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What's on your mind?
I just purchased this nice car for $600 and it has the 3.3L and only 90,000 miles. It was owned by a little old lady who passed away and it didn't get driven much in her last years. Her nephew drove it from Bozeman to North Dakota oil fields for his work after that.
It had a bad exhaust system with holes just about everywhere and I had that done including a new cat.
It has that much discussed hesitation issue. It starts and drives perfect except during normal initial acceleration when it will bog down and stumble for about 1 second and then takes off perfectly. If you put the car in park or neutral and step on the gas then it works perfectly. I was driving on a deserted icy road and stopped the car and gave it some gas and it started out perfectly but the wheels were spinning a bit before they grabbed. One of the issues with the exhaust system was that some one had drilled holes into the old catalytic converter (clogged I guess) but when I got the new exhaust system the hesitation was worse. So, I'm thinking the new back pressure affected this issue somehow.
The nephew who is older rather than younger told me that he did the plugs and fuel filter and the oil change sticker was up to date. I popped one plug out and it looks good and the wires look good, too. I put in a new air filter and fuel filter anyway. I had the fuel filter done at a lube shop yesterday and he said they were running an injector cleaning special for February and the price was regularly $50 but now $30. He took the car for a test drive and was pretty sure that would clear it up so he says if it doesn't work then no charge. They hook a tube up to the back of the engine and some cleaner stuff goes thru. Lots of nasty smoke. So he takes it for a test drive afterward and no improvement at all. And no charge.
Now I am leaning toward the fuel pump as the culprit but what I can't figure out is why this problem only shows itself on initial acceleration. Wouldn't the car need more fuel at higher engine speeds when it is actually running perfect? It does 80 down the freeway just like it was new. And why can I rev the engine in neutral with no problems?
I assume that I have to drop the tank for this. BTW this is not a tranny issue. You can see the tach needle bob with the hesitation.
I looked at the MAF sensor and it looked clean. There is no service engine light on but I want to take it to Napa because they will read the codes for free. I'm going to check the PCV, EGR coils and whatever else I can think of. It is 10 degrees and snowing and I don't have a garage so it hampers progress. But it's going to get to about 20 below in a few days so I better get off my ass now.
Thanks Guys in advance.
It had a bad exhaust system with holes just about everywhere and I had that done including a new cat.
It has that much discussed hesitation issue. It starts and drives perfect except during normal initial acceleration when it will bog down and stumble for about 1 second and then takes off perfectly. If you put the car in park or neutral and step on the gas then it works perfectly. I was driving on a deserted icy road and stopped the car and gave it some gas and it started out perfectly but the wheels were spinning a bit before they grabbed. One of the issues with the exhaust system was that some one had drilled holes into the old catalytic converter (clogged I guess) but when I got the new exhaust system the hesitation was worse. So, I'm thinking the new back pressure affected this issue somehow.
The nephew who is older rather than younger told me that he did the plugs and fuel filter and the oil change sticker was up to date. I popped one plug out and it looks good and the wires look good, too. I put in a new air filter and fuel filter anyway. I had the fuel filter done at a lube shop yesterday and he said they were running an injector cleaning special for February and the price was regularly $50 but now $30. He took the car for a test drive and was pretty sure that would clear it up so he says if it doesn't work then no charge. They hook a tube up to the back of the engine and some cleaner stuff goes thru. Lots of nasty smoke. So he takes it for a test drive afterward and no improvement at all. And no charge.
Now I am leaning toward the fuel pump as the culprit but what I can't figure out is why this problem only shows itself on initial acceleration. Wouldn't the car need more fuel at higher engine speeds when it is actually running perfect? It does 80 down the freeway just like it was new. And why can I rev the engine in neutral with no problems?
I assume that I have to drop the tank for this. BTW this is not a tranny issue. You can see the tach needle bob with the hesitation.
I looked at the MAF sensor and it looked clean. There is no service engine light on but I want to take it to Napa because they will read the codes for free. I'm going to check the PCV, EGR coils and whatever else I can think of. It is 10 degrees and snowing and I don't have a garage so it hampers progress. But it's going to get to about 20 below in a few days so I better get off my ass now.
Thanks Guys in advance.
5 Replies
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4515 views
Still looking for a solution to replacing the balancer bolt for a 2005 Buick Century 3.1L SE. I've ordered an ARP 120-2501 balancer bolt (says it fits this car) but I'm out of other options. If this doesn't fit, what other options are there?
34 Replies
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1124 views
C
Here is a link to a Grade 10.9 M12x1.5x45 bolt -
belmetric.com
While it is not TTY, it should be strong enough for your application.
Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
M12X1.5 OEM Hex Flange Bolt - Steel 10.9 Zinc Flake
Bel-Metric sells metric hardware & specialty automotive supplies worldwide. Visit our website to purchase metric fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers & more.
belmetric.com
While it is not TTY, it should be strong enough for your application.
Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
S
I do know that at the dealership near by, they reuse those bolts for what it is worth. I also know I have reused them too at our shop with no issue, not to say that it can't happen. All things are possible. However, if a ARP replacement can be found, then that is great. The 3.1L was a very heavily used engine across GMs lineup for several decades, the possibility of there not being a single option makes very little sense. I know that engine was used through and may have been phased out just after the 2005 model year, which I think was the last year before it was replaced by the 3.4L. I think, it's been a minute. All that said, there were millions of those engines and it's variants floating around world wide.
If Dorman does not have one, then making a plea to ARP to produce one specifically for the 3.1L with torque specs should be considered and may take the community to back a representative or just flood their inbox.
I think this is the best alternative. I have heard very little negative stuff about ARP, and there is a decent chance the replacement will not be TTY. A re-useable replacement would be ideal in either case. I don't do wrench work professionally anymore except for myself these days. I do deal in obsolete auto parts though.Here is a link to a Grade 10.9 M12x1.5x45 bolt -
M12X1.5 OEM Hex Flange Bolt - Steel 10.9 Zinc Flake
Bel-Metric sells metric hardware & specialty automotive supplies worldwide. Visit our website to purchase metric fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers & more.
While it is not TTY, it should be strong enough for your application.
Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
I do know that at the dealership near by, they reuse those bolts for what it is worth. I also know I have reused them too at our shop with no issue, not to say that it can't happen. All things are possible. However, if a ARP replacement can be found, then that is great. The 3.1L was a very heavily used engine across GMs lineup for several decades, the possibility of there not being a single option makes very little sense. I know that engine was used through and may have been phased out just after the 2005 model year, which I think was the last year before it was replaced by the 3.4L. I think, it's been a minute. All that said, there were millions of those engines and it's variants floating around world wide.
If Dorman does not have one, then making a plea to ARP to produce one specifically for the 3.1L with torque specs should be considered and may take the community to back a representative or just flood their inbox.
Chad Cremer
For Sale 86/87/90 Riviera for sale
Testing the waters, In South Dakota, i have a 1986, 1987 - both complete but need work, and a 1990 w rear damage parts car I may be willing to part with. the 86 was my old high school car, and wanted to restore it, but money, time, and well, life has me thinking it may be time to pass them on.
[email protected]
[email protected]
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10 views
Bought a super clean 2010 Buick Lucerne that was hit in the drivers side. Needs both doors. Let's document and descibe the process.
3 Replies
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56 views
Hi I'm Jay Elwood, friends call me Woody. My peers in the body shop business call me Wonder Woody. Ha!
I have been in the body shop business since the late 60's
My great-grandfather started Dever's Truck Body in Trotwood Ohio, it was incorporated in 1903 (The same year as Harley-Davidson and Ford) and it is still in operation today. As a child I grew up in the body shop and sweeping floors and by 13 years old I was welding hammering and painting..
I live in Dayton Ohio, in Dayton Ohio we have America's Packard Museum. Beautiful place!
They own President Eisenhower's personal 1947 Packard standard convertible.
You can see that 1947 Packard Standard convertible in the oscar-winning movie 'Carol' shot in Cincinnati.
In 2005-2006 I restored that car for (and at) the Packard Museum, I only did body and Chassis, others did the Mechanicals -brakes engines ..and others did the interior.. but I did the body.
Actress Marra Rooney (sp?) And Cate Blanchett ride around in it .. it's the green Packard convertible.. but I should warn you it's a chick flick..!!
I just found a super clean Ultra nice 2010 Lucerne, 63k Miles !! That was hit in the side. Only needed 2 doors Drivers side, Unbolt the bent doors, bolt on used doors of the same color.. I'm going to document this in the forum for repairing Buicks.. Love this Lucerne !
I have been in the body shop business since the late 60's
My great-grandfather started Dever's Truck Body in Trotwood Ohio, it was incorporated in 1903 (The same year as Harley-Davidson and Ford) and it is still in operation today. As a child I grew up in the body shop and sweeping floors and by 13 years old I was welding hammering and painting..
I live in Dayton Ohio, in Dayton Ohio we have America's Packard Museum. Beautiful place!
They own President Eisenhower's personal 1947 Packard standard convertible.
You can see that 1947 Packard Standard convertible in the oscar-winning movie 'Carol' shot in Cincinnati.
In 2005-2006 I restored that car for (and at) the Packard Museum, I only did body and Chassis, others did the Mechanicals -brakes engines ..and others did the interior.. but I did the body.
Actress Marra Rooney (sp?) And Cate Blanchett ride around in it .. it's the green Packard convertible.. but I should warn you it's a chick flick..!!
I just found a super clean Ultra nice 2010 Lucerne, 63k Miles !! That was hit in the side. Only needed 2 doors Drivers side, Unbolt the bent doors, bolt on used doors of the same color.. I'm going to document this in the forum for repairing Buicks.. Love this Lucerne !
1 Replies
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54 views
How hard it is to switch out the a/c Compressor
2 Replies
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163 views
Last fall I bought a 1998 Buick Century with only 57,000 miles from an old relative who rarely drove. The A/C and everything else worked perfectly last fall. But this spring I used the A/C and it wasn't blowing cold. I drove 10 miles home with the AC "on", and the second I get home and put it in park the radiator hose blew off soaking everything with coolant. I'm guessing the small pressure ripple caused the clamp to jump a tooth or something dumb) Nothing was broken, the top radiator hose simply popped off the engine barb. I refilled it and used the same hose, which was in perfect shape.
While trying to diagnose my A/C issues, I confirmed the fans DO turn on when I disconnect the coolant temp probe connector (ECU demands fans when it can't read the probe I've found out by testing). I jumpered the A/C clutch relay and it DOES engage the A/C compressor. The refrigerant has proper pressure (so not a leaked refrigerant issue). I cannot figure out why the ECU will not let the A/C system run. I even installed a new coolant temp sensor into the engine, no change.
The cooling fans never want to come on when the temp gauge goes over 50% (but temp never goes more than say 55% to red, (and evidently they don't come on until it is REALLY hot?), but the fans both work fine when the ECU demands them.
So I've been without A/C all summer. One time we accidentally left the A/C knob on "norm" for 20 minutes which heated up the antifreeze enough to cause a "low coolant" light to flash on the dash. I confirmed there was enough coolant, so I drained half, pulled the antifreeze level sensor, scrubbed the sensor prong itself (just a metal post) and reinstalled and refilled my coolant, burped it, went for a drive, and the low coolant light is ack on even though its full.
Another annoying quirk with this car is no trunk release, ONLY the keyfob button (never experienced that in any car, not even a glove box button). Also, when I push the door's LOCK switch, i have to hit it TWICE, it beeps once as if I have headlights on or something (I don't) and its warning me it doesn't want to lock on the first press... Is this normal behavior for this car?
I do NOT want to pay dealership prices to have this diagnosed, and am hoping someone here has more knowledge than I do, and have some input on my issues here relating to no A/C and heating up the coolant / false low level warnings. I thought I had scored a great condition car, but everything is spiraling down all of a sudden.
While trying to diagnose my A/C issues, I confirmed the fans DO turn on when I disconnect the coolant temp probe connector (ECU demands fans when it can't read the probe I've found out by testing). I jumpered the A/C clutch relay and it DOES engage the A/C compressor. The refrigerant has proper pressure (so not a leaked refrigerant issue). I cannot figure out why the ECU will not let the A/C system run. I even installed a new coolant temp sensor into the engine, no change.
The cooling fans never want to come on when the temp gauge goes over 50% (but temp never goes more than say 55% to red, (and evidently they don't come on until it is REALLY hot?), but the fans both work fine when the ECU demands them.
So I've been without A/C all summer. One time we accidentally left the A/C knob on "norm" for 20 minutes which heated up the antifreeze enough to cause a "low coolant" light to flash on the dash. I confirmed there was enough coolant, so I drained half, pulled the antifreeze level sensor, scrubbed the sensor prong itself (just a metal post) and reinstalled and refilled my coolant, burped it, went for a drive, and the low coolant light is ack on even though its full.
Another annoying quirk with this car is no trunk release, ONLY the keyfob button (never experienced that in any car, not even a glove box button). Also, when I push the door's LOCK switch, i have to hit it TWICE, it beeps once as if I have headlights on or something (I don't) and its warning me it doesn't want to lock on the first press... Is this normal behavior for this car?
I do NOT want to pay dealership prices to have this diagnosed, and am hoping someone here has more knowledge than I do, and have some input on my issues here relating to no A/C and heating up the coolant / false low level warnings. I thought I had scored a great condition car, but everything is spiraling down all of a sudden.
0 Replies
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51 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
We all have those days where we just need a good laugh, so let’s get a dedicated discussion going for exactly that.
The rules are simple: If you see a picture, meme, or comic that makes you laugh, drop it here.
The rules are simple: If you see a picture, meme, or comic that makes you laugh, drop it here.
- Keep it within the forum rules (let's keep the completely Not Safe For Work stuff out of here).
- No politics or heavy drama - this is an escape from all of that!
- Context is optional. Sometimes a weird photo with no explanation is the funniest part.
16 Replies
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1528 views
First time post:
After 100 miles on our new Envision, we've discovered that the Buick infotainment software limits the number of viewable of Carplay playlists to 12 as soon as the vehicle begins to move (when you stop, they reappear). For some reason, a plethora of Sirius XFM and Pandora stations can be scrolled through but Carplay is limited. The dealer was dumbfounded when we showed this to them and needless to say they had no resolve.
So, my next move is to create MP3 playlists via a USB drive. However, after three hours of tinkering with files structures, I cannot get a "Playlist title" to appear and can only view Artists, Songs and Albums.
Welcome ANY ideas on these two issues.
Thanks
After 100 miles on our new Envision, we've discovered that the Buick infotainment software limits the number of viewable of Carplay playlists to 12 as soon as the vehicle begins to move (when you stop, they reappear). For some reason, a plethora of Sirius XFM and Pandora stations can be scrolled through but Carplay is limited. The dealer was dumbfounded when we showed this to them and needless to say they had no resolve.
So, my next move is to create MP3 playlists via a USB drive. However, after three hours of tinkering with files structures, I cannot get a "Playlist title" to appear and can only view Artists, Songs and Albums.
Welcome ANY ideas on these two issues.
Thanks
3 Replies
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460 views
I have a 01 and a 04 lesabre I noticed the pressure is at 130, and says normal. Is that normal?
4 Replies
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58 views
Battery disconnected and trunk closed. I think I must pull the rear seats. 2017 lacrosse. The seats fold down but must access fold down feature from trunk. No car key for trunk. I can’t jump battery as it is disconnected! Also can’t pop trunk. How do I pull rear seat and what tools are needed? Car is at airport parking lot and unlocked so I do have access to car (and so does everyone else).
4 Replies
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97 views
