1991 Buick Century 1991 Buick Century Shakes, shudders &

DOMUSFELIUM

MEMBER
1991 BUICK CENTURY

Shakes or Wobbles problem
1991 Buick Century 6 cyl

This question is for my daughter so I don't know the mileage.
She's a single mom with 2 young kids living in the boondocks of N.C. Going to college trying to better herself. She just purchased a 1991 Buick Century from a friend because her other car just gave out. The Buick will start fine and runs great for about 30 mins. But then, when she comes to a stop sign or stop light, the car shakes, shudders and dies. As long as the car is in park, it will start right back up, but as soon as she puts it into any other gear besides park or neutral, it immediately dies again. The car will start back up again in gear after it cools down but the process repeats itself all over again.
She took it to a mechanic who has replaced the following:
Radiator
Shocks
Starter Module & 3 Coils
Did a Tune-Up (Plugs and Wires)
Air Filter
Front End Alighment
Camber Bolts
Oil Change
This has cost ALL of her savings ($500). Any help at all as to what this could be would be greatly appreciated! She can no longer afford to just replace parts indiscrimantely.
Thank you in advance!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Over half of what was replaced has nothing to do with this type of problem. To avoid buying parts that are not needed, I need to know some things so we can eliminate other things.

First, has anyone checked the fuel pump pressure when this happens?

Next, has the check engine light come on at any point?

Finally, has anyone checked the ignition module and for vacuum leaks?

Let me know and I'll do the best I can to help.

Joe

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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 AT 1:22 PM

TIFFYPOOH89

MEMBER
1 POST

Its the exact same problem. The same car model same problems to tee. I have not checked the fuel pressure. My check engine light has came on went back off. But it does not happen when the car is jerking and shaking. And I have not checked the ignition module for vacuum leaks. I have no idea how to check any of those things. Can I get some how to or is any repair shop able to check those things. I obviously have no money since I drive a 1991 Buick Century Custom. So some how to would be very helpful. Thanks so much.

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Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 AT 5:15 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Many people use starting fluid and spray it on the vacuum lines. If there is a leak, the engine sucks it in and the RPM's go up. Other than that, you have to look for bad hoses. THe starting fluid always makes me nervous because I've seen flash fires from it resulting from hitting too hot of an engine component.

As far as the module, you need test equipment. Most shops should have what is needed.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 AT 8:58 PM