car is a 1986 trans am, 305 tpi (not stock engine)

this problem started a few days ago. the car seems impossible to start. it will start, and just stall out. after about 10 minutes of trying to start it, it will start up with no problem. then randomly when driving it will stall sometimes, and take 10 min to start back up. during the 10 mins of trying to start it, it will fire up for a second, and sound like its missing on all cylinders. it makes popping noises out of the intake on the tpi. it is not making sense to me because randomly it will start up perfectly. i changed plugs/wires, fuel pump is priming, and it has spark. i cant figure it out. any help would be appreciated, this car is making me go nuts.

 

Fuel pressure, codes, state of tune?

 

i dont have a fuel pressure gauge or a code reader. i just got this car so im not sure on really anything about the tuning. i changed the plugs and it seemed to idle alot better, no more stalling at stop signs and lights. now its just problem with the starting.

 

i was messing with one of the injectors and it was loose. it now starts up everytime, just doesnt seem to be idling perfect in gear. it idles fine in park.

 

Yea, you need that all elusive GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Code Retrieval tool...

Via the Man with the Tin Hat :

First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a paper clip to TGO members).

With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash, just to the right of the steering wheel in the driver's foot well area. There should be a small rectangular cover over the access hole in the lower dash trim (notice his clean interior? I'd swear I should see some anti-sieze somewhere with all the goop he puts on his pancakes!).



Insert a tool as described above (paper clip) into the 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL connector (I really can't thank him enough for this thing, it's been stolen so many times I think people forget the guy that made it is still around. Friggin' give props guys!!):



WITHOUT STARTING the engine, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position. Watch the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and it will begin to flash. This is also commonly called the "Service Engine Soon" or "SES" lamp. The first code will flash three times, and will usually be a code '12'. This is encoded by one flash of the lamp, a brief pause, then two successive flashes of the lamp. Each code will repeat three times, so you should see a "Code 12" flash three times. Any other error codes will follow in numerical order, and each code should flash three times. After all codes have been displayed three times, the "Code 12" will again flash three times, then all other codes will follow as described earlier. This cycle will continue until the jumper is removed or the ignition is turned off.

After you have made a note of all error codes, turn off the ignition and remove the jumper immediately. If you forget to remove the jumper and attempt to start the engine with it in place, you could damage the ECM. For this reason you should remove it immediately.

Once you have a note of all error codes, check this file for the decoding (and a thank you for the hosting there O' Destructive and despicable deliverer of death and diablerie) :

GM Error Codes.pdf.

You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open/print the file.

I'll pull out the trusty metal detector and thank him for you when I find him.

 

thanks i will try that tomorrow.