1987 Cadillac Cimarron Car wont stay running

Tiny
NCMUSTANG
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 CADILLAC CIMARRON
  • 75,000 MILES
I have an 87 cadillac cimarron and am having issues with it running. It will start cold but as soon as its running while driving it stalls out. Then it wont start at all unitl it is cold again. Ive replaced the plugs and wires, and the ignition module. Fuel pressure is normal. Could this be a computer problem? Injector problem? I dont want to keep putting money into it for useless repairs.
Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 11:30 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
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.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
NCMUSTANG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you this is helpful. Fuel pressure is good, and its getting spark, which leads me to believe it may be injector related. Could temperature affect the injectors? Like I said the car will start when its cold but it seems like once the motor heats up, is when the failure starts.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You haven't completed these tests yet. Complete all of them and post the results.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
NCMUSTANG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Fuel pressure is good, and its getting spark. Dont have a noid light
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 3:03 PM

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