88 5.0 TBI Firebird 130,000 miles. When I go to start the car I have to step on the gas to get it started is this normal for these cars? Once started it runs smooth and has great throttle response the only problem is geting it started. Any ideas?

 

94,

This is not normal. There is a fuel enrichment routine int he PROM programming for starting fuel when the engine is cold.

Very often, having to open the throttle to make starting possible or easier/faster is a sign that the fuel injectors are leaking down after the engine is shut off. You can determine this fairly easily on a TBI car by removing the air cleaner and folding a piece of paper to fit in the TBI directly under the injectors. After you shut the engine off, place the paper under the injectors and wait about 20 minutes. If you see fuel spotting on the paper, your injectors (or one of them) is leaking down. Replacements are common bone-yard items.

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Later,
Vader
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"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Thanks for the help I will check that out. I am also going to change the fuel filter and see if that helps any.