1994 Oldsmobile Ciera Sputtering

PACKERHATER81

MEMBER
1994 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

I have a 94 Olds Cutlass Ciera. Some morning when I go to start it it sputters and dies. Then I start it again and it goes away. Sometimes its still there. This also happens after I have been driving for a while. And when it dies it takes about 45 minutes of sitting to restart. Both these scenarios happen every now and then. It doesn’t do it everyday and sometimes I go for a week without a problem. They are starting to happen more frequently and it is driving me crazy. I have checked the fuel filter all good. I checked 3 of the 6 spark plugs. They look brand new. Firing order is correct. No damage to wires, they look brand new. I am going to try fuel injector cleaner and some HEET in the gas to see if it helps. But I doubt it. To me if it was something like that it would be a constant problem. Please Help! I am at a loss.

Thanks

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If it refuses to start don't wait for nothing- do below to find out if its fuel or spark problem that's causing it not to start-something has to give.

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing.