First of all let me say that I have searched this topic on this board, and it seems like everyones circumstances are somewhat different.. This leads me (the newbie to engine troubleshooting) to believe that there could be many more variables based on the information you give when presenting the problem.. Here goes

I have a 1986 Iroc with the 305 with stock everything except for a dynomax exhaust (irrelevant I suppose, but ya never know). Oh, and on a side not I once had to adjust the T.V. cable to fix a rather harsh shift into second gear.

Anyways, the problem I have been having is this; The car will turn over, and start running (keep in mind, I don't know the correct terms), sometimes after a few seconds of that high pitched noise, which I'm assuming is the starter, but without the gas pedal being held slightly down to keep rev's up will die.

Originally my problems started when it got a bit colder out (I live in MA, so a month ago maybe). The car would start fine, but when I shifted into reverse it would stall. This only happened twice, over a few weeks period, so I figured it was a fluke, but talked to some people about it and got confused looks, and lots of head-scratches.

Now, whether it has to do with the cold or not, I don't know, but lately the temps have been reaching the low 20's, and the problem has become MUCH worse. Could be coincidence, I don't know. Currently, my car will start, but die immediately if I don't hold the rpm's to something over 500 by gassing it a bit.

I have checked the fuel pressure at the schraeter (sp???) valve below the plenum, and it is registering a nice healthy 40 psi. When the ignition is in the ON position, the fuel pump powers up every time.

My problem here is that it will happen usually upon a cold start, then after I manually hold the rpm's up, it dies... but starts up 10-15 mins later. Even if I go drive it, it will still stall at stops. Then randomly it will work. After everything finally works, and I take it for a nice long drive, upon turning it off and leaving it for 10 minutes, the problem will occur again.

If this is sloppy and dis-organized I appologize.. it's late and I'm frustrated, but I hope I have provided enough information here, and if anyone can help me solve this, I would appreciate it, thanks!

 

Sloppy and dis-organized? Welcome aboard! You'll fit right in...

Perform an archive search for "IAC stepper motor" and you should find some hints.

 

Thanks!