Hey guys, I've been having problems with my 1989 2.8 for over 2 weeks now. I haven't had much time to work on it, but here's what's up. 2 weeks ago, my thermometer was showing 130* C roughly 290* F. Which is really hot, and would have cause a boil over which to my knowledge hasn't happened. I decided to double check, and while the motor is running, and the gauge read 130* C I shot it with a temp gun, said 102* C, perfect running temp.
So having a burnt out temp sensor is out of the question. It may need to be cleaned, but it's a big job from just trying to get the wiring harness off of it.
But my problem came today, as I was leaving my girlfriends house. It popped, went up to 1200 RPM down to 400RPM and back up and down 3 or 4 times. I kept it running, but it kept making weird popping, and ticking noises. What could be wrong?
This weekend I'm planning on taking off the intake, and changing the t-stat, as well as checking my rockers and other stuff for problems. Thanks. KP.
So having a burnt out temp sensor is out of the question. It may need to be cleaned, but it's a big job from just trying to get the wiring harness off of it.
But my problem came today, as I was leaving my girlfriends house. It popped, went up to 1200 RPM down to 400RPM and back up and down 3 or 4 times. I kept it running, but it kept making weird popping, and ticking noises. What could be wrong?
This weekend I'm planning on taking off the intake, and changing the t-stat, as well as checking my rockers and other stuff for problems. Thanks. KP.
Supreme Member
First check the error codes. Even if your SES light isn't on now it could have recorded an error that could help diagnosis. Next follow the 'patented' 
trobleshooting proceedure- check spark, check fuel, check air (compression ect.), then look at mechanical problems.
trobleshooting proceedure- check spark, check fuel, check air (compression ect.), then look at mechanical problems. Well the T-stat was pooched, put in a new one, 192*F and it runs line a champ, no more overheating. But I discovered another problem. My spark plug boot is sparking like hell on to the head, most likely throwing off some kind of computer signal. Another day another problem.
Junior Member
spark plug boot that is shorting like that is very bad/dangerous (to your health) lol and could be causing problems in your Emission Control system due to possible unburnt fuel and at the very least, a loss in MPG and power.
P.S. I'm pretty sure your heart doesn't need a jumpstart so DON'T TOUCH THAT BLOCK when it running until you fix the boot. Now what do you think a"boot" that? -bad joke
P.S. I'm pretty sure your heart doesn't need a jumpstart so DON'T TOUCH THAT BLOCK when it running until you fix the boot. Now what do you think a"boot" that? -bad joke
Ahh now it all makes sense. Thanks man, I guess from now on I'm never buying anything Bosch, or NGK. Ac Delco all the way.
Junior Member
oh I though NGK was a pretty good company, or are you just being sarcastic with me because I'm just trying to help. I've never had much luck when it comes to not getting hurt by short circuits lol, I didn't want you getting hurt.
Oh no I'm not being sarcastic. I've just seen the difference in quality in 4 sets of plugs I've had in my car. NGK's were too hot, Bosch weren't hot enough, one of my champion plugs broke in half, and the AC delco's have actually worked out perfect. I'll change that boot tonight, it's a shame the wires cost what they did. But I appreciate your help greatly, thanks, KP.
Junior Member
oh, it's all good, dang you must be very frustrated then, I see, no worries, good luck and watch your fingertips lol
Oh yea, frustrated is an understatement. I've rebuilt the brakes 5 times. First, bearings went, then I had a bad balljoint, then a bad balljoint on the other side, brakes were then not working on one side so I cleaned up the disc on a brake lathe, then it got to the point where I changed the flex line and caliper now it works fine. But this motor is on my last nerve. This is something I can change and would have no problem doing. It's just the cashflow that is worrying.
Junior Member
I hear ya man, do you live in a moist climate? Because I live in the Mojave Desert of Southern California in the U.S. (very dry like maybe 2" of rain a year) and I've never experienced those kinds of problems in great numbers from cars that have been used there all their life, I have yet to find what lies in wait for me in my Camaro, though, since i'ts been in Illinois, U.S. for most of it's life. If you live in a wet climate, I'd try to find some Aluminum based bearing grease/joint grease. I don't know if it exists for those applications, but I've found Aluminum based fork grease for my dirt bike. It's better because, unlike Lithium grease, it repels water, lithium grease absorbs water and begins to curdle like mucus with prolonged exposure to it. We, dirt bike mechanics call it "whale snot" when it comes out of the forks all stringy and chunky like that LOL Try to find it, maybe online.
Ahh, coating the distributor with grease, that's a pretty good idea. I changed that plug wire, and it ran like it just came off the line. Weird car man, weird car..
Junior Member
well, I meant, to pack your bearings with man, you mentioned you've been having bearing and balljoint problems.
Ohhh I used good grease but the original ones has 200k on them and they made awful noises. The balljoints were really bad too, but the new ones are nice and tight. The awesomeness of owning a 200,000km car that is also your daily driver..
This car is my future aneurysm. The other side is sparking now, same area, right on the firewall... My god...
Supreme Member
Your plug wires are worn out. Replace 'em and use dielectric grease. Don't coat your distributor with it, it's a waste of time. Just use it between the terminals and voila! No more arcing.
Damn! 85$ into the stupid Bosch plug wires and they're already gone. I just bought them in June! 
It was those dumb heat shields on the plug boots. I took them off, so if my plug boot melts to the spark plug, I won't post a question on how to get them off 