|
|
mjmason13
New User
Sep 7, 2010, 1:32 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1343 views)
|
|
1990 Century Cuts Off
|
Sign In
|
|
My 1990 Buick Century with 113K miles runs great, but occassionally just cuts off while driving. It will then crank but not turn over, for a while, but if I wait long enough it will start and run as if nothing happened. The check engine light does not come on and no mechanic has been able to figure it out because it works fine when I take it in. I am thinking fuel pump. Any suggestion? thank you. Mike
|
|
| |
|
|
Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 7, 2010, 1:33 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1341 views)
|
|
Re: 1990 Century Cuts Off
|
Sign In
|
|
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.
These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.
1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.
2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.
4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.
Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
|
|
| |
|
| | |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 