My Camaro is showing Code 33. We have replaced the MAF sensor and have adjusted the timing on the distributor. The car runs, but has trouble starting most of the time. To get it to crank and keep it from dying, I have to immediately put my foot on the accelerator and rev it for a full minute or so. And usually during the revving, black exhaust is coming out the tailpipes. Also, while I'm revving it, the car sounds similar to a lawn mower (put-putting sound). When I finally get it on the road and its still sounding like that, the car dies if I don't stay on the gas pedal. When its sounding like normal it usually doesn't die, but it doesn't have a steady idle and when im on the road, the car jerks when you let on and off the gas. If the RPMs are low and the car is coasting while your foot is off of the accelerator, the car will have a constant jerking that feels like I'm tapping the brake over and over (unless I push in the clutch) and each time it does that jerking, I can hear a click/clunk sound towards the rear of the car. Could this be the fuel pump? If anyone knows what my problem may be, please help!! Thanks in advance for any input.

(My Camaro is a '89 IROC with a 305 TPI, Manual Trans.)

 

Since you've got a lot of problems, you really need to check the very basics first. There's nothing worse than swapping a lot of parts, tearing your hair out, spending $$$, then finally realizing you've got some plug wires switched.

Check stuff like:
- Idle speed & TPS sensor
- Vacuum leaks?
- Plug gaps
- Plug wire order
- Fuel pressure
- Bring #1 cylinder to TDC and make sure that timing ring hasn't slipped on the balancer (personal experience here)

The one thing we know for sure is that something is causing a Code 33, which you can get to the bottom of with a diagnostic chart. That may clear some other problems.

 

Well, it turned out that it was the MAF relay. The relay was cracked at the top, which allowed water to get into the relay plug, causing it to disrupt the performance of it. I could probably try and let it dry out and continue to use it, but I'm just going to go ahead and replace the part (which only costs me like $7 ) Thanks for your input!

 

No problem! Let me know how she runs now!