Fuel Filter location and other questions
 

OK, just got my first Bonneville, a '92 SE (after wanting one for 10 years), and am having a few problems with it that I hope I can get some advice on. I am by no means extremely competent at vehicle repairs, but I like to know what I'm talking about when I take it to my mechanic.

First, where is the fuel filter? I ran it low on fuel last week and almost died getting into the gas station. After filling up, the engine started running rough as soon as I started it and won't quit. I put in some gas treatment/injector cleaner, but it did no good. Am I right in thinking this might be the fuel filter? If so, where is it and how difficult is it to replace.

Second, I seem to have a water leak from somewhere near the back of the passenger side of the engine block. I haven't jacked it up to get a better look yet. Is this where the water pump is? If so, is this a common problem?

And last, I've had other cars with the 3800 engine (Buick Regal, Grand Prix) and both of them performed better than this one. Is that due to the higher weight of this car? Or does it sound like something is wrong? I've also noticed that the gas mileage isn't what I was getting in the other cars (12-14MPG). I know I've been driving this car a little aggresively so far, but I got 18-22 in the other cars with the same type of driving.

Thanks for you assistance. I hope to become as loyal a fan of the Bonneville as I am of the early model Ford Mustangs

First of all, nice car! I'm partial to the black '92 SE's myself! :P

The fuel filter is located under the front passenger-side of the car. You should spot it easily. It's fairly simple to replace, the fuel lines have plastic tabs on them that allow them to be easily popped off. A warning though...do it in an open area, and have a lot of rags, you will get gasoline all over the place. At least that's what happens to me.

The water leak, I can't help you with that as much. Are you getting puddles of coolant on the ground? One thing to remember, the AC condenser is sitting in that area (right by the fuel filter actually), and it will drip on a hot day.

Finally, mileage-wise, do plugs, air filter, and oxygen sensor. Do the wires too if they are cracked. I get around 18mpg doing mostly city driving.

csprague is pretty uch right on. I recently did fuel filter, air filter, plugs, and wires. It made a noticeable difference. Running smoother and faster.

Do you know it's coolant that is leaking or is it just water. An A/C condensor can put out quite a bit of moisture when it's running.

My fuel filter is rear passenger side. Right infront of the rear tire. It had 1 snap in plastis connection on the rear side and a wrenched connection on the front. Could be different though on different years. And yes, it does make a little bit of a mess when the fuel lines drain after the filter comes off.

Re: Fuel Filter location and other questions
 

Well first off WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE CLAN! :flashbounce:
Second I think I can you lots here as I too have a 92 SE! :wink: Mine is fully loaded with every option except sunroof!
1.) Fuel Filter is located under the car by the Cat on the front passenger side behind front wheel & just below the firewall. You'll need a "Quick Disconnect Tool" or nimble fingers to loosen the retaining clips though. **** Beware lots of gas will come out too ****
2.) Your coolant leak could be either a heater hose; heater hose connector on lower intake; or even a lower intake leak. Best to get a pressure test done on the cooling system after first washing the entire engine clean. That way you can see the leak better. :wink:
3.) Gas mileage on this engine IS NOT LIKE other 3800's because this engine is EGRless! This engine runs much hotter than other 3800's. This engine is also prone to Exhaust manifolds cracking & Valve burning out due to the extra heat build up. I should know, like I said I've got one & my own LH Manifold is already cracked & the exhaust valve in #6 Cylinder is burnt & loosing compression. :cry:

Continued Issue
 

OK, thanks for the input so far. Sadly, I'm still having some problems and am hoping for some more advice.

First, I've replaced the water pump and the leak is gone. :) ($120.00 parts & labor)

However, another problem appeared about a week ago that might be related to the performance issues. I ran the car low on fuel and it stuttered just as I entered the gas station. After filling up I started the car and it immediately started running rough. By running rough, I mean that it barely keeps running when at idle, and it has little or no power when accelerating. When trying to maintain the same speed, the car literally shakes.

I had my mechanic listen to it and he suggest the fuel filter. So we replaced it. No luck. ($60.00) However, we could not blow through the old filter, so it's pretty certain it DID need replacing.

Next he checked the coils by pulling the wires off while the engine was running. The 2 wires attached to the middle coil module had no spark, so he thought the coil was bad. Well, I replaced that today and still no luck. ($75.00) I finally tried what I should have tried first and replace the plugs and wires. But STILL no luck! ($35.00)

I'm at my wits end on this one. Anybody have any suggestions for what to do next?

BTW, can anyone point me to a diagram of how the plugs should be wired? I documented the wiring before pulling off the wires, and I'm 99.9% sure I put them back right, but I can't help but wonder if this is the problem.

First, have you checked your air filter? This can make a big difference in idle if it is dirty.

Both are from a front point of view.

Coil packs:
___
|6 3|
|2 5|
|4 1|
------

Engine:
_____
| 2 4 5 |
| 1 3 5 |
-----------


This is what my maintaince manual state for a 92 or newer engine. Hope this helps...

Air Filter
 

Yes, I've checked the air filter and it looked very clean. And I've even removed it temoporarily just to check, and it didn't make a difference. And we even sprayed some stuff into the intake with the engine revving (not sure what ).

You weren't using SHELL gas by chance were you???? If so you're going to need a new fuel level sensor because your old one may have just been sludged up by the new Shell additive in their gasoline! :shock: There was a lot of hype about this a couple of weeks ago too! In the news papers & on TV! :?

I didn't hear shit about that! You gotta link to some info on that?

It's been wiped from the pontiac news group now since it's been over a month there, sorry. :?