Hey, i recently bought an 88 firebird formula TPI. When i bought it, it ran alright, so i replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, distributor cap, and rotor. After that it ran great for a couple weeks. then it started to die out and idle really rough, so i replaced the vacuum lines but that didnt solve the problem. the problem eventually got worse, and now the car will only start for a couple seconds then it will die out. It will not take any fuel, unless i sit there and pulsate the pedal, but t will run very rough when i do that, and it will backfire out of the intake a lot. after that i replaced the fuel pump, and it does pump fuel, and i am really sure there is enough fuel at the engine.

Im completely lost on this one, but someone told me it could be the lobes worn down on the cam

Please help

 

Also, would the car run for a couple seconds like it does if the fuel injectors arent working?

 

Is the engine service light on? If so, pull the codes and see what they say.

 

Since you have addressed the fuel pump and filters, and replaced your spark plugs, you may want to check the ignition coil.

First, I would pull the spark plugs. How they look (refer to your Haynes, Clymer, Chiltons etc) may give you a clue as to what's happening.

If they are black and sooty, your ignition coil could be the problem. If not, their appearance could give you clues as to what's wrong.

 

How are you sure there is enough fuel? Did you measure the fuel pressure? Still sounds like a FP problem to me.

 

It does to me, too, but he does say that he has changed the pump and filter. Unless there is another filter that he missed or some other type of blockage, I can see why he assumes that. Of course, there is no substitute for measuring pressure at the fuel rail.