Hello,

I am a poor woman..when I say poor I mean If I can't get my car fixed and it dies on me..well I will be walking to the soup line.

Problem started about 2 weeks ago. I filled up the tank, drove about 30 miles turned it off  for about 10 mins. When I went to  to start it again and it took 3-4 tries, and the car smelled like gas, but It started.

Since then it's been the same thing over and over. It starts just fine in the morning, every time.

I have to try and trouble shoot the problem before I allow a mechanic to take me to the bank for something simple...

It's an 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2Dr.

I's really appreciate any suggestions you may have..

Sincerely,    M

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Possibilities are as follows:

 An internally leaking fuel pressure regulator

 A dripping injector...

These are educated guesses

 And make sure they change the oil when the repairs are done
 and let me know how it turns out

 I feel your pain

Richard

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Hi Richard,

Thanks so much for your quick reply. It's an old beater, but I'm happy to have it.  I've had it for 3 years now no problems, but after joining your site and reading some basics  it's time to put some effort into keeping it running I guess, I'm on a fixed income so it's tough.

 I just had oil changed last month. I do it every 3-4 months. Never over 3000 miles.  At the time they told me I needed a air filter and a belt ..the serpentine belt. I looked it up and I guess it's pretty important. I am not sure if that would have anything to do with this particular problem though.

I have been reading a bit on your web site and think it may be the injector. Another member on your site  had  basically the same thing happening and was advised to pull the plugs and if the injector was dripping and clean and the other ones were dirty to replace them all? 

Anyway, I thought I would try to find somebody that would change spark plugs, air filter, replace belt and battery because it's old and winter in Washington can be pretty cold and ugly..  So.. I am probably going to show how little I know by asking this but here goes. Is the injector on the plug? Are spark plugs a completely different thing? Ugh! I heard that sigh!! Also, since we are knee deep in ignorance, should I still have the oil changed even though it's only been a month ago?

 I know you won't let this keep you up tonight..:0) ..and I know you are busy, so I will await your answer. 
 I feel like I have someone in my corner now!!

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Don't charge in there and replace injectors without knowing for sure that's what's wrong.

 Note that, on my website, shutting the engine off right after it starts (when the problem is there) removing the spark plugs and examining them, will help determine if an injector or injectors might be the problem.  A single dripping injector OR a bad fuel pressure regulator can cause that..  The fuel pressure regulator is on the fuel rail.  The aggravating thing about that engine is that the upper intake has to be removed to access the fuel rail and the regulator.  Note that there is an engine vacuum line connected to the regulator, and if the diaphragm in the regulator ruptures (and sometimes it does) then the gasoline that passes through the ruptured diaphragm can cause the same kind of problem as a dripping injector might.  If the vacuum line is disconnected and there is fuel there, then the regulator is bad.  I'd check that first.

Richard

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Dear Richard,

I ended up taking my car to the technical college here. They have an automotive course and the instructor has his masters degree.  It was exactly what you said it was

 "If the vacuum line is disconnected from the fuel pressure regulator and there is fuel there, then the regulator is bad.  I'd check that first."

It cost $237 parts and labor to have it fixed. I will be picking it up sometime today. I just wanted to let you know that without your reason and calm in I would of been stranded..

Thank you again for everything...

 M