What is the reason for the Buick GL8 feeling sluggish when accelerating?

[DiMila]

Buick GL8 feeling sluggish when accelerating can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Clogged fuel filter screen: Insufficient fuel supply when accelerating leads to stalling. After stopping, gasoline flows into the float chamber, allowing the engine to restart. However, when accelerating again, the fuel level in the carburetor drops, and the main jet cannot draw fuel, causing the engine to stall again. 2. Clogged carburetor main jet: This may be due to dirty gasoline or long-term inactivity of the vehicle, leading to fuel deterioration and the formation of gum that clogs the main jet. 3. Slight cylinder expansion caused by engine overheating: If it is cylinder expansion, it is necessary to go to a repair shop to replace the cylinder block, piston, and piston rings.

[DiEmmett]

I've been driving a Buick GL8 for over a decade and have encountered several instances where the car felt sluggish and lacked power during refueling. The most common issue is problems with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or insufficient fuel supply from the fuel pump, which is particularly frustrating during acceleration. Additionally, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to incomplete combustion in the engine and making the car feel underpowered. Another possibility is a clogged catalytic converter, which prevents exhaust gases from escaping, making the car feel like it's being choked. I recommend first replacing the air filter and fuel filter yourself—it's cost-effective and yields good results. If that doesn't help, take it to a repair shop to check if the ignition coil or spark plugs are faulty using a diagnostic tool. Ignoring this issue long-term not only increases fuel consumption but can also damage the engine internals, leading to higher repair costs.

[LaRhett]

A few days ago, my GL8 felt particularly sluggish when refueling and struggled to climb hills. After inspection, it turned out there was an issue with the ignition system. A friend mentioned that aging spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can reduce ignition efficiency, leading to weaker engine power. Additionally, using low-quality gasoline can cause similar problems—I switched to a reputable gas station and saw significant improvement. In humid weather, poor electrical connections can also lead to short circuits, causing severe shaking. A quick fix is to check the spark plugs first and tighten them; if that doesn’t work, take it to a shop for a circuit inspection. As a reminder, if your car loses power while driving, don’t push it—pull over safely, turn on the hazard lights, and prioritize safety. Proper maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.

[KingMarie]

The Buick GL8's lack of power when accelerating is usually due to fuel supply or intake issues. For example, excessive dust accumulation in the air filter reduces oxygen intake, leading to incomplete combustion and a sluggish engine. Blockages in the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, can cause improper fuel spraying and reduced power. A blocked catalytic converter can worsen exhaust issues. I recommend using an OBD scanner to read fault codes for precise diagnosis, or simply cleaning the throttle body to see if it helps. Regularly replacing the fuel and air filters as preventive maintenance and warming up the engine before driving can slightly alleviate the problem. Don't delay repairs to avoid further component wear and higher costs.