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1994 Olds 88 stalling

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Old 08-15-2012, 12:43 PM
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Default 1994 Olds 88 stalling

Hello everyone!
This issue has been driving me nuts lately! I really want this fixed before winter. My car'* engine will "bog" on occasion, usually when decelerating or accelerating from a slow speed. If I have my AC running, it will even die sometimes. It ONLY does it when I get below half tank of fuel.
I have searched the internet for hours and tried many things. No avail.
I tried to pull the codes but when I hooked up the meter it said it couldn't connect.

List of things I have done:
Cleaned MAF sensor
Changed fuel filter
Unplugged EGR valve

My dad thinks it might be the throttle positioning sensor but I think it'* something to do with the fuel tank or fuel pump because it only happens when I get below half tank.

What else should I try?
Old 08-15-2012, 02:33 PM
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Pull the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator and see if you smell gas in the hose.

Inspect top to bottom for vacuum leaks.
Old 08-15-2012, 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 2kg4u
Pull the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator and see if you smell gas in the hose.

Inspect top to bottom for vacuum leaks.
Sure thing, I'll check when I get off work. If I smell gas, does that mean I need a new fuel pressure regulator?
Sorry for dumb questions, I am not a mechanic. I am a computer nerd
Old 08-15-2012, 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by bigchieftaco
Sure thing, I'll check when I get off work. If I smell gas, does that mean I need a new fuel pressure regulator?
Sorry for dumb questions, I am not a mechanic. I am a computer nerd
You don't learn if you don't ask questions. Yes, if you smell gas in the vacuum line that feeds the FPR, you need a new FPR.
Old 08-15-2012, 05:10 PM
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Also, any ideas why it only does it after I get below half tank?

Thanks for the help!
Old 08-15-2012, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by bigchieftaco
Also, any ideas why it only does it after I get below half tank?

Thanks for the help!

I actually suspect your fuel pump is the culprit, but want to rule out some easy stuff first.
Old 08-15-2012, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 2kg4u
I actually suspect your fuel pump is the culprit, but want to rule out some easy stuff first.
Dang, I been thinking the same. I hope its not. What through me off though is that to me, if the fuel pump is going out it would always do it, not just below half tank. But then again, I don't understand how all that works.

Fingers crossed its the FPR.
Old 08-15-2012, 07:11 PM
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Ok, so I checked the FPR vacuum line and it reeked of fuel. So, after looking at all the vacuum lines, I ran to the closest auto store and bought new vacuum lines. See pics.
These are the lines before I changed them.




The line going to the FPR I left because it was still in good shape and wasn't leaking. After replacing the vacuum lines, the car still stalls/bogs.

NOTE: I didn't know that my cruise control was hooked into these vacuum lines too. About a year ago, right when the stalling problem came up, my cruise control became "weak". If there is a hill, the car will slow down a lot but the CC stays on, just can't keep up. I have to assist it going up hills or sometimes just keeping my speed. I'm not sure if this is even remotely tied into this but after seeing the vacuum lines and how they connect, I thought I should share this info.

In conclusion, I think I need a new FPR.
Attached Thumbnails 1994 Olds 88 stalling-20120815172923664.jpg   1994 Olds 88 stalling-20120815172934695.jpg  
Old 08-15-2012, 10:53 PM
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I have a similar issue as well. This generation of C/H bodies is known for breaking baffles in the gas tank. When I start getting low on gas (3/8 is the reliable magic number), the car will stall under heavy braking, or heavy turning (like a banked interchange). I believe this is the condition that affects my vehicle. My fuel gauge also moves around a lot as well.

The solution: I just keep it in mind, and try and refill when it starts getting near the quarter tank mark. The solution is to drop, and possibly replace the fuel tank, which is something I prefer to put off as long as possible. When the fuel pump dies, I will likely address it then. Make it a one stop tank drop.

You also indicated that your vacuum lines wreaked of fuel. That is a telltale sign of a bad fuel pressure regulator, and should be addressed in short order. This can directly cause fire, or even back fire (like manifold exploding goodness). The vacuum lines have seen better days, and are probably not helping either.
Old 08-15-2012, 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rjolly87
I have a similar issue as well. This generation of C/H bodies is known for breaking baffles in the gas tank. When I start getting low on gas (3/8 is the reliable magic number), the car will stall under heavy braking, or heavy turning (like a banked interchange). I believe this is the condition that affects my vehicle. My fuel gauge also moves around a lot as well.

The solution: I just keep it in mind, and try and refill when it starts getting near the quarter tank mark. The solution is to drop, and possibly replace the fuel tank, which is something I prefer to put off as long as possible. When the fuel pump dies, I will likely address it then. Make it a one stop tank drop.

You also indicated that your vacuum lines wreaked of fuel. That is a telltale sign of a bad fuel pressure regulator, and should be addressed in short order. This can directly cause fire, or even back fire (like manifold exploding goodness). The vacuum lines have seen better days, and are probably not helping either.
Oh, yeah that sounds similar except my gas gauge doesn't move around a lot. If I am going to replace my FPR I sure hope that fixes it otherwise it is probably the gas tank solution you mentioned. I know it'* easy to just keep it above 1/4 tank, but come on, that'* annoying. Also, it was more of a hint of gas smell, not "OMG MY NOSE!!!" smell.


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