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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
78
Chevy Malibu: Aches and Pains of Old Age
Q: I have a 1978 Chevy Malibu that is in great shape. My trouble
is that in cold weather it starts okay, but at the first stop sign it
stalls. I've tried letting the car warm up, but the same thing happens;
it stalls at the first stop. My garage mechanic turned up the idle, but
it made no difference. Any suggestions?
A: Because
of your vehicle's age there could be several possibilities. For example
there is a device called a heat riser, used to quickly heat the intake
manifold by diverting hot exhaust gases to a passage under the intake
manifold. Cold intake manifolds allow gasoline to separate from the air
as it travels to the cylinder, resulting in puddles of raw gas setting
on the bottom of the intake manifold. This can cause a stalling condition.
The heat
riser valve could be sticking and/or the passages in the manifold plugged
with carbon.
Have your
technician "take the time" to go through proving and inspecting
the different controls on your vehicle's engine. With over twenty years
of operation there will be worn parts that just have to be replaced or
serviced.
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