I recently got myself a 1983 Firebird S/E with the 305 4bbl V8. The car is running extremely rich and my mileage is suffering from it. I've been getting the code 44 from the computer and the check engine light comes on if I let the rpms stay low for long enough when the engine is hot. I've tried putting in a new o2 sensor and changing vacuum lines and checking for leaks and I can find no solution. I was hoping somebody might be able to prod me down the right path so I can get this fixed.

Nearly forgot to mention. The previous owner has recently had the carburator professionally rebuilt. It's the computer controller Q-jet.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/service-eng...ht-error-codes

Code 44 = Oxygen Sensor Lean
Code 45 = Oxygen Sensor Rich

Check codes again. Sounds like you just got mixed up.

 

no, the 44 would be right. The computer thinks the engine is running too lean, so it commands more fuel, then the engine runs rich. Start by replacing the sensor.

 

And I mean the first new sensor might be bad. rare, but possible. If that doesn't fix it, then I'd wonder about the carb. I once had one of those getting 8 mpg.

 

Okay, thanks, understand now.

 

Yeah, the computer thinks it's lean and compensates by pouring gas down the hole. It smells like I'm driving a shell station around.

I'm going to poke around some more tonight because I really think it's a vacuum leak somewhere but I can't find it. Luckily for us cars made back then used vacuum for just about everything.