1998 Buick Century

[steph21216]

Hello Everyone,
I'm writing to try to attempt to get some information for my father. He owns a 1998 Buick Century/6 Cylinder that seems to make these putt putt sound whenever he attempts to take off, especially at a red light or stop sign. He is trying to save money without spending a lot of money if you know what I mean. The car appears to stall without going off. It was suggested that he get a tuneup as well as change the sparkplugs. He said that he put new sparkplugs in a year ago, but it still has a slow takeoff the car will not reach full power even with the foot to the floor. I really need someone to inform me of what this problem could be.
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate some help from some one that know what the issue with this car.
Thanks
Steph

[GTP Dad]

I will make a guess as to the problem. It sounds like there may be a couple of problems. First, the catalytic converter may be plugged especially since he says that the car will not reach full power even with the throttle on the floor. Second, the problem may point to a clogged fuel filter that is starving the engine for fuel. Change the fuel filter first as it may be blocked and it is the cheapest and easiest to change. Have him check the fuel pressure using a guage. (He can rent one from a parts store.) If the pressure is low then change the filter and recheck, if the filter is blocked you should see an immediate improvement in drivability. If not then check the cat. You may have to unbolt the cat from the exhaust and see what happens. If it runs better then you have found the problem. He may want to take it to an exhaust shop to have it checked if he is not up to major exhaust work. Good Luck!

[Elzie]

I had my catalytic converter checked for back pressure at local exhaust shop. They drill a small hole put in a plastic fitting with gage to check the pressure,then weld the hole up all for $10.00. Not all shops do it that way so check around. Good luck.