i've explained my predicament a few times on here but i'll do it again in better detail. here goes

btw i've replaced my distributor properly, plugs, wires, pcv valve and set my timing and still no luck.


so it's january of this year and i'm now a happy firebird owner. i bought the car and it was great, no problems with 93,000 on the clock. my first symptom was hard hot starting. my alternator went and when i fixed it, so did the problem. the next thing to go wrong was well, shitty gas mileage. 2-7 miles per gallon. it would belch out smoke bad under all circumstances except idle. it also ran significantly slower with even worse gas mileage. i knew i had to fix it but i just wanted to make it to prom and my last few days of school with the car.

the car finally died, it felt like the car was missing on all but 2 cylinders and it was terrible. i replaced my spark plugs, distributor, wires, ignition coil, set my timing, an oil change, cleaned my pcv valve.. i STILL have the same problem. the problem itself is explained below


the car wont start without starting fluid. when the car does start, it runs poorly and rough. after about 15 minutes of running, the car goes into limp-mode and it idles at like 400 rpm, feels like only two cylinders are firing and if i press the gas the car dies.


i've taken the car to all sorts of places and either get no answer or they tell me to replace this and that and i'm tired of it... the car has an immaculate interior and exterior, and all this under-the-tarp wear and tear is taking its toll. i want the car to be reliable, let alone run properly


can ANYONE else help? i really need help, if i can't get this done i'll have to sell the car and take a cut in money and i'm a highschool graduate. that wouldn't be good.....

 

What code does it throw

How long did the car sit before you bought it

 

the car throws NO codes- and when it did it threw two indicating the o2 bad (replaced that short after) and 24 or 43? "low spark at bla bla bla" ignition module i believe. after i replaced it, it still ran the same. i've tried to check my codes, brought it to 3 different places and no answers or leads.


i'm wondering if it's something fuel related. spark system seem to be okay... could it be my injectors or fuel pump? i just need this done because i'm getting fed up and don't have time or money unfortunately

 

I would replace the fuel filter. If that dont work you might have to replace the fuel pump. It can also be your fuel pressure regulator. It might be dumping to much fuel in the cylinders.

 

If it blows black smoke then its getting fuel.. ALOT of fuel

Pull the plugs and see what they look like
If they are wet then the cyl is not firing
If you find a plug thats not firing, remove the wire and stick a screwdriver in it hold it near the block and turn the engine over. Look for an arc - be careful, that arc hurts like hell if it hits you
No arc means the dist is not firing

43 is the knock sensor, it alone will make the car run like crap
Its located on the block just above the starter
Key to the run position, the signal wire should have a 5V constant and the sensor should have around a 4,500ohm resistance

 

Does the car run? If so, disconnect one injector at a time while the car is running. You should here a difference every time you dissconnect an injector. Take an ohm reading on each injector, and see if they are all the same. Also check fuel pressure.