I've posted once or twice before but read other posts often and have gotten some excellent information and appreciate everyone's input. My oldest son (18 YOA) talked me into buying an 89 Firebird 2.8 V6 MPFI for his first car. The car ran very rough when we first purchased it, I think it sat for a while unused. Speedometer only reads 65K. I've replaced the heater core, and put new plugs, wires, cap, rotor and the #2 fuel injector harness, that cylinder wasn't firing cause the orig harness was burnt up. The cars runs alot better but still idles a little rough when its put in gear, in park or nuetral it runs better. I'm getting a 12, 23 and 32 code. I have a new oxygen sensor to put in but I'm having a hard time getting the old one out, any suggestions? Also the exhaust needs to be replaced from the cat back which I just ordered and the cooling fans run all the time, the sensor at the back of the passenger side of the engine block is broken and needs to be replaced. The `vacuum hoses arent in great shape but I dont I have any that are leaking. I'm looking for any suggestions to get her running smooth. I think its running rich since my son keeps telling me he smells fuel and he states it bad on MPG, I think some of that is the way he drives.

 

im sure you looked already but you didnt say hows the airbox (i know mine wasnt happy when a mouse family moved in over the winter )

 

As far as pulling the old O2, it is easier when it is hot (just don't burn yourself). I have heard of people using torches to heat the exhaust, but I've never had to. Someone else would have to help with that. The auto part stores loan a socket just for O2 sensors, that helps.

 

I can't remember if I changed or checked the air box, I'll take a look. Thx.

 

I cant remember if i changed or checked the air filter, I'll take a look thx.

 

yeah I thought heating it up would work, I'll try driving it for a bit before I use a torch, thx.

 

Have you done a full tune up? I remember mines idled bad, but after changing the coolant, trans flush/filter change, and new fuel filter it ran much better. It idles really good now. Oil level might be a lil low might be causing that aswell.

 

I didn't change out the fuel filter, car also dosn't seem to have a fast idle when first started, any ideas?

 

23 is either a bad mat sensor or tps and 32 is EGR stuck open/closed (look it over for vac leaks first). Fix those and it'll run like a peach.

 

It might need a coolant flush, thats all my friend's car needed, apparently the original owner put the wrong coolant in it and engine wasnt performing well.