My 88 buick wagon will start idle up then backfire and die. running down road sometimes runs well. other times will chug hard loses power. has new plugs, wires. have replaced harmonic balancer, water pump, starter and alternator. they have all gone out in last 6 months. has a 3.8 with 86000 miles.

SOURCE: Power Steering pump replacement

if you have power stering oil in it its normal for the pump to be noisy its air that make that noise continue to drive air will come out by itself after a few kilometer it will go away if you have enough oil thanks pierre

SOURCE: Starts fine, Idles fine, Drives Fine for a while

you might want to chk. the crank sensor and or cam sensor. sounds more to me that it could be fuel problem. chk. fuel pressure. pump could be on its way out. don't be fooled by hearing the pump running as they sound like they are pumping but there not, at least not enought pressure to keep it running. pressure should be around 50 p.s.i.

SOURCE: starts then dies

check your fuel pump relay 

Dave C

• 1050 Answers
• Posted on May 11, 2009

SOURCE: Buick Regal dying

You have a problem in the fuel pump relay circuit for sure then. I'm betting the relay, but it could be that dropping resistor.

SOURCE: harmonic balancer wobble will it cause any more

yes besides causing a vibration while driving and possible throwing belts the balancer out of balance can cause problems with the lower end crankshaft such as seal leaks ,bearings and if breaks off or apart can cause damage to engine and body