1985 Buick Electra Park Ave (3.8) has no power

1985 Buick Electra Park Ave

Okay, Here’s what’s happening:

The car starts and idles fine but has no power. When I try driving it. it barely goes. I can’t get it up past 25 or 30 MPH. WHAT COULD BE WRONG?

SOME DETAILS:
– The battery is new and is charging fine
– Plugs and wires are new
– The MAF Sensor has been removed and cleaned (with the special MAF cleaner)
– It’s not transmission related
– The car has low miles (90k) ad has been well-taken care of


Sounds like a lack of fuel.

Flow Test

  1. Allow the fuel pressure to bleed off.
  2. Disconnect the fuel feed line and install a hose on the line.
  3. Apply battery voltage (using a fused jumper wire) to terminal “G” of the Assembly Line Date Link (ALDL) connector located under the dash. Terminal “G” is the first terminal on the left of the bottom row.
  4. The fuel pump should supply 1 ⁄ 2 pint or more in 15 seconds.

Pressure Test

  1. Allow the fuel pressure to bleed off.
  2. Obtain two sections 3 ⁄ 8 in. steel tubing. Each should be about 10 in. (254mm) long. Double-flare one end of each section.
  3. Install a flare nut on each section. Connect each of the above sections of tubing into the “flare nut-to-flare nut adapters” that are included in the J-29658-82 Gage Adapters.
  4. Attach the pipe and adapter assemblies to the J-29658 gage.
  5. Using proper procedures, raise and support the front of the car.
  6. Disconnect the front fuel feed hose from the fuel pipe on the body.
  7. Install the 10 in. (254 mm) length of 3 ⁄ 8 in. fuel hose onto the fuel feed pipe on the body. Attach the other end of the hose onto one of the sections of pipe mentioned earlier. Secure the hose connections with clamps.
  8. Attach the front fuel feed hose onto the other section of tubing. Secure the hose connection with a clamp.
  9. Start the engine and check for leaks.
  10. Observe the fuel pressure reading. It should be 9–13 psi (62–90 kPa).