1997 Lumina problems

1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO

105,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

JRBLUZ2

MEMBER
3 POSTS
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We have a 1997 chevy lumina. All went well until recently. The car starts and runs fine. After driving it to work and letting it sit for 30 mins it strts but starts to miss and starts to die like it is running out of fuel. Eventually it will die and won't start till it sits for a few hours. I pulled the vacuam line on top of the intake tube and poured gas into it. It started and ran as long as I kept pouring fuel into the induction tube. I have read the codes at times that say randon missfire detected.
Things I have done. Replace plugs and wires, O2 sensor, flushed the engine. Something else I just thought of. We had an intake gasket problem before but I replaced it. I work on airplanes so am mechanicaly inclined. Any help is appreciated. Email me at [email protected]
Thank you, Wayne

Mar 3, 2011 at 12:04 AM

RASMATAZ

CERTIFIED EXPERT
75,992 POSTS

Next time it refuses to start don't wait for it to make up its mind-do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark problem

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, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-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 testin

Mar 3, 2011 at 12:27 AM

JRBLUZ2

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for replying. I will check to see where the problem leads. I thought of the regulator and had a shop check my pump at the rail. He told me I only had around 25psi of pressure. I think it should be around 40psi. Could a stuck open regulator cause the problem or do you think I should replace the pump? Why would it be heat related? Seems like the problem comes when the car has been sitting for 30 mins after running to work. I did change the coil pack and still have the same problem. The pack I used was from a previous car we had that I changed the motor in. Same thing GM 3.1.
Wayne I really appreciate the help.

Mar 4, 2011 at 12:11 AM