1982 (?) Cutlass Ciera, hesitation probs!!

[rainesalatte]

Hi,

I have a 1982 (I think) Olds Cutlass Ciera with about 95K miles on it.
It ran like a dream until we had to get the serpentine belt replaced. That was about 6 mths ago and we've been through 4 belts since then!!!

The repair shop has blamed it on the alternator. The alternator is brand new as is the battery. This last time they initially told us the wrong size alternator was put on the car. Then they said it was just the screw on the alternator that was too big and throwing everything off kilter. So far, this last belt is holding. But ever since we got the initial belt change, something strange is happening.

If I slow down for a traffic light or something, when I put my foot back on the gas, the engine revs and the car hesitates for up to 5 seconds!!!
Then suddenly jerks back into motion with tires screeching!

The first time it happened, I was at a stop light. It seemed like the car wanted to lurch out into the intersection. I was terrified, as I had a gas pedal get stuck once on a different car.

Now, it's both dangerous and embarrassing. I don't know if the mechanics in this town are familiar enough with the car to fix the problem. (Judging from the nightmare we've had with the belt situation.)
I can't afford to throw a lot of money into diagnosing a problem that they may not be able to fix.

Any suggestions? Anybody out there had a similar problem?

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by rainesalatte

Hi,
If I slow down for a traffic light or something, when I put my foot back on the gas, the engine revs and the car hesitates for up to 5 seconds!!!
Then suddenly jerks back into motion with tires screeching!

Any suggestions? Anybody out there had a similar problem?

A restricted fuel filter can cause hesitation problems, but if what you describe above is happening before a full stop you might have a transmission problem. Check the trans fluid level.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by Mrbizness1

A restricted fuel filter can cause hesitation problems, but if what you describe above is happening before a full stop you might have a transmission problem. Check the trans fluid level.

The restricted filter causes that kind of hesitation in an EFI car. This one has a carburetor, where a clogged filter would cause quite different problems.

I agree about the transmission. Low fluid levels make the car behave exactly as you describe.

As for the alternator......either the wrong pully is on the alternator, or the wrong spacer washer is on the alternator. Either way, the pully alignment is wrong.
There is no excuse for the mechanic not to get that right. Literally millions of GM cars use the same size alternator as yours (its called a SI 10 model). So the size is very common and its EASY to assemble the pully properly. Take it back and make sure they do the job properly.