Severe 3.1 Hesitation

[TeeJay3800]

I searched and didn't really find anything directly related to this problem. My 3.1 has a problem were it hesitates very badly when I first push the gas. It has always done it, but recently it has gotten much worse. Its most noticeable when the motor is cold, and when starting from a dead stop. It also does it when I'm at light throttle, and then step on the gas hard to pass someone. It kind of hesitates for a second before the power comes. From a dead stop, its gotten to the point where its hard to get it moving smoothly off the line without being jerky. Sometimes I'll touch the gas, and nothing will happen for a second, then it will grab suddenly. The motor is in good tune and has new AC Delco plugs and wires. It does not miss at all, just hesitates. I've been told I may need to replace some sensors. What can I do to get rid of this hesitation? Thanks.

[GP1138]

Idle Air Control, or possibly the Throttle Position Sensor.

[93CutlassSupreme]

mine did that, and I had a bad coil pack

 

I also had black soot covering my shiny stainless tips, and a definite miss that caused severe vibration under torque converter lockup

[gp90se]

ICM or coilpack, the TPS has very little to to do with accelleration off the line. when you put a load on the coils, if they are warn out, will buck like your explaining.

[Supreme Cutlass]

New fuel filter couldn't hurt either...

[TeeJay3800]

Let me clarify: there is no miss, buck under load, or anything like that. It simply doesn't go as soon as I hit the gas leaving the line.....it waits for a second, then jumps forward.

 

Also, if I'm just cruising, then nail the gas to pass someone, the response isn't quite as immediate as what I think would be normal. Then main problem, however, is the jerkiness leaving the line.

[gp90se]

ah, whens the last time it had a tuneup (including fuel filter), top end cleaned and how are the dogbones.

[TeeJay3800]

It has brand new AC Delco plugs and wires, fuel filter was replaced when I got it about 4 years ago, and I have recently cleaned the TB (I use the method where you open the throttle and spray the cleaner in with the engine running....I assume that helps clean the top of the motor too).

 

The dog bones SUCK, and I'm sure they don't help the off-the-line feel, but I know its more than that cuz I can hear the motor hesitate.

[digitaloutsider]

4 years is a little much for a fuel filter..

 

It's either that filter or your fuel pump.

[gp90se]

4 years is a little much for all of it, go put new plugs/wires/fuel filter in and see how it runs.

 

remember my friend, if it doesnt say delco, it shouldnt go on the car.

[Brian P]

yah like I mentioned it's not going to be a 1-step thing. Time to change out those original parts that wear out. Clean the top end, replace the O2 sensor, replace the fuel filter, clean up the IAC and bore and do a correct idle relearn, etc. After maintaining my old 3.1 like that, the hesitation was still there but was basically un-noticeable. Check all vacuum lines too.

[TeeJay3800]

4 years is a little much for all of it, go put new plugs/wires/fuel filter in and see how it runs.

 

remember my friend, if it doesnt say delco, it shouldnt go on the car.

It has brand new AC Delco plugs and wires...

Geez dude, how often do I have to replace those dang plugs?

 

I'll give some of this a try and let you know.

[gp90se]

I did mine weekly when I was trying 2 find the best plug for the 3.1....

 

I thought it said 4 years for everything, im sober now 8)

[boulevard]

I had the same problem with my 4-door Lumina. I drove it like that for about 3 months and then it died. Mechanic said it was a lack of oil (low oil level) untill he tested the cyclinder pressure and determined that carbon build up caused that and lead to the end my Lumina Life. Ruined 4 valves and still haven't replaced them. But my car did the same exact thing. Buy some of that Carbon Cleaner stuff @ a NAPA store and change/watch your oil and oil level.

[94CutlassSLCoupe]

Do the fuel filter first...I change mine every 35k whether its running bad or not. My car had the same hesitation

 

I just changed mine and put some red line fuel system cleaner in...it runs SUPER good now...