Ive got an 88 2.8 5spd that doesnt want to idle & seems to bog down & backfire thru the intake at low rpms.
the bogging down & backfiring seem to have gotten worse in the last few days. anyone care to point me in a direction to look?
it would be GREATLY appreciated
thanks for taking the time to read this

 

1. Have you checked your Plugs, Wires, Cap/Rotor?

 

I've got a friend with a problem similar to this with his 305 tpi.. and we're having alot of trouble figuring out what's up with it. The possibilities of what's wrong with yours include but are not limited to: plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, ignition module, distributor, ignition timing, timing chain, injectors, fuel pump, ECM, PROM, MAF (his is running better on the 'limp mode' base lookup tables than on MAF readings).. and this is just what's popping to mind.. we've gone through all of these but the ignition module, and injectors on his, and it's still not drivable.. prolly gonna end up being something silly that we overlooked, but I'm warning you this may easily be no small problem. =\

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'86 Camaro SC, black /w silver racing stripes
2.8l MPFI/700r4
In search of new v8 engine & transmission
MSD coil, Accel 8mm wires, SplitFire plugs, Gabriel hijackers

 

It could be a plugged catalytic convertor, as a few other guys on this board have found that wrong with their cars.

I don't know of any hardcore test for that; it seems most people unhook their cat & go for a drive; if the car works great, they replace the cat. Is there an actual test for this, anyone?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Disconnect under hood light (if you have one) Wait until night time. Start engine.
If you see electrical storm, you found your problem, a short in wires.
IF not, keep searching.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Tom P i herd that if ypu bang on the cat and hear arattle in it the cat is bad

 

Thanks for the info dude! Maybe I'll go bang on my cat later just for kicks. Er, that didn't sound good

 

lol bang on your cat? coulda sounded worse..


anyway, your backfiring, any differance between with the engine cold and hot? id definatly suspect plugs and or wires first, especially wires if it does that more when its warm.. i had the same problem on my 4 banger grandam.. was a mother to troubleshoot.. then i finally came to suspect plug wires, damned enough.. that was the problem...

 

I would also check for vacuum leaks, these cars use the hard plastic ones that seem to turn brittle and crack over time.