For those who dont know:
87 T/A
350/automatic
Rebuilt bottom end

The car will idle just fine. However, when l put it in gear, reverse or drive, it stutters for 1/2 sec then it inevitably spits through the carb and dies. Now l have to have the dist advanced (turned counter clock) almost all the way for it idle right.

There are two things lm thinking. Timing, or possibly valves not adjusted right. I've played w/ the timing quite a bit and have the same situation.

l checked for vacuum leaks by the carb cleaner method. Couldnt find one.

Help?!?

Clayton

 

I know that you said the bottom was rebuilt but this sounds like a vacuum leak. Get some wd-40 and, while the engine is running, spray all around your intake ports, plenum ports and where the TB mates up to the plenum. Double and triple check all of your vacuum lines. If this is a stock motor your timing should be right around 8-10 degrees BTDC. Also my car used to do this before I set the IAC Valve (computer wasn't controlling fuel).

 

By the way, incase you didn't know why you're spraying WD-40 around the intake, it's to see if you here your engine idle higher. If you hear the R's come up, you've found your vacuum leak.

 

I'm an idiot! I didn't read your very last statement. Sorry!!!

 

Your distributor might be 180* out, maybe that is why you have to move it so far to get it to idle right.

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89 Trans Am Turbo 3.8L All stock 43,000 miles #1053 of 1555

Past Thirdgen:
86 Trans Am w/ built 355TPI with SLP goodies and too much other stuff to List. One sweet *** car, wish I would have had a good enough Job to pay insurance on three cars so I could keep it, but for a 89 Turbo Trans Am w/ Low miles, I think I made the right choice!

 

no if it was 180* out, you would see some really pretty flames! (Not personal experience, but there was a post a while ago about dumb things people have done, where you could freely admit your mistakes, and a few people chimed in about the dist 180* off!)


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Corry Lazarowitz
clazarow@voicenet.com
clazarowitz@hotmail.com
1987 Pontiac Trans AM (GTA?) 350 TPI
SLP 1 3/4" headers, 3" cat back (stock cat MSD ignition.
MSD Blaster SS coil.
3.73 Rear end gears
Accell 8.8 Wires
Bosh +4 Spark Plugs (Don't know if they really help but hell!)
Holley AFPR
Newly Self gutted cat!
More soon when funds are avail...

 

Had my distrubor out 180*. The engine started but it sure got hot fast. ie overheaded

 

Thats right because when you adjust it to fire properly you are just way in advance. It will run and run very hot, but will have no power and sometimes just dies under load.