I got an 89 Firebird with a 2.8L engine....it has about 80k miles on it and it has a starting problem....I cant figure out what the exact problem is...I have recently done a tune up on the engine, I have changed the fuel pump, the relay and also the starter...No results...

The engine rotates for about 3 seconds, (then I stop trying) then when I try again the engine rotates for about again for about 3 seconds and finally starts ...it drives and shifts great....would like to just not have this "minor" problem....its really anoying

Once the car has been started and still hot...it starts right away again and again....but if it cools down we go through the "3 sec wait" again...when its really hot out it seems to start better and faster than in really cold weather

It has also flown the in the line fuse for the fuel pump a couple times (the one on the pasenger side fender)

Help me out with some ideas or opinions on how to fix this problem

 

To me, it almost sounds normal for a cold start. I would assume it's multiport injection if you have a 2.8L. I would check into replacing the fuel filter and checking the timing. Start small anyway. If it has blown the inline fuse for the fuel pump more than once, I'd be looking for electrical shortages. Unfortunately, electrical troubleshooting is not my major strength. Do the 2.8s have a cold start injector? If it does, it may have gone bad. Hope this helps.

 

I forgot to mention, I have already replaced the fuel filter aswell...How do I do the timing?...I got a friend that has the tool to reset it...what should it be?
I was told by a mechanic that the fuse might just be blowing because I am holding it and rotating it without a succesful start (the 3 seconds)

Also...Could a bad catalytic converter be causing starting problems? (because mine is do for a change)

 

The 1989 2.8l does have a cold start injector. I have heard of many people deleting these. It normally starts fine unless it is very cold or has been off for several days.

 

I dont think thats the problem though...because it does it too in hot weather...cold is just a little worse

 

To check your timing, hook the pos and neg leads to your battery and hook the pickup lead to the number 1 spark plug wire. The timing should be somewhere between 0 deg and 5 deg adv. Double check your owners manual or catalyst sticker to determine the correct ignition timing.