Help with fuel problem.

[bowtie_guy]

GF's mothers car. Sorry for lengh but need help!!!

A couple days ago she went out and it wouldn't start. I was asked to go look so I pulled a plug to check for spark. Cranked it over and it started and scared the crap out of me. So I reinstalled the plug and went for a drive. Well it worked fine yesterday and now today on her way home from work it died again but on the road. I went to check it and it's real odd. She went and called me then walked back to the car and tried again. It started but sputtered and if ya gave it fuel it would stall. I arrived and it wouldn't start so decided to check for spark and compression and they were ok. She cranked it a decent amount I figure so to me it should have been flooded but ther plug was DRY as can be.

I crawled under the car and got her to turn the key to the on posision and I couldn't hear the fuel pump. My chev is loud. I then towed it to her house.

Once there a friend saw me so stoped in and we chatted then tried to crnak it over and it started fine. Ran a couple seconds, about 20 seconds and then sputtered to die as if starving for fuel. I pulled the lines off at the intake area and turned the key on but nothing came out. I think the fuel pump is going and gone but not sure. I'm hoping maybe someone knows stuff about these cars??

Also I was going to change the fuel filter but don't know where it is. Anyone have an idea????? Also I think might be able to change the fuel pump without removing the tank!! Looks like it would be close.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

[tman]

Does your fuel guage move erratically too, that can be a sign of a failing fuel pump and sending unit.

[bowtie_guy]

The fuel gauge doesn't move any different than it should. Not eratically.
Someone told me the crank sensor might be gone, could this be true??

Also do you know where the fuel filter is on this car??


Thanks

[drinsano]

Well I have a 1990 Buick Lesabre custum doing the exact same thing. I've replaced the Fuel Pressure Regulator, Plugs, wires, all vaccum hoses and the problem remains. Started small like only had slight fuel starvation when FULL gas given. But recently has progressed(2 weeks) to the same problem of running then just stalling. It's definitely a Starvation of FUEL. Also it seems after it stalls out if i Just turn the car off and then restart it picks backup. Gonna try replacing the Fuel filter tommorrow. Hope this helps ya. Also I believe the fuel filter is by the rear driver side tire. If anyone else has remedied this type of problem, WE would be verry gratefull for some advice.

[Flatrater]

Different years have different problems along with different procedures on repairs so please supply year, make ,model and mileage it would make helping you easier!

[drinsano]

1990 Buick LeSabre Custom. 6 Cylinders 231 C 3.8L FI. 108,356 miles.

[bowtie_guy]

it's a 92 with a 3.8 fueli auto. Mileage is approx 168K km.

[Flatrater]

If you guys feel very strongly that it is a fuel issue then do this on the fuel rail their is a black cap remove the cap and you will see a valve like in your tire stem depress the stem with something and crank the engiine you should see fuel coming out of it if not then you have a pump problem. The older pumps like in your cars would work cold and as the pump worked it would start to lock up letting it cool down it would work again till it got hot.

I would start there you both have the same engine the 3.8L L engine. On all stall or no start problems you first need to find out what you are missing, you need air, spark and fuel. One missing and the car won't start. Make sure your fuel filter isn't blocked also.

Let me know how it goes!

[ghink]

Re your "92 with a 3.8 fueli auto. Mileage is approx 168K km."
On my 1994 LaSabre the in-line fuel filter is located just ahead of the right rear wheel-passenger side.

[qsacracer]

my 89 lesabre same motor 6 cyl...103,000 miles is doing almost the same thing...started out over weekend as a slight miss while cornering....then it went to cutout at hard throttle...now it cuts out at anything over 1/4 throttle most of the time..not all the time...really strange...maybe fuel pump or filter...let me know if you guys find a cure and I will also.......Thanx

[drinsano]

gonna try replacing the throttle position sensor tommorow. I here the fuel pump when i turn the key so i'll let yall know. Also my car has come to the point where it won't start at all.