a suggestion.
pongo74

[Ruley73]

It sounds like it could be a few things. I would first check your air filter and make sure it isn't clogged. I also think it could be a faulty fuel pressure regulator, especially if you have to engage the starter for more than 2-3 seconds to start the engine. There is an easy way to check it. The fuel pressure regulator is located on the fuel rail. I'm not familiar with the 3100 SFI engine that you have so I can't tell you exactly where its at. Anyways, pull off the vacuum line that goes to it (shortly after you shut off the engine) and if you see or even smell gas then the regulator is faulty and must be replaced. They typically cost between $40-$70.

I must say that I am a little baffled that no code is being triggered. From what I've experienced, OBD-II systems on GM vehicles tend to be a little more sensitive to running irregularites than other makes.

I hope this helps.

[EVERETT HOOVER]

Ruley 73 : THANKS for your quick reply. I don't have to crank for more than 2 seconds. If it is going to start it does it on the first couple of revoltions of the engine just like a new car. Also I don't think I'm correctly describing the odor from exhaust when the engine is runing but badly missing. The smell is really not raw gas but just a big stink I can't really describe. The knock I hear when it is running badly is I would say some what like a ping we used to get on the old cars when the timing was set incorrectly. Except it is a very much louder and heavier sound. That knock stops when the engine smooths out.
I had the air filter changed about 6000 miles ago.
SORRY I'M NOT BETTER AT DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM.
pongo74+