Runs for seconds then stalls; please help

[ai402002]

i own a 92 buick regal custom 3.8 with 185k that i bought 2 weeks ago. ran strong with no signs of any problems.

Yesterday i was cruising down the road and i noticed that the steering wheel was vibribrating, although it raised a red flag i continued because i was just a couple blocks from my house. then as i approached the stop sign, i began to loose power and eventually stalled. i immediately got out of the car and called AAA. While awaiting their arrival i examined the engine under the hood for any conspicuous problems. didnt find anything but the p/s fluid was kinda low. so i looked underneath the car a discovered a puddle where the road used to be. It was the ps fluid that leaked, which made sense along with the vibrating steering wheel. but i dont understand why i stalled. During that time (approx 1 hour) waiting for AAA I started the car several times about 20 mins apart. The car started but didnt run long, and stalled.

Today i woke up and checked it out and as i turned the key i noticed that the car didnt start. Then i called AAA once again for a jump, but no luck. After a system test we learnt that i need a new battery (replace battery). So i bought one because i knew that i could not get further answers without a descent battery, i also bought some stop leak. After the install the car started up nice but it didnt last long. So, now im stuck with the problem of a car that starts but doesnt run and a mystery ps leak.

By the way, after adding the stop leak the steering wheel seems to turn with ease now, not sure how long thatll last. Also I dont think its the alternator because it checked out ok on the test. Please Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Strider1048]

I also have a 92 Regal, Limited. I'm having the same startup problems minus the P/S leak. My car will start up, run for about 2 seconds, then shut off. Initially, I was thinking it was a fuel pump issue so I sent it into the mechanic a day ago and they are saying they think its an electrical problem. Haven't heard back from them (thus i'm looking up info on it myself), but when I do, I'll post any info that may help solve the issue.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. Fuel pressure would be the first test after that they would check for spark, just basic diagnostic steps.

[richtazz]

how long does it run before it dies?