I am trying to determine if it is the fuel pump that is bad in my 92 firebird 305 tbi? The bird has been just completely tuned up, but is having some serious performance problems. When it is cold running the car stalls and hesitates terribly. After 10 or 15 minutes this seemed to clear up with a smooth idle, and reasonable performance. Now it is getting worse, and while driving it last, it was barely running. It felt as if the car was running on empty, stalling and hesitating constantly. Also, terrible smell of gas and a strong sweet sort of oder, along with some smoke on or around engine, and the check engine light came on. Any ideas? Please help!! Thanks, Rob.

 

If the check engine light came on then start there.Scan it with a reader or use the paper clip method.

 

sounds like a blown head gasket

 

You can check the fuel pressure using one of those "T" gauges for TBI vehicles, that can give you a little more insight as to what the problem is

 

Strong sweet odor.... sounds like anti freeze is leaking.

 

Head gaskets man... looking grim.

 

unfortunately you've got a bad fuel pump. I just got over that same problem. I had all the symptoms you describe plus, when I ran on board diagnostics it didn't detect a bad pump. I could hear the (electric) pump running when I turned the ignition so I refused to beleive it was the pump. Finally after all else failed to fix the car, I replaced the FP and it started right up. I have a 92 6cyl EFI. the shop wanted $500 - the pump was about $80 - I cut my own access hole in the trunk. Had to splice the lines too. Good Luck.

 

NO he doesnt have a bad fuel pump

this sounds like a blown head gasket...

 

I'm having a similar problem right now, though not as severe. I have already replaced, fixed, or cleaned everything in the fuel delivery system sans the pump, so naturally I assumed it that was the problem. But, I was still getting great pressure all the way to the front of the car. I wasn't getting a very good vacuum, though, so I replaced all the vacuum lines... better, but still no luck. I'm down to gasket replacement, I guess. Has to be the head or intake manifold gaskets.

 

Unfortunately since it's winter, you aren't able to see the vapor. If you check the dipstick, is the oil milky or foamy? The coolant level good? It does sound like head gasket though. Check the plugs and you'll probably be able to at least find which side is leaking. If you start it and don't let it run until it smooths out that would leave one or more of the cylinders wet so it will be a lot easier to find.
Drain the oil and check for coolant in the oil.

 

or an easier way to tell would be to take a mirror and start the car put the mirror right at the end of the exhaust and let condesation form on it a good amount if you can take it in the house and let it dry if there is a sticky film that is anti freeze...

 

Ever figure out what the problem was? I'm going through exactly the same thing. I think it's my fuel pump, but not sure. Have replaced just about everything else...