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Not staying running

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Old 05-21-2015, 10:00 PM
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Car: 88 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4 shift kit
Axle/Gears: Posi
Not staying running

Hey my 88 trans am tip 305 sat for 3 months then I start it, runs and idles great. Then I go to drive it, move 100 feet then it died. Now it starts for a second then dies. I can get it to stay running with starting fluid then it idles horribly and dies after a few minutes.
When i use the starting fluid it runs nice and smooth but without it, its just so bad.
Tried fuel conditioner, and added fresh gas.

What do I do?! Please help! Thanks!
Old 05-22-2015, 07:03 AM
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Car: 1989 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 355
Transmission: T56
Re: Not staying running

Check the fuel pressure at the line, if you don't have a gauge you can buy them for like 35 on summit or loan one from autozone. Make sure you are getting around 42 psi in the line. Check for spark. Pull the plugs and inspect them. Do you have codes?
Old 05-22-2015, 08:17 AM
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Car: 88 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4 shift kit
Axle/Gears: Posi
Re: Not staying running

Originally Posted by killer777
Check the fuel pressure at the line, if you don't have a gauge you can buy them for like 35 on summit or loan one from autozone. Make sure you are getting around 42 psi in the line. Check for spark. Pull the plugs and inspect them. Do you have codes?
No codes, I have a fuel pressure gauge. I'll test it this weekend.
Old 05-22-2015, 08:51 AM
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Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Not staying running

Sounds like the pump is on it way to the pump graveyard.

If so, buy a good pump. AC-Delco, WALBRO. Don't get any junk or you'll be doing the job again sooner than you want to.

Last edited by Bob88GTA; 05-22-2015 at 09:16 AM.
Old 05-22-2015, 02:39 PM
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Car: Firebird 1992
Engine: 305
Transmission: Auto
Re: Not staying running

I just had this on my 92 firebird two weeks ago. Has been sitting for 5 years with the monthly start up. Runs and starts great and then stalls randomly (After heating up) Will be very horrible to re-start and run horrible.
I was told to replace the coolant temperature sensor which is right next to the thermostat. ($6 ebay) and now she purrs like the old days!


Good luck
Old 05-22-2015, 09:48 PM
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Car: 88 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4 shift kit
Axle/Gears: Posi
Re: Not staying running

Originally Posted by Bob88GTA
Sounds like the pump is on it way to the pump graveyard.

If so, buy a good pump. AC-Delco, WALBRO. Don't get any junk or you'll be doing the job again sooner than you want to.
Changed the pump 4 years ago
Old 05-23-2015, 11:41 PM
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Car: 88 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 tpi
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Axle/Gears: Posi
Re: Not staying running

Just tested the fuel pressure and its great at 42.
Old 05-24-2015, 07:07 AM
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Re: Not staying running

Well then check your injectors. They may be clogged/gummed up.
Old 05-24-2015, 08:10 AM
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Car: 87' IROC
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Re: Not staying running

Coolant temp.sensor might be bad it will make it run like you described. Also check wire connections to injectors they could also cause trouble.
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