1989 TBI Problems
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
1989 TBI Problems
I am having problems with my 1989 IROC-Z Camaro, it has a 305 TBI with 5 speed. I replaced my fuel filter a couple days ago and drove it yesterday about 25 miles before I noticed that it was having problems. It runs like crap and only wants to run at high rpm's, and it acts up really bad in first and second gear unless you stomp the gas. It has worstened to the point where it wont even stay running when I start it up now, I haven't had time to check the fuel pressure yet but I did replace the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm and spring which didn't help. It throws a code 44 which is a lean condition, I'm leaning toward the fuel pump going bad but i'm not quite sure without checking the pressure and I dont hear it hum when i flip the key to the on position. Is there something that these TBI units are notorious for with the same conditions that I am having??
Thanks in advance, Dan
Thanks in advance, Dan
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Everett, MA . USA
Car: 89 FORMULA FIREBIRD, 86 CHEVY CAMARO
Engine: L98, LB9 RESPECTIVLY
Transmission: 700 R4 (BOTH)
Re: 1989 TBI Problems
sounds like a vacuum leak. check all the lines around the the throttle body for cracks or loose connections
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, Ak
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: 1989 TBI Problems
How many miles are on your car? Has the pump been replaced in the last 20yrs? If there is a vac leak, you can take a can of starter fluid and spray it around the TB and intake manifold.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: 1989 TBI Problems
Ok guys, I have fixed the problem! The diaphragm I put in the fuel regulator, I guess there is a certain way it has to go. I didn't put it in upside down or anything, I just turned the ignition to the on position today and fuel was going everywhere. I took the regulator off, turned the diaphragm around, put it back together and ran it down the road and it runs like a champ now! I do still have one question tho, when I replaced the diaphragm I reused the stock spring. The spring that came with the kit was about 1/4 inch shorter than the stock spring, why is that? should I have used the new one?
Thanks, Dan
Thanks, Dan
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: wichita
Car: 1991 camaro rs
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 from 1995 z28
Re: 1989 TBI Problems
ny 91 is ding the same thing. anyone have any ideas on how to test the fuel pump? the kit i bought desnt have adapters to tbi
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
92camaroJoe
Tech / General Engine
6
Aug 13, 2015 06:07 AM






