94 buick lesabre Shutting Down

[llitebulb]

I have 94 buick, causing me nothing but headaches!! The problem started a month ago. Pulling hills it seems to starve for gas. If older car feels like vapor lock. Engine more or less goes to idle mode, no lights and doesn't shut off. I pull off road, shut off, a minute later start it, runs fine for a while no misses or spark knock. Now it seems everytime it gets real hot like this summer is, it will do it after a 30 minute drive. Replaced Fuel filter first ( was Black) then ran it. Still no good. Then went to fuel pressure regulator, that didn't help either. No dash lights so they say won't show a code. Talked about fuel pressure test and they say unless it's doing it there it won't show any difference! Mechanic said loss of three pounds of pressure should kill car not put it to sleep LMAO. Hate to waste money on diagnostics if it won't help. Any guesses??? Also ran octane boost and fuel injector cleaner through it. I think it is fuel related not electrical because no lights and still running.

[KillaWabbit]

If there is an Autozone near you, you can check the fuel pressure for free. They prolly have the spec for the pressure too.

Robert

[llitebulb]

Yes, will try that, I had electrical l checked there didn't know they checked fuel pressure. Will post what happens when i get it done.

[llitebulb]

Yes, will try that, I had electrical l checked there didn't know they checked fuel pressure. Will post what happens when i get it done. Thanks Robert

[93buicklesabrelmtd]

Originally Posted by llitebulb

Yes, will try that, I had electrical l checked there didn't know they checked fuel pressure. Will post what happens when i get it done. Thanks Robert

You may have a clogged fuel strainer sock.
As you indicated the fuel filter was "black"
The fuel strainer sock is that same color then.
Proprably very clogged up, and the pump cant suck from it.
The strainer sock attaches at the bottom of the pump.
If the fuel pressure test was okay then the pump may be okay.
But the strainer will not really show up on a test.
Like you said going uphill. It acts crazy. When the gas is at a certain part in the tank, the pump gets to pull better. And willl most likely pull okay when you are stoped.

[llitebulb]

93 buick, If I pull tank and strainer is dirty would you suggest installing pump as long as I have to pay for labor on tank pull anyway? I need to solve problem seeing this is primary car.

[93buicklesabrelmtd]

Originally Posted by llitebulb

93 buick, If I pull tank and strainer is dirty would you suggest installing pump as long as I have to pay for labor on tank pull anyway? I need to solve problem seeing this is primary car.

The strainer is most likely the problem. These pumps last very long time.
If your paying for someone to do the labour most people put a new pump in at the same time. So they avoid having to drop the tank again.

I just replaced the strainer when I did mine.
A 18$ part vs paying 120$ for the pump.
And she is still working very well.
No chugs, starvation problems or none of that.
You may have alot of debris in your tank. Drain gas into bucket.
And Rinse tank out if you could, after removing pump & strainer.. Make sure it probrably dries off before installing.

[llitebulb]

Replaced fuel pump and strainer yesterday. Strainer was dirty and the tank was pretty clean. Will fill and test today and hope for the best. Will post if cures problem. Thanks for all replies!

[llitebulb]

Aug 7th I replaced strainer on fuel pump also pump as long as tank was off. Ran it now for a week and I think the problem is solved. I want to thank everyones input. Proud to be a member when you get the help you need, or advice that saves time and headaches.