Rough idle and sputtering

Tiny
MEDMAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 OLDSMOBILE 88
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 112,000 MILES
Okay, the car first off starts first crank every time even on coldest winter day. It idles rough while in drive or reverse but straightens out if you put it in park or neutral. It seems to stumble when applying the gas on the road and cut out occasionally around fifty five mph. When it cuts out I lift off the gas pedal and reapply to keep moving. It does not shut off when idle is rough at stop signs and such but it sure acts like it wants to. It seems there are a hundred different parts that could cause this so I am asking for help tracking the real issue down. So far I have pulled the MAF sensor and cleaned it. It seemed to help once or twice but I have since cleaned it again and no change was the result. Could it be a plug and wire problem even though it fires up first crank? If not any other suggestions. Thanks in advance for any help I have tried to have it scanned at a couple auto parts stores but they claim it is too old or their scanner.
Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 AT 10:02 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Hello,

Start with a compression test so we do not chase our tail.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

If all good do a full tune up including wires here is a guide to help you.

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

You can run the codes by following this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

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

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 AT 10:29 AM

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