1990 Olds Custom Cruiser Stalling Problem -- In need of advise

[RSmith8]

Hello all:
I own a 1990 Olds 88 Custom Cruiser Wagon (5.0 V8, 4BBL). Recently, the car has been stalling out on me...the stalling ALWAYS occurs within 2 minutes of putting it into "Drive," and almost always in the early morning, around 7AM. I will be driving, and the engine will cut out without warning (very smoothly, almost unnoticible). The "Charge" light will come on, followed by the "Choke/Oil" and "Check Engine Status" lights. The power steering goes out, but the brakes still function...enough to get me to the side of the road. The car will not restart once it has stalled...the engine cranks but does NOT turn over. My mechanic told me that after about an hour of sitting after it stalled on me once, he was able to get it to start. This does seem to happen with there is moisture in the air, but it has happened when this is not the case.

I had, due to a warranty, a new carburator installed free of charge...and this did not fix the problem. The mechanic has not yet been able to reproduce the problem, and he is kind of up in the air until he sees it happen...and since the problem is intermittent, there are no computer codes. He reports that the car runs "like brand new," and he has been driving it home nights and has had no problems.

Any ideas whatsoever? I really love this car, but I need to be able to get to school in the mornings (I'm a medical student in Maine)! This just started happening about 3 weeks ago or so...often about a minute after stopping at a light or stop sign. I am a slow driver if that matters.

Thanks very much for reading.

Best regards,

Ryan.

[xeroinfinity]

From waht you are describing it sounds carb related, might not be set up correctly.
ALso you choke(s) could be leaky and not operating proper when cold.

Though, I wouldnt rule out the ignition system.
Hows the plugs and wires , cap and rotor?

[crazy Jim]

your symptom is exactly the same as one my Cav had. It is a crank sensor going intermittant. When I replaced the one on my '89 Cav it cost 25U$.

[xeroinfinity]

I dont think the V8 has a CPS.

though heres a link on your 90' olds cruiser that might help.
The Zone

[crazy Jim]

you are correct, my bad. Since no CPS I'd check for a lack of spark next time it stalls. Coil or more likely the ignition module appear to be intermittant.