I was driving my 89 (LO3 TBI) and it was running great. I pulled in the drive to open the garage door and it sputtered and died. So I go start it back up and it does the same thing. I finally managed to get it in the garage, but now every time I start it up it starts up idles up to 1200-1400 for a second and then sputters and dies out. If you push the pedal it acts like its trying to stay running but won't. I took the air cleaner off and was able to observe it spraying fuel on startup and then stops until it starts to sputter, then sprays some more (if it doesn't die right away), and so on. Any ideas on what is up?

 

Try the fuel filter first otherwise its probably the fuel pump.

 

here is a little more info, it's from my post over at camaroz28.com.

Well, it was running fine until a couple days ago when I pulled in the drive, got out to go open the garage door, and the car died while I was opening the door. It will start back up and run ok for a second or two, then the idle drops and it starts choking sputters and dies. I have tried to start it back up and it keeps doing the same thing. When you turn the key you can hear the pump priming and the injector spray pattern looks good. I did notice that the injectors will spray for a bit, then stop, that is when it starts idling down and choking, then the injectors will spray some more and it will idle back up for a couple seconds, the injectors will stop, choking begins, injectors spray again, and so on. I can keep it running by spraying starting fluid in the TB. I have also replaced the fuel filter and pulled the cat off to check it. No Vaccum leaks at all and all the hoses are routed correctly. Any ideas?

 

Clean the electrical connections on the injectors and check the ground to the block. If its not one of those 2, I would suspect computer. Can you hear the injectors clicking like when their spraying or do they just quit all together.

 

check your fuel pressure!!! I had the same problem with a tpi and think I am having it again. New fuel pump and make sure you use a good fuel line that attaches to the pump that goes inside the tank. Mine got a pin hole and started sucking air and wouldnt hold pressure.

 

Cleaned the connections on the injectors and checked the ground....both good. Cant hear the injectors because of my loud exhaust but I will listen closer. I am going to check fuel pressure tonight when I get a pressure tester. I am also going to see if I can get a new ignition module, some one said that might be the problem as well.

 

Yeah, I wont hurt to replace the ignition module. These cars are not getting any younger, and if you have not done any mods on the dist now would be the time. Might want to get a new cap and rotor tool.

 

Hate to tell you but its probably the fuel pump. Mine did the same thing for a couple months until i finally figured it out. Change the filter and see what happened if that doesnt help its time to take the tank out.

 

I know it probably is I'm just trying other alternatives first. Has anyone ever cut an access hole in the sheetmetal to get to the fuel pump without dropping the tank?