What could be the problem w/ my car? '86 Oldsmobile?

Question

I have an 86 Olds Cutlass and sometimes when I drive it, it will die in the middle of the road. I was thinking maybe a clogged fuel filter because we had the gas tank replaced. Other then that I am at a loss. Any ideas? The car may be old but it has less then 80,000 miles on it and runs good.

Answer 1

The engine configuration for this vintage G.M. has a pattern failure with CAM and CRANK sensor failures. This is a good place to start. If you can eliminate this, then it is time to do real diagnostics, rather than merely shooting from the hip.
In any case, does the "Check Engine" light come on when it fails? If it does, the beginning of diagnostics is to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes from the ECM, and proceed with diagnostic and repair routines prescribed in the repair manual.

Go here for the procedure--------->

http://autorepair.about.com/library/ts/obd-i/bl-dtcs-15.htm

Scroll down beyond the DTC descriptions for the technical procedure. All it will take is a paperclip.
The manual is available at any parts house or book store, or Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your local library.
If none of these appeal to you, you might try here------->

http://www.eautorepair.net/

Available for an annual subscription, you have access to all the latest repair information material including the professional level data, TSBs and recall information, delivered to your desk-top.

Good Luck

Answer 2

This definitely sounds like you got some of the sediment from the old tank into the line. I would replace the fuel filter but try to get some gas out of the line going back to the tank out to fluch out anything there. Just replacing the filter may leave the sediment in the actual line and not be trapped in the old filter. I would also check all connections of the line to make sure that you are not sucking air into the gas before the motor. If it were the ignition module it would fail at approximately the same time frame everytime, which would be a result of overheating the contacts. I would make this replacement a last resort due to it's expense.

Answer 3

I would suspect the ignition module. We had a similar problem with a Pontiac about the same age, and replacing the module fixed it. The module is located in the distributor, and costs about $60, depending on where you buy it. If you install it, be sure not to forget to apply the jell that comes with it, to the bottom of the module before installation, it prevents failure due to overheating...( of the module ) Good Luck...

Answer 4

its age

Answer 5

if it starts right back up then i bet its the ignition module.......