1997 Pontiac will not keep running

[Jim916]

We have a 97 Bonneviile with a 3800 motor that will start but will not keep running unless I keep my foot on the gas.

I have noticed the last month or so that the car will have to turn over 3-5 times before starting. It also idles a little rough at stop lights/stop signs once in a while. Also a week ago the car died as we were going around as slight curve in the road at about 25 miles an hour. It started no problem after that happened.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated as we only have 1 car to drive until we get this fixed.

Thanks,

Jim

[Jeremy airjer W]

Check engine light on?

Check to see if the fuel pressure regulator is leaking.

If it is not than unplug the MAF sensor and see if it will idle. If it does the MAF can either be dirty or bad. Sometimes you can wiggle the connector or tap on them and get the car to do some funky things.

[Jim916]

No, check engine light is not on. I will try that. thanks.

[Jim916]

I checked the fuel pressure regulator and that is not leaking.

I unplugged the MAF sensor and the car would run worse. I cleaned the MAF sensor and that made no difference.

I know the MAF could still be bad, but I do not want to spend $150 and that not be the problem.

I am at a loss here. Any other ideas?

Thanks

[fishinarc]

check for a vacuum leak. Especialy where the brake boost line hooks to the back of the intake. I have seen these orings leak.

[BoxMN]

Mailbu 3.1 litre - I had a crack in the line that goes to the PCV, and when I replaced that it helped quite a bit. Of course I replaced the fuel pressure regulator as well, so not sure if it was just one thing or both, but it was very hard starting and rough running, but now perfect after doing both of those.

Good luck.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Checking for vacuum leaks is a good idea.