Backfires and runs roughly

1995 OLDSMOBILE AURORA
130,000 MILES • 4.0L • V8 • AUTOMATIC
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NEEDMYAURORA
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  • 1 POST
After sitting for a couple of years, the vehicle ran smoothly for a month and then began backfiring and running very badly in low speeds and takeoff. Seemed like lost power. Runs ok at higher speeds (45+). In traffic, very sluggish on restart and backfires, jumps many times under load.

Mechanic says there is an anti-backfire regulator that has broken into several pieces. I have not seen it but he says he can not find the part anywhere and has even replaced the exhaust manifold in hopes the piece would be fixed. Seems to be the same issue with no improvement.

I hate to get rid of it but if it can not be repaired, no use to have it.

Do you have suggestions as to whether this can be repaired?
Sep 22, 2015 at 3:00 PM
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WWADE9560
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Is backfiring thru the tail pipe or throttle body?
Dec 16, 2017 at 10:57 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,837 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
This sounds like it can be one of two things first would be tune up allowing the engine to misfire. Here is a guide to help you with that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Next would be flat camshaft lobe which shows up under acceleration.

Here is a guide to help you see what I am talking about.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Dec 18, 2017 at 1:06 PM
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