Car thread

[XR-7]

without watching the video since im busy, from what you typed it would seem the electrical system is just completely trashed

I doubt it. Basically all that's majorly wrong is that the car doesn't want to idle when the engine is warm. It will crank over to start, but when it can't get the idle, it just dies because it can't do anything else. Revving the engine enough times will get the idle rolling and it will smooth out once it runs/drives for a while. Nevertheless, it still takes me 5+ minutes to get the car from off into a state where I can safely drive it.

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[ABlockOfCheese]

I doubt it. Basically all that's majorly wrong is that the car doesn't want to idle when the engine is warm. It will crank over to start, but when it can't get the idle, it just dies because it can't do anything else. Revving the engine enough times will get the idle rolling and it will smooth out once it runs/drives for a while. Nevertheless, it still takes me 5+ minutes to get the car from off into a state where I can safely drive it.

has the car ever overheated?

[XR-7]

has the car ever overheated?

No. The hottest it ever gets is when sitting still while running, and it just barely reaches the normal temp mark.

[ABlockOfCheese]

No. The hottest it ever gets is when sitting still while running, and it just barely reaches the normal temp mark.

what kind of car?  Also if you know what engine?

[XR-7]

what kind of car?  Also if you know what engine?

2000 Buick LeSabre Custom with a 3.8L Series II 3800 V6

[ABlockOfCheese]

2000 Buick LeSabre Custom with a 3.8L Series II 3800 V6

You should check to make sure all your spark plugs are getting a good solid spark to them.  If not, you may need new plugs, and/or wires, and/or coil packs.  Another possible problem could be the throttle position sensor, but I doubt it's that.  Also, if it's convenient when checking the spark plugs, you may also want to check and make sure no coolant is leaking inside your intake manifold.  Those are all common issues with the 3800 series II.  Now by common I don't mean that the engine is junk.  They are actually one of the most reliable engines ever built for passenger car use.

[XR-7]

You should check to make sure all your spark plugs are getting a good solid spark to them.  If not, you may need new plugs, and/or wires, and/or coil packs.  Another possible problem could be the throttle position sensor, but I doubt it's that.  Also, if it's convenient when checking the spark plugs, you may also want to check and make sure no coolant is leaking inside your intake manifold.  Those are all common issues with the 3800 series II.  Now by common I don't mean that the engine is junk.  They are actually one of the most reliable engines ever built for passenger car use.

Yeah I originally took up the car from my uncle because of the good engine. The TPS has been replaced twice (first one was faulty) and it currently has a used one from a Grand Prix in it right now. I've already considered coil packs, but I took it to a mechanic and they didn't seem to notice any issues with them. Spark plugs, I haven't tried those yet. Worth consideration.

[ABlockOfCheese]

Yeah I originally took up the car from my uncle because of the good engine. The TPS has been replaced twice (first one was faulty) and it currently has a used one from a Grand Prix in it right now. I've already considered coil packs, but I took it to a mechanic and they didn't seem to notice any issues with them. Spark plugs, I haven't tried those yet. Worth consideration.

just remember the coolant-in-intake thing.  That more than likely is not happening but you know just to be safe

[$trinick]

ok I've been meaning to ask this for a while but kept forgetting

let's say you're driving along the road a little over the speed limit. in your area this is a relatively normal margin, but it could be said that you're pushing it a bit
then, you see a cop!
do you slow down or keep going at the same speed?
if you slow down, that's sorta an admission that you knew you were in the wrong. so the cop might feel like that is a good reason to pull you over
or... if you don't slow down, what if they think you're being roostery, and pull you over cus they got mad?

what do u do????

Take your foot off the gas and let the car slow itself down a little without hitting your brakes. In my car the engine load is pretty heavy so it slows down pretty quick, and in the Prius I drive to work there's an engine braking gear that I'll pop it into that acts like light braking but doesn't light up your tail lights.

[XR-7]

just remember the coolant-in-intake thing.  That more than likely is not happening but you know just to be safe

My coolant was extremely low recently, like literally so low that it barely covered the bottom of the container. I filled it back up but I haven't noticed any sort of decrease in the level, so it probably isn't a leak.

[ABlockOfCheese]

My coolant was extremely low recently, like literally so low that it barely covered the bottom of the container. I filled it back up but I haven't noticed any sort of decrease in the level, so it probably isn't a leak.

still a good idea to check it regularly.  Also something that may have to do with your engine running like turds when warm but starting right up when could could be your fuel system.  Get your fuel system pressure tested.  If pressures are low, replace the fuel filter.  If that doesn't work you may want to replace the fuel pump.  Also you may want to replace your fuel injectors.  Another thing to check is the fuel pressure regulator.  Pull off the vacuum line going to that.  If there is fuel in the line then have it replaced.  Upper/lower intake manifold gaskets would be my next move if the coolant level in the reservoir begins to drop.

[XR-7]

My fuel filter is extremely rusty so I bought a new one a couple months ago. Still haven't gotten around to putting it on but plan to do it before the weather gets too cold.

Actually, my engine light frequently comes on and goes away for "System Too Rich (Bank 1)" which I'm pretty sure relates to there being too much oxygen in the fuel. Since it just comes and goes periodically, I haven't worried too much about it but perhaps there's something I could do about that.

[ABlockOfCheese]

My fuel filter is extremely rusty so I bought a new one a couple months ago. Still haven't gotten around to putting it on but plan to do it before the weather gets too cold.

Actually, my engine light frequently comes on and goes away for "System Too Rich (Bank 1)" which I'm pretty sure relates to there being too much oxygen in the fuel. Since it just comes and goes periodically, I haven't worried too much about it but perhaps there's something I could do about that.

a rich mixture means there is a disproportionately large amount of fuel in relation to air in the cylinder.  Basically, you either need to have more air or less fuel to even it out and return to the proper stoiciometric ratio, which is usually 14.7 parts air for 1 part fuel when measured by weight.  Injectors should be your first thing to check.  You many be looking at about 150$ for all six injectors, and it's always a good idea to replace all injectors at the same time if they are all old.

[Rooged]

thinking about getting a 3rd or 4th gen camaro and swapping in a 5.7 ls1 into it. any thoughts?

[ABlockOfCheese]

thinking about getting a 3rd or 4th gen camaro and swapping in a 5.7 ls1 into it. any thoughts?

Those 3rd and 4th gens are fugly