Will not stay running at idle after replacing the water pump

Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 BUICK LESABRE
  • 190,000 MILES
Here's my problem: I change the water pump in a little elbow and put it all back together; went to bleed the system and those two vacuum lines on top of the bleeder. I cracked them but was able to put them back in the hole. Now when I start the vehicle it ran for about 15-20 seconds and then shut off. It doesn't do it all the time but if I'm driving it will shut off when I come to a stop. The car ran great before I changed the water pump. What did I do?
Saturday, February 12th, 2022 AT 6:54 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure what you are referring to. There is a bleeder on the thermostat housing, but that doesn't have any vacuum lines going to it.

Take a look below at the pic I attached. Is that where you bled the system?

If possible, take a pic of the hoses you are referring to and upload it for me to see? That would likely help me identify them.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe
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Sunday, February 13th, 2022 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
These 2 lines broke, but I was able to pull out the broken pieces and shove them back in.
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 12:08 AM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
Mostly shuts off when coming to a stop. Never had a problem until I started it the first time when I got the water pump on. Before that it ran great. I was trying leaning over and put my hand down and broke those two lines.
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
I know vacuum lines can mess things up, but I got them back in, so I don't know if that would do it or not. Or did I get another sensor soak in antifreeze that sits below water pump?
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 12:14 AM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
I never did get back to bleeding the system because it started, and it shut off. So, I have been on that but that wouldn't make it stall out right? I better go bleed it anyways. Haven't driven it since because it shut off at the first stop sign.
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 12:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

The sensor below the pump is likely the crankshaft position sensor. I attached a pic below of the sensor location. Is that what you are referring to? It's behind the crankshaft pulley.

If that was saturated, it certainly can be causing issues.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
Yes that's the sensor. Is that sensor ruined or can I pull it out and dry it out?
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

If you go to the trouble of removing it, I would suggest replacing it. That is the crankshaft position sensor and if it is shorting, that can certainly cause drivability issues.

Take a look through this link and see if you feel it mirrors what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If you feel it does, here is a link that explains how to replace it in general:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

If you look at the pics below, they provide directions specific to your vehicle.

You will need a puller to remove the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer. Most parts stores will lend you one if needed.

Let me know your thoughts or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
JUGGALO45
  • MEMBER
  • 87 POSTS
That sounds like my problem and being that changing water pump let antifreeze soak the sensor causing it to short out intermittingly. Well, we will see what happens. Thank you. I love this website when it comes to my car problems. This isn't the first time and not the last either. You guys know your cars. Thank you.
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
You are very welcome and I'm glad to know we'll see you again. Not that I hope you have more car problems (LOL), but rather, we like to see people return when they need help.

Take good care of yourself and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 3:46 PM

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