Our 1985 Firebird with the 2.8 V6 is in our dealer shop trying to get it all sorted out. When we first took it in, it was leaking, needed the AC freon update and was running rough when warm. When cold, it ran okay, but seemed to idle kinda fast, but not alarmingly so.

So the dealer replaced all manner of gaskets and seals, and suggested I replace the distributor since they had to take the old one out. So I had them replace the distributor and the spark plug wires while they were doing their work.

During all this, they broke the big aluminum piece at the top (the intake?) and replaced it (at their cost) with a used one.

They fixed the AC (updated refrigerant) and fixed the leaks, but since I got it back, it runs VERY rough when cold, and when warm, would hesitate when accelerating from a standing start. It also seemed to be down on power..... but the AC worked and it only had one small leak.

So back to the dealer, and they've been working on it for about two weeks now (on their nickel). They took everything apart and put it back together to see if they missed something there, and say they've fixed the small leak, and adjusted the timing a bit off of factory spec which they claim has improved the warm running issue, but they are still scratching their heads over the cold start issue.

They say it's not a problem with the cold start injector or csi switch, but they don't know what it is at this point. I will say this is a really good dealership shop and they've done great and honest work on my not inconsiderable fleet of vehicles, but they are having a tough time with this one issue and they say because of the age, they are getting no support from GM in investigating the problem.

So, I'm asking for your help because there seems to be MANY knowledgeable and experienced people on this board when it comes to 3rd Gen Birds and Camaros. Thanks so much!

 

gosh guys, no love for us V6 owners? HELPPPPP!!!!

 

Try unplugging the Mass Air Flow sensor and driving it. If it drives better, then there is your problem. It may be hard to start up at first, but it will start. Just sounds like a lean condition - the MAF sensor telling the computer it is getting less air than normal and is backing off the fuel. Good luck with it.

 

thanks so much for your suggestion, birdtojag, I will definitely try that!

 

update.. problem solved! In addition to the MAF sensor suggestion, my dealer manager contacted an engineer at GM that he knows who he thought might be able to help. The GM engineer said he thought fuel injectors.

I sourced a replacement MAF sensor online. The dealership wasn't having any luck getting info on replacement injectors, so I decided to research reman injectors on the these boards to see what they had to say.

Many of the postings lead me to Jon at Fuel Injector Connection, who had a reputation for excellent quality as well as flow matching their sets to a higher standard than even new injectors. I emailed Jon and he had a matched set of Bosch III for our 2.8 V6 for $149 + $11 shipping for the set, an excellent price!

I took the parts into the dealer and they changed out the MAF sensor first..... no joy. Then they replaced the fuel injectors and the problem was solved. Actually better than solved. With the new injectors (and all the other new parts), the Firebird has never run this smooth, and it even feels like it has more power than ever.

So now we have no leaks, no drips, great starting and running, no hesitation and good power! We couldn't be happier!

Kevin

P.S. we installed a K&N air filter as well