i have an 87 camaro, 2.8L. today when i started driving my car started acting funny. when i accelerate from a stop, coast, or a low rpm it hesitates and jerks, or chugs for 10 to 15 sec into the acceleration. it doesnt gain speed during this. it also just died idling in a parking lot. whats wrong ??? im really worried

 

ok first when its idling, does it rev up and then down on its own?

 

What does the tachometer do when this is happening?

 

Loss of power points to a fuel or compression problem. Check fuel pressure and do a compression test. This should begin to point you in the right direction.

 

I would lean more towards a fuel or ignition problem.

 

the tach just does its thing the car idles between 500 and little under 1000. but when it died it just cut off from probably around 1000 rpm

 

Check fuel pressure make sure it's correct.
Could check spark plugs and make sure they are not damaged in any way.
How much mileage is on the car?
When is the last time you had engine work and what was it?
Are your fuel injectors stock?

 

Yea if it has fouled plugs it would do a similar thing does it back fire any at all?

 

it backfired once its got about 111000 miles on it no work really just general service

 

i changed the spark plugs and it almost corrected the problem but it still does it it seems like when im accelerating out of a turn so i still dont know!!!

 

Full tank?

fuel slosh whne low will get ya evey time.

 

Also run the car in the dark with the hood up, check for spark leak around the coil or wires.

Also mist engine with water, spray bottle. If ya see any fireworks from either, bad wires.

 

had same problem with an 88 2.8 changed plug wires and it ran like a champ

 

so i changed the spark plugs and it got 80% better im changing the wires today so well see but im confused about the obd stuff i did the paper clip thing and got the code and its saying misfire but i have a kill switch on my car that cuts power to the fuel pump when the switch is on no fuel can't start car you know and the service light comes on when i put the keys in but if i turn the kill switch on the light goes off and turn the switch off the light comes back on so im wondering if its actually a fuel problem!!! idk!!!