Just purchased a 1986 Trans Am with a 305 TPI. Doesn't really run. Tries to start and when it does it wont accelerate. Just a rough Idle. Any thoughts?

 

has the car had a tune up recently?

 

I would check the fuel pressure. Next i would spray starting fluid/carb cleaner into the intake and see if the idle changes. If it does obviously your not getting fuel. The fun part would be figuring out why.

 

Fuel pressure is first. Jbates has the best suggestion, ether spray (starting fluid) may even your idle out. If that's the case, then you're not getting enough fuel. Second off, I'd do a tuneup. Plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, and of course an oil change. If it's a very slow turn when you're trying to start it, take your starter off and take it over to autozone to get it tested. It's free.


After you do all of that (Actually, after you test your fuel pressure) and it's still acting up, I'd do a few things

1) Seafoam the hell out of it. Gas tank, intake, oil pan (But change your oil shortly after, maybe 300 miles) - You'd be suprised how big of a difference that can make.

2) Gaskets. Take your top end apart, chances are they are all shot. Intake gasket, thermostat housing gasket (if you have a chrome thermostat housing change it asap! They have caused me nothing but trouble) valve cover gaskets, distributor gasket.

My .02$. If anyone disagrees, feel free to call me out.