97 Park Avenue - will not start

techonrye

Buick Newbie
Joined
Apr 1, 2017
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Buick Ownership
Buick
I have a 97 park ave (not ultra). I have dealt with the hydro lock in the past. So I got that out of the way.

A few days ago I went to start the car. It almost started but I slipped off the key. I then started it again. It started running real rough and acting like it was misfiring flashing check engine and all. The next day I took it to Autozone and got the codes pulled. To my dismay it was P0300. I got back in my car to drive home and the car started and ran with no issues. The misfire was gone. I cautiously drove it for the next to days. Just waiting for the issue to return. Then finally I had to make a trip across town using the interstate. I started to notice the power i get when I press the gas pedal was more hesitant than usual. once I got off the interstate to slower speeds it was back to running rough. The check engine light came on, but it was not flashing like a misfire just steady. I got to my destination and shut the car off. When I came back out the car would attempt to start. I did get it to start a couple times just to have it die moments later. Sometimes I could get it to last longer if I was holding the gas pedal a bit. As soon as it went down to normal idle it would die. After each time I got it started (for moments) it would not start again for several minuets. it will keep cranking, but not start.

I took off the cover today to change some of the plug wires since I have them handy in my trunk. I saw there was liquid (some of it was obviously coolant due to the green color) sitting the the wells beside the fuel injectors. I though I saw oil in the well on the back left (from the front of the car) but it was not very bright outside today.

So I'm looking for the primary issue. Also if I'm correct it seems like I need to replace the LIM and UIM gaskets again. I know I have an Oil and coolant leak. the Oil leak is mostly the oil pan.

I have to work later today, so it may take me time to get back to you.
 
Do you smell any raw gas fumes around the car, or under the hood? If so, remove the vacuum line at the fuel pressure regulator to inspect for fuel in the hose. There was a recall on the FPR from '97 to 2000. When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? Have you ever replaced the UIM??
 
Last edited:
I do get raw the raw fuel smell. I will check what you suggested. I have not replaced the fuel filter during the time I have had the vehicle. I have not replaced the UIM itself. We checked it when I had the Hydro lock issue and all appeared to be in order. That was several years ago though.
 
The UIM failure will not be visible from the outside of the engine! The failure is only visible after removal of the T/B and behind it in the UIM. The raw fuel smell needs to be found/discovered & eliminated. Check fuel pressure and let us know what you find. Low fuel pressure caused from a clogged filter can also cause misfire. However, fuel delivery problems will not set a code, but may interfere with emission codes, which will then interpreted as an misfire
 
Back
Top