stalling problem

[Ericdd]

I just bought an all original 1987 Olds cutlass salon V8 with 50K original miles, but it seems to have a carb problem, maybe someone can point me in the right direction toward fixing it. The car starts no problem, idle is a little rough but not terrible, but it stalls as soon as you put it in gear.

I bought the car in Maryland and was almost afraid to drive it home to NY. It stalled like 6+ times when I tried to leave. Once I got going it ran OK, no problems at stop lights or anything. but If I shut it off for any amount of time it would stall when I started again and tried to put in gear. It seems to be running a little rich too.

any tips on getting it running right would be great.

 

[Judge Mills]

Check for vacuum leaks. Last month, I think I found at least 4 separate leaks from hoses and ports.

 

[pontiacgp]

didn't you do a tune up, change all the fluids and check the brakes before you drove it a few hours?

 

[Ericdd]

Check for vacuum leaks. Last month, I think I found at least 4 separate leaks from hoses and ports.

thanks I'll check that. I'm hoping to have time to check it out saturday

didn't you do a tune up, change all the fluids and check the brakes before you drove it a few hours?

I hope that was a joke

 

[pontiacgp]

I hope that was a joke

no it was no joke, I think it very unsafe to drive car on a trip that takes a few hours if you have no personal knowledge of the condition and the safety of the car.

 

[Ericdd]

no it was no joke, I think it very unsafe to drive car on a trip that takes a few hours if you have no personal knowledge of the condition and the safety of the car.

unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of doing a tuneup. but I did have a car following me all the way home.
I checked the car out and took it for a test drive, other then the initial stalling and rich running smell it was good to go. The overall condition of the car and ultra low miles out weighed the minor stalling issue. It was bought from a reputable dealer who used it as a showroom piece. I'm pretty sure they did an oil change at the very least (there was evidence of it).

 

[pontiacgp]

I would never trust a used car dealer in town never mind one that is a few hundred miles from my place. I'd put it on a flatbed and once I got it home I'd properly check it out before I put it on the road.

 

[Ericdd]

to each his own.
but either way the car is home now and I'd like to get it running properly so I can enjoy it.
any helpful tips?

 

[81msw79]

if the car has been sitting for sometime. i would suggest the following
pull all 4 wheels and check the condition of the brake pads and rubber seals for the caliper pistons/ rear wheel cylinders.
check condition of all the rubber brake lines and steel brake lines
check condition of ball joints and the other steering components.
change all fluids. brake fluid,trans fluid, rear diff, motor oil
full tune up. cap ,rotor,plugs, wires,air filter.
fuel filter
check condition of all the rubber hoses under the hood.

it may take a good solid weekend or 2 to do all of these things but will be well worth it to avoid an accident or reliability issues

 

[Ericdd]

if the car has been sitting for sometime. i would suggest the following
pull all 4 wheels and check the condition of the brake pads and rubber seals for the caliper pistons/ rear wheel cylinders.
check condition of all the rubber brake lines and steel brake lines
check condition of ball joints and the other steering components.
change all fluids. brake fluid,trans fluid, rear diff, motor oil
full tune up. cap ,rotor,plugs, wires,air filter.
fuel filter
check condition of all the rubber hoses under the hood.

it may take a good solid weekend or 2 to do all of these things but will be well worth it to avoid an accident or reliability issues

Thanks, all stuff I know already. The car is solid, it hasn't been sitting, its just seen limited use.
I'm looking to see if anybody had a similar problems to see if I can save having to have the carb rebuilt.