Cold start problems when gas tank low

Hello everyone,

My 90 LeSabre will not start when cold if the gas is below half tank. I do use dry gas in the winter(I live in Maine), but it doesn't seem to help. I realize the obvious solution is to keep the tank at least half full, but I would like to know how to correct the problem. For example this morning I had just under a half tank, and it is about 20 degrees fahrenheit. The car will turn over and stumble and studder like it is not getting fuel. If I add gas to the car it usually starts right up and runs like a champ. I have been told by a couple people that perhaps my fuel pick up isn't functioning properly, but I don't know what to look for. One other note, the fuel gauge shows the tank is 1/4 full when it is really on Empty. I have changed the fuel filter recently also. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You,

Leo

just an update... i filled the gas tank with 93 octane and it ran fine. when I got home and parked the car, i noticed at idle it was almost stalling out, The idle speed would drop down, then go up. This lasted for about 5 minutes and then the idle became more steady. any ideas?anyone?
Thanks!
Leo

It does sound like the fuel pickup is sucking in air below half tank.

Thanks for the reply. :) I guess I would need to take the fuel tank out to really find out if this is the problem?? Is there any quick fix for this?

Thanks again,
Leo

I know when my tank is low on my 98 if I make a right turn it will die.

One thing that you can try is to have the fuel pressure checked at the fuel rack on the intake.
If you cannot do this leave it at a service shop over night so that they can check it when it is cold with a half tank of gas. This will at least confirm the fuel delivery issue. It could be a simple as an O ring on the intake side of the pump, but like you said the pain of it is to get the tank off to get to the sending unit and being a 90 I am sure the fuel lines will be rusted and as soon as they are moved they will break.
Sorry for the bad news, just trying to let you know what you could be in for. I had the same issues on an 86 and a 94.

Is checking the fuel pressure something that could be done at home fairly easily? What would be involved in doing this? Thanks again for all the info. Even though the fuel tank removal is discouraging, at least I know what I'm up against. I'm going to drive my beloved Buick to work tomorrow and see how it runs. Like I said earlier, it usually runs like a champ when I keep the gas at or near full. I plan on keeping the car for a long time, and I would like to get through the winter without removing the gas tank since I don't really have access to a garage. Thanks to all for your help.

Leo

Checking the fuel pressure is not a hard thing to do but you need the right type of gauge. On the fuel rack will be a valve that resembles an air valve on a tire assembly, that is where the fuel gauge screws on to. If you do not have this type of gauge you cannot check the pressure.

Thanks for the info, what is the ideal fuel pressure i should look for?

Leo

After sitting overnight 35-45 psi roughly and should hold for at least an hour,anything else I would have the pump with a new sock and filter replaced.You may also find your level problem when replacing the pump. good luck

After sitting overnight 35-45 psi roughly and should hold for at least an hour,anything else I would have the pump with a new sock and filter replaced.You may also find your level problem when replacing the pump. good luck

Thanks for the info!

Leo