Can someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?

Here is the problem with the car. The 1986 Buick century 4 door sedan is in pretty good shape. Recently, when I stopped at a stop light, there would be like a rough idle and RPM surge then it would "gag" like for air and then conk out. This was dangerous, because then there were no brakes or power steering. It was checked for vaccum leaks. Some theories are bad fuel pump/filter, the heat wave everyone is having, clogged fuel line, etc. The car is fuel injection. I cannot risk driving the car and may have to have it towed. All I am trying to find out if somebody might have a hunch what to look for and how to fix the problem. Thanks for your time and don't be afraid to offer your opinions, all are welcome.Can someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?a rough idle is an indication the computer didn't like something then it tried to fix it by reving the engine i would have the mass air flow sensor and the o2 sensors checked before doing anything else. did your check engine light come on or do you have any light on your dash flashing. if its just an engine light have a shop read it for free most in my area will do that. if there is a light flashing count the flashes till there is a pause the light flashes are usually 3 digit # and will flash all codes till it repeats it twice so watch closelyCan someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?
Hi

I have a 1989 Buick Century with a 3.3litre engine.

I was wondering if you could tell us if you found a solution to the problem.

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Can someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?Unfortunatly with problems like this it is very difficult to diagnose. What I can tell you is:

Take your care in to an ASE certified master tech. Have them connect a labscope to your sensors. Have them run a smoke machine on your intake system. A labscope will definatly do the trick. They will also have to connect a scanner to it. This will check to see if there are any pending codes that may not have triggered the check engine light yet.



They can also compare parameters for example checking RPM to Mass air flow or RPM against fuel and make sure the values are correct.



If you want send me your zip code and I can find you a good tech in our database. I work for AESwave and we mfg labscope accessories and scan tools. IM me if you wish.

Good luck.Can someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?
The radiator might have gunk in it. What you described happened with my Lincoln Versailles, also some hesitation when applying the gas pedal. Have the radiator flushed. Also have all the fluid levels checked, especially the power steering. Good luck.Can someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?it could possibly be the Throttle Position Sensor located on the side of the throttle body assemblyCan someone help me diagnose problem with 1986 Buick Century?
Weak fuel pump? Vapor lock CAN occure in a fuel injected vehicle with a bad fuel pump. I had to fix this problem last year.