I have an 89 firebird 2.8liter manual transmission. about 2 months ago it jumped time. I replaced the timing chain and gears put it back together and it would only backfire not start. I chased my tail for a while and found the ignition coil was firing just too weak under a load for the car to start so i replaced it. now the car starts but will not idle on its own. I have to keep my foot on the gas to get it to run. As soon as i let off the gas the rmp spike and the car dies. I checked the fuel pressure and it was 18-20psi book says it should read 40-47. I changed fuel filter and it is the same. I suspect maybe the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel pump but my chiltons says tells me DO NOT remove fuel pressure regulator from the fuel rail. but The auto parts store sells them. Is there a way to check to see if my pressure regulator is actually bad or my fuel pump. or could it be one of the sensors throwing my fuel pressure off. It has a new O2 sensor and a new MAF sensor in it already i put them in it right before it died. Also i have replaced the distributor assy. wires and plugs

 

With low pressure and the new filter the problem would about have to be the pump. If the regulator is bad is would usually leak. What is the pressure when the key first turned on and the engine is not running?

 

with the key on and car not running fuel pressure is 20psi. when it starts it fluctuates between 16 and 20psi. i have to pump the gas constantly to keep it running at all as soon as i stop pumping the gas the rmps spike to about 3000 and it shuts off.

 

I am replacing the pump this weekend...

 

Any fix?

 

Beefychicken, are you having low fuel pressure? Pinch off the return side & see if the pressure jumps up.