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barely running Northstar

2K views 18 replies 4 participants last post by  spin 
#1 ·
'98 Deville
Low mileage (79k)
Engine with start right up, but will barely run. Give it throttle (1/2 way) and it won't change rpm for about 3 seconds, then it takes off, but won't idle when backed off unless you feather the pedal. Burn your eyes exhaust.
Swapped MAF, ignition module; checked TPS (ohms) , glass beaded the almost new plugs, new wires.
Tried to swap ECM, but apparently they won't swap out without being reprogramed (?).
I'm at a loss...
 
#3 ·
No. Fuel pressure (engine off) was 44#. Will check with running. Vacuum line looked ok.
The burning eyes told me that things were excessively rich.
Oh, no codes set.
BTW, how DO you get a OB2 ecm to swap from car to car. I've got eight ECM's sitting on the shelf from parts cars, and can't use them.
 
#5 ·
Here's the latest. Car starts instantly. Runs 'ok' for about 30 seconds, then seems to load up. Feathering the throttle is needed to keep it running and the throttle has to be at least 1/2 way to keeping it running; rpms DON"T change (about 350-400 rpm, then it really kicks in and the rpms shoot way up. It'll die in an instant if you don't feather the throttle.
Fuel pressure is 44# at key on; 50# running. Increases to 55# with the vacuum line removed from the FPR (no fuel present at the vacuum line).
Attempt to substitute PCM, was futile. Tried PCM's from '97 and '96 .but no start. Seems the injectors are shut off.
This, I think, has something to do with the VATS. I had similar troubles a few years ago with a '96 STS that I swapped the IPC in, and ran into a similar situation. Had to have it rollbacked to the dealer, who did some software change(?) and it worked.
Help me out guys; point me to another thing to check.
I'm going to read the plugs tomorrow and do a compression check just to see what that may show.
 
#12 ·
Here's an update. Ran a compression test to see what I've got and had 60-70# compression on the front bank. WTF? Thought my gauge was shot. Then I measured the rear bank; 175-185#, all 4 cylinders. I don't believe the HG is bad ; all I can think of is, its jumped time. Is that possible? Looks like I'll be pulling the cam cover for a look.
 
#16 ·
Pulled the front camcover and it appears the intake cam has jumped time by about 20° (eyeballed). How can that happen? Now how do you secure the chain so as to remove the sprocket from the cam and realign ? I'm thinking of vise grips on the exhaust sprocket and chain, and another visegrip on the chain tight against the head. Anybody got a better idea?
 
#17 ·
Well after jerry-rigging a wedge to lock the chain tensioner, I realigned the intake cam, buttoned it all back up and it runs just fine. Now I havn't taken it out for a spin, but it idles fine and throttles up like it's supposed to in the garage. Now why did it jump time?
 
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