Car starts and runs but it has trouble accelerating

1988 CADILLAC DEVILLE
300,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BBN0704
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have the car listed above that I’m having trouble with. the car starts and runs but it has trouble accelerating. It takes a couple of seconds to get up to 30 mph once there it stays at that mph for a moment then will climb to 45-50 mph. Sometimes it won’t push past 30 mph, it seems to help if I turn the car off then turn it back on after driving a while. It is burning through gas like you wouldn’t believe, normally it takes six gallons to get to work and back but now it’s nine. The car also reeks of gasoline. Everyone I ask seems to say fuel pump or fuel regulator, but I don’t know which it really is.
Please help
Apr 22, 2019 at 9:47 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Since the fuel consumption has increased and you smell fuel, first make sure there are no leaks. If none are found, then I suspect the regulator is bad. If the pump was bad, either it wouldn't work at all or you would have reduced pressure. The regulator, on the other hand, only reduces the amount of pressure. So if it isn't working, too much fuel may be getting to the engine.

Here is what I suggest. Simply perform a simple fuel pressure / regulator test. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

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https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

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Do that and let me know the results. Also, if you have questions, feel free to ask.

Take care,
Joe
Apr 22, 2019 at 12:08 PM
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BBN0704
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so so much. I can’t tell you how good it feels to have clarity on this issue.
Apr 22, 2019 at 8:03 PM
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DANNY L
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

If you do perform a fuel pressure test on your car it shows the specifications as being 9-12 PSI. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Apr 22, 2019 at 9:11 PM
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