I have an '83 Buick Century that has an engine surge when I have it in park. When I shift into any gear the surging stops. Also if while in park I switch from defroster to AC, the surge temporarily stops. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to start trouble shooting?
Engine surging
- Thread starter RonJr
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First of all, if you don't have a service/repair manual (Hayne's, Chilton, etc) I highly recommend investing in one. It makes things a lot easier, plus they usually have a troubleshooting section that might point you in the right direction.
The quick and easy things to do are check for vacuum leaks and a dirty/sticky EGR valve or IAC valve. It's an older car with (I'm assuming) old hoses, so maybe they have worn and developed a crack or hole. You can also try cleaning out the throttle body.
Also check the coolant temp sensor. These can go bad and cause problems.
Other things to consider are the TPS, fuel delivery (fuel filter, fuel pump), air filter, oxygen sensor(s), etc. I'd suggest trying the other things first (vacuum lines, EGR & IAC valves, and coolant temp sensor) before getting into these.
Good luck!
The quick and easy things to do are check for vacuum leaks and a dirty/sticky EGR valve or IAC valve. It's an older car with (I'm assuming) old hoses, so maybe they have worn and developed a crack or hole. You can also try cleaning out the throttle body.
Also check the coolant temp sensor. These can go bad and cause problems.
Other things to consider are the TPS, fuel delivery (fuel filter, fuel pump), air filter, oxygen sensor(s), etc. I'd suggest trying the other things first (vacuum lines, EGR & IAC valves, and coolant temp sensor) before getting into these.
Good luck!
Mess around with your accessories that draw a lot of power, like headlights, rear defroster (if it has), blower motor, and play with the throttle a little bit and see if a hair more throttle gets rid of that.
Something is keeping it from idling right so go through the troubleshooting of all that stuff to make sure it can idle properly (EGR, idle air control valve, vacuum lines) and if that doesn't help you might have to bump the idle speed up a touch.
Something is keeping it from idling right so go through the troubleshooting of all that stuff to make sure it can idle properly (EGR, idle air control valve, vacuum lines) and if that doesn't help you might have to bump the idle speed up a touch.
I echo looking a the Chilton/Hayes manual. If you don't want to invest in one they are available at the public library to look at or make copies of pertinent info. They won't let you check them out.
Clean your throttle body - the bore and butterfly plate.
Solvent and a rag - maybe wrapped on a screwdriver to get in there better. But do a thorough job - no sludge or gunk should be there, especially where the plate seats.
This is a good first start, and may fix it. The Idle Air Motor may be dirty as well, MAF sensor dirty, vacuum leaks, intake leaks,
Solvent and a rag - maybe wrapped on a screwdriver to get in there better. But do a thorough job - no sludge or gunk should be there, especially where the plate seats.
This is a good first start, and may fix it. The Idle Air Motor may be dirty as well, MAF sensor dirty, vacuum leaks, intake leaks,
1983 Buick Century would predate a lot of this stuff, it is probably a carbed 2.8 in there. Think old school.
I had a surge drive me nuts. As mentioned make sure the TB is clean, and not leaking at the gasket. Check for vacuum leaks, and/or cracked vacuum hoses. Then spray carb cleaner at the base of the EGR valve and see if the idle speed changes, direct the spray at the base only, it doesn't take much if there is a leak.. As mentioned get a service manual, and a vacuum gauge wouldn't hurt either.
HTH,
Frank D
HTH,
Frank D
'83.
Oh my.
A convolution of hoses , solenoids, and controls. Truly intricate and interdependent systems.
Start diving in and checking each piece/system.
Oh my.
A convolution of hoses , solenoids, and controls. Truly intricate and interdependent systems.
Start diving in and checking each piece/system.
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