Bucking

[Balloon Man]

Thanks LMP. I would have checked the coils but I couldn't find the bl**dy things. I got a Haynes manual but can't find what it describes as a coil under the hood 0f a 3.1. Sooooo...... as my car is now consistently missing on at least one, (maybe more), cylinders and is totally gutless, along with a smell of unburned fuel, maybe it is time I bought a set of coils? At least that way I'll know what to look for. You mention C.$85. LMP. Are you Canadian? If so where did you source the coils from? They're probably available from Canadian Tire but I expect you found something better than that?

Thanks for your help, you people are great and very helpful. Sorry I cannot help you with the dogbone and wire holder problem. Does the holder slip off or screw off the wire at all?

[Android_Gimpy6456]

Originally Posted by Balloon Man

Thanks to LMP I have just cured the intermittent wiper problem. I

Whats is the LMP wiper problem I have it when my wipers get wet. Obviosly when there needed.

[Balloon Man]

Gimpy....check out the thread "Windshield wipers" started by eVictor. You will find a reply by LMP in which he discusses weak soldered joints on the module attached to the wiper motor. Depending on the model it may be fairly simple to remove the motor and resolder the joints. Mine is a '95, 3.1 and it was pretty simple. An effective repair too it seems, as mine has not played up once since I did it. My trouble is that it is still running very rough. Off to the service station tomorrow for diagnostics I'm afraid, as it is barely useable now..... and certainly no pleasure to drive. Good luck.

[LMP]

Originally Posted by Balloon Man

.. can't find a coil under the hood 0f a 3.1...where did you source the coils from? ?

3.1 has a single coil....will look for a picture.
I used a 3.8 3-coil set from salvage...proved to no avail...then returned them. IN fact they had come complete with the ignition module that proved itself shot....so no problem returning the whole pack.
Will go to basics first...I assume (..I do not like that..) my ignition module brand new form last year is OK....so a 14YO car can invest in a new set of spark plug wires...right or wrong in a few days down the line...

for wipers check this out:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=677547

[IAChevyNut]

WOW. Mine is doing the same thing. I just thought that the pistons were trying to swap holes since it has 200K on it. I know that mine is do for a tune up. That is were I was going to start. 200K on the original fuel filter had me thinking that was it. Look forward to finding out what you discover.

[LMP]

..changed three front spark plug wires...and got rid of the frightening part of bucking: still some left, but status has moved from "unserviceable" to "somewhat annoying"
..will see later when I manage to get the rear three in their place.

[Balloon Man]

Sorry, guys, have typed complete response to this thread and watched it disappear into cyberspace. Don't have the time to do it again. had my car serviced. Problems:
1. Bad ignition wire
2. EGR valve not working and losing vacuum as well
3. Throttle body gasket leaking and losing vacuum.

Hope this helps you all.

[RVTRichard]

Sorry so late in getting back with the results of my struggle with the “bucking” problem my Lumina APV 3.8 has been experiencing.

To review my problem was that the engine would miss intermittently in any gear after the engine was warm. I changed the following:

Plugs & wires
Oxygen Sensor
Ignition coils
Ignition Module
Crankshaft sensor
Computer
EGR valve

I’ve taken it to a specialty shop to see if it was the transmission and they report that the transmission is working properly. I then took it to a highly recommended garage and they worked on it checking for vacuum leaks, etc. Could not find any leaks or anything wrong. However they do acknowledge that there is a problem, they just can’t pin point it.

So after all this time and a 1000 bucks, it still has the same condition and no one can figure it out.

[Balloon Man]

RTV...mine turned out to be caused by an arcing rear ignition wire burned on the exhaust manifold, plus a faulty after-market EGR valve. It cost me about $500 but has been well worth the outlay.

[RVTRichard]

I couldly wish it were that simple. I've checked for wiring possibilities and have all ready installed a new EGR valve and still no improvement. My next planed step is to start checking the fuel injectors.

[duanebowman]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

have you had the coil pack tested??? on my sons it was 1 of the coils in the pack..you should have 3 in the pack.....good luck.....

i agrr mine was the coil pack

[duanebowman]

Originally Posted by LMP

..my next step in line. I have located a complete package (ignition module and 3 coils) for C$85....and at least I will keep it as a spare even if it does not prove the case. I have changed the ignition module itself..just the wafer...last year...so I'd be mad if it had gone wrong in such a short time but all is possible. But indeed I do suspect one of the coils could be the cause here.
By the way, anyone who has changed the spark plug wires, any tiopon how to get this wire holder that seems stuck under the dog bone ?

how did you make out mine was the coil pack that caused this problem

[LMP]

Well finally the entire problem was with the ignition wires, as stated on 06-21 post...and I changed the rear three wires a little later and this is over...well, say 95%..the last 5% I think is traceable to a slightly worn out CV joint on right side. I made several trips last fall and nothing worsened...and now Transport is hangared for winter...will go out on May 1st. (winter is L_O_N_G around here).

[RVTRichard]

I have all ready replaced the following:
Plugs & wires
Fuel Filter
Oxygen Sensor
MAF sensor
Air Intake Temperature Sensor
Ignition coils
Ignition Module
Crankshaft sensor
Computer
EGR valve
To date I have invested enough time and money that I could have exchanged the entire engine. The problem still remains and no one has an answer. My next step this spring is to replace the intake manifold as they are a common problem with these engines. They leak up underneath where the EGR valve stem enters the intake and cause all kinds of problems. At least that's what is being said on other forums.

[LMP]

...mmm...THis flaw (intake manifold and intake manifold gasket ) is reported only with series 2 3800....which began in 1995 in all GM lines using the 3.8 except transport/APV which kept using the end of line series 1.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=401247
NOt to say it is impossible, but the odds are negative..