1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

'92 SSE --- engine quits running intermittently.

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Old 01-16-2007, 11:21 PM
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Default '92 SSE --- engine quits running intermittently.

This problem just came up.
The engine will just 'die' in traffic, at any given time, no pattern.

I have less than 5,000 miles since changing the plugs/wires.

The weather has been in the 'teens and twenties' and we've had a lot of ice and snow in the Seattle area.

I put in some Lucas injector cleaner; Champion injector cleaner; and an octane booster --- all at the same time --- then filled the tank all the way up to the filler neck.
This is about when the problem with the engine dying started...

Did I OVER-ADDITIVE my gasoline? I used Shell V-Power on top of all that 'stuff'.
Or, is there another problem I need to look for?

The car just turned 97,000 miles --- I've had it about four years and got it with 49,000 original miles on it.
I'd appreciate any suggestions as to what to look for in this case. Thanks, everyone.
Old 01-16-2007, 11:33 PM
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Disconnect both battery cables. Pull the boots back. I bet you have corrosion hidden in there. We're getting a good dozen a month. Clean all your grounds also, and the starter/alternator connections.
Old 01-16-2007, 11:38 PM
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Hey, that sounds great!
I'll do it right after my dentist appointment...
Hoping I don't freeze my byoo-tocks off at the same time --- it'* been REALLY cold around here! :P
Thanks.
Old 01-16-2007, 11:53 PM
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Cold?

Tell me about it!
Old 01-18-2007, 07:42 PM
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I took the SSE to the dealer because it died 4 times again, even after moving the negative battery cable attachment to a tighter position ( I didn't have time to put on the new bolt and clean everything up ).
I'd driven the car after doing that for quite a time and distance and nothing happened, so I thought I'd located the trouble and would work on it today...but, as mentioned, it decided to act up anyway.

When I got to the dealer'* service department, I showed the Service Manager what I found, and also a bare wire under the coil pack. The bare wire is a ground wire that I'd covered temporarily with duct tape.
I requested that the fuel filter be changed, just because they had the car there and it would be easier and quicker for them to do it. It turns out the filter was 'OK', but it didn't hurt to have it replaced.
I'm having them change the oil while they're at it.

I also found out that there were no codes 'thrown', but they suspected the crank sensor might be causing the intermittent stalling.
Not only that, but the intake manifold had a coolant leak.

CHA-CHING.
Now we're talking about a $1,000.00 repair bill for the mysterious stalling problem.
I told the guy to make it run right.
I hope that doesn't cost extra!
Old 01-18-2007, 07:46 PM
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Intake manifold gaskets are really easy to change.
Old 01-18-2007, 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by J Wikoff
Intake manifold gaskets are really easy to change.
They must be expensive parts; or the mechanic is really slow; because the amount mentioned to change them was, uh, exhorbitant to say the least.
I'll find out tomorrow and maybe pay the bill under protest.
Old 01-18-2007, 10:26 PM
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No, they are not expensive parts. $30 and two hours, I could do it.
Old 01-18-2007, 11:01 PM
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Somebody might get an earfull tomorrow...
Old 01-19-2007, 08:04 AM
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While the parts are inexpensive, my experience is about $70 for all the gaskets needed. There is a substantial amount of labor involved in changing the gaskets.


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