Looking at an '89 Formula - Idle's Rough, header gasket? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

evilWS6 · 09-21-2009, 02:36 PM

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've been on here, I sold my 87 Camaro a couple years ago and I now own a '99 WS6. I'm looking for another 3rd Gen.. But I need some help!

I'm checking out this '89 Formula. It has a 350 TPI, and the owner says it has a check engine light on, and sometimes idles rough. He said he suspects it to be leaking header gaskets. Does that sound like that could cause this problem? I'd just like to know a few things to expect/look at if i go to check it out.

Thanks everyone!

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Rolling Thunder · 09-21-2009, 03:09 PM

Yea im calling bs on the leaking header gasket causing the rough idle. Not saying hes necessarily lieing he may actually believe thats causeing it but i don't see it. Now you could always pull the trouble codes as it should be stored then you can see what the deal is. Its probably no big deal but i would still check as it could be something like a MAF sensor which is big money. All and all the 89 formula would be a great car if its actually a 350 (check the vin as it seems somehow virtually every v8 camaro or firebird is a 350 lol). They were fairly light by comparison and could have all the performance stuff of the trans am. The only thing i don't like is the VATS. Look for rusty floor pans on the drivers side (very common on cars this old). Check the oil and the transmission fluid. I find many of these cars havnt been well maintained and things like the trans fluid instead of being its normal red color is gray and burnt AKA will need a transmission. Most repairs are cheap even a trans isn't to expensive just gives you some room to negotiate.

evilWS6 · 09-21-2009, 03:31 PM

Thanks man, I'll definitely look for all of those. And I totally forgot about running the codes. I wish I had my own handheld.. I don't think his car is on the road so I might not be able to get it to a shop/automotive store. The car is selling for $1900 so I'm hoping there's no "secrets."

Rolling Thunder · 09-21-2009, 03:37 PM

Well you know you can run codes with a paperclip right? Being that its an old car dont expect perfection but the one thing i forgot to mention is accidents! thats the only thing you want to avoid like the plague. Common signs its been in an accident are body panels not lining up especially the gap between the nose and the hood and the doors with the fenders front and rear.

akmusclecar · 09-21-2009, 03:40 PM

If you have access to the all-mighty PAPERCLIP, you will not need a code reader or scanner to retrieve trouble codes. the top two right side pins on the ADL port are the pins to check codes. Bend the paperclip so you can put the ends in there, turn the car on to the run position and you should be good.

helomech · 09-21-2009, 04:43 PM

Is there a writeup on that somewhere? Where do the codes appear? or do they beep? or shock the sh*t out of you? lol

Rolling Thunder · 09-21-2009, 04:45 PM

Because this was such a common question I actually made a video showing how to do it. If you wanted it if you post your email address i can send it to you.

helomech · 09-21-2009, 04:47 PM

Thanks, I just saw this by trixkster:

Look under the dash by your right knee and you will see a 12 pin connector there. It might have a cover over it saying diagnostics. With the key in the "OFF" position, take a paper clip and jumper the top two pins on the right hand side (pins "A" & "B"). Turn the key to the "ON" position but don't start the engine. The service engine soon light will come on for a second and then start to flash the codes. It will flash once, pause and then flash twice more for code 12. It will do this three times and then start to flash any other codes it has stored in the computer. It will flash each one three times as it goes through them. After the last trouble code has flashed, it will repeat the cycle again. Code 12 is a normal code, also if the fans come on this is also normal. After you have gotten all the codes, turn the key to "OFF" and remove the paper clip.

evilWS6 · 09-21-2009, 11:19 PM

You know, I actually heard of the paperclip method earlier today on ls1tech, but he didn't explain how to do it very well. I think I understand what you mean now.

There's several third gens that I'm looking at. My two main ones right now are the 89 Formula, and an 84 Camaro that has a 350 dropped in with only 21K miles, 3.73 posi rear, and a built 700R4. Hopefully one of these is the one!

Quick random question, but do 15" drag wheels bolt right onto 3rd gen's? I know they don't fit on 4th gen's without grinding the brakes. Thanks for the help so far guys.

Rolling Thunder · 09-21-2009, 11:27 PM

Yea 15s will bolt on no problem as far as everything else is correct bolt pattern back spacing ect. Ide be hesitant about the 84 though. Even if the motor only has 21k on it (which i dont know how he could really prove) and the trans is built up (again hard to really prove what exactly he means by "built up") all that stuff is only as good as the man who built it. Especially if its fairly cheap or "it just needs a few little odds and ends" ide be very cautious about buying someone elses headache i mean "project" lol.