QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1988 Cadillac Brougham with an Olds 307. Currently, the car starts, but will not idle, so it stalls almost immediately after ignition. Giving it more gas does not keep it running.
This problem started last week (6/30) at about 40 MPH. I felt it missing a bit, so I turned around, as I was only a mile from home. By the time I rounded the corner for home, the car stalled. I was able to two foot the brake and gas to get it in the driveway.
The next day, I started the car and it ran fine for about a minute, until it went into closed loop (or so I figure), when it ran very bad (car shaking). I had no codes in the system (I jumpered A to B and the SES light only flashes 12). I changed the O2 sensor anyways, thinking it was an open/closed loop issue.
Now the car refuses to idle when cold or warm.
I checked the following:
1) There are no codes in the system, even after the numerous stalls.
2) The carburetor appears to be getting gas (although I don't know how to check for flooding),
3) The distributor hold down bolt is secure.
4) I changed the fuel filter, even though it appeared to have no obstructions.
The rest of the background on this car is:
1) The car got a full tune up six weeks ago. Wires, plugs, cap, coil, and rotor were all replaced by me, and the timing was set by a professional mechanic. At that time, I changed the fuel filter, EGR, and PCV valve, as I didn't know when it was done last.
2) I have a sticking or burnt intake valve on #1 cylinder, which I tried treating with Mystery Oil to no luck. Compression tests on that cylinder run about 80 psi (versus about 110-120 on the other cylinders). I put the MMO through the carburetor, fuel system, and in the oil. The car appeared to run a bit richer, and the carburetor had a slight whistle after the treatment. However, the last trip I drove without trouble was the previous day (6/29) for a 70 mile round trip, mostly at 70 MPH.
3) I am only 31 miles off of a full tank, so there should be about 23 gallons in the fuel tank. I had about three in it when I filled up last. I don't know if it could be bad gas, but the exhaust pipe is leaking a rusty semi-oily substance when I try to start the car.
4) I can't get the car to run, so I have not checked the dwell angle.
5) I have put 3000 or so miles on this car since I bought it six weeks ago. It held highway speeds and had enough power to bury the speedometer on the highway, despite the valve on #1.
ANSWER: Check the engine oil for coolant contamination.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Oil looks good, however coolant reservoir is empty. I saw no smoke when it died on 6/30 or on subsequent startup tries. The water pump has been replaced on this car (early June).
AnswerRefill the over flow jug and make sure that the cooling system is full.
Start the car with the air cleaner OFF and partially restrict the air intake on top of the carb with a rag and see if you can get it to idle. If you CAN. The carb is running LEAN and needs to be adjusted.
