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Car starts when it wants to

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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 10:39 PM
  #1  
Camaro91327's Avatar
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Minnesota
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 408 Stroker
Transmission: 4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Car starts when it wants to

I rebuilt the car about 3 years ago and I'm afraid that It is having multiple issue at once. Sorry for the story just trying not to leave anything out.

1. If i drive it for about 5 mins turn it off and went into a store came back and turn the key and nothing not even the starter engages. dash lights come on thought vats but then something else happen'd. Started after about an hour.

2. driving down the highway at 65 it decided to not listen to the gas pedal pushed it to the floor and rpm did not change. Vehicle was still running in till i stopped moving than it died and wouldn't start again for about 5 mins thin thought about fuel pump.

3. parked the car after that, about a week later went out a started it attempt to get it into my back yard and it died again for about 20mins this time. Got it started drove up the road and started spittin and sputterin and died. started back up and got into the yard it died. Clueless now.

4. started it about 3-5 days later and it sounded like i had exhaust leak and white smoke came out the tailpipes for about 3 mins and stopped the car. Ran in till i shut the car off. started the car about an hour after that and no smoke. and now it feels like the car hates me.

Other notes: I've had this car for 9 years, Please leave some feedback. My head is starting to hurt. thanks guys.
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 02:23 AM
  #2  
oamhmad's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 355
Likes: 4
From: Elmwood Park, NJ
Car: 84 Trans AM
Engine: Goodwrench 350 Crate motor
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Car starts when it wants to

Well since this all started out of the blue and you tried starting it and not even the starter would engage, I would suspect the battery, alternator, and ignition system.

Do the easy stuff first, make sure the battery is charged and the connections are tight and not corroded.
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:52 AM
  #3  
Camaro91327's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 408 Stroker
Transmission: 4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Car starts when it wants to

i replaced alternator, battery cables, and got a battery. Also, checked the vats system im thinking about buying a coil for it since its never been changed and im also looking at the distributor module. One more thing i noticed was it sounded like 2-3 cylinders weren't firing on passenger side.
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 02:00 PM
  #4  
wabbitslayer's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Car: 87 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: Car starts when it wants to

go down and have your coil tested. if you think its the problem, I would say try to start it for a minute or 2, then turn it off and look at your spark plugs (all of them) they can tell you alot. check out your distibutor like just check out what the rotor and cap looks like. thats what I would start with.
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 06:47 PM
  #5  
camaronewbie's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 19
From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: Car starts when it wants to

I'd look at a new ignition control module. Make sure you lube it well with the provided dielectric grease.
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Old Jul 12, 2011 | 01:15 AM
  #6  
bunky91z28's Avatar
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Re: Car starts when it wants to

Wondering if you discovered what your problems were? I having the same issues with my 91 z28, only it died only once but didn't sputter it just stopped running and would not start until minutes later. It started but as I put my foot on the brake it died again. However, it did start again later and has been not starting after I drive for a while but will start later. The vehicle does seem to run rougher after it gets hot near 220 or above.

Still looking for answers.
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Old Jul 14, 2011 | 12:58 PM
  #7  
wabbitslayer's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Car: 87 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: Car starts when it wants to

I havent found anymore leads to my or our problem did you check you vaccum lines? anyway Im leaving for bootcamp soon so when I get some cash im going to do a LS1 swap for my car. my 305 is giving me nothing but problems. Im thinking it needs a rebuild due to the fact of a huge ball of blue smoke comes from the tail pipe from start up.
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