Ok, I just spent all day today trying to fix my exhaust leak . The 2 bolts on the number 5 exhaust port had broken off so I was able to get 1 of them out but the other broke off inside the head. So I put the manifold back on with a gasket and just 1 bolt on #5 but now my leak is WORSE!! And I can't figure out where the hell it's coming from.

So here's my question. I need to determine if it's coming from the manifold/EGR or if it's the AIR Injection and I want to plug the AIR fitting AT THE MANIFOLD. WHERE CAN I FIND A PLUG TO FIT THAT SIZE HOLE??? (23mm head) You guys with no AIR, does your passenger side manifold have a plug to block off that hole?? I need to fix this ASAP.

Karl, 10 psi is most likely a bad fuel pump. A severely clogged fuel filter would also cause that problem but it would make the fuel pump work so hard that the pump will die prematurely. If you want to check your filter, just blow on it. You should be able to blow right through it with ease....no restrictions.

The car isn't running on 10 psi is it?? If you turn the key on, does the pressure only go to 10 psi or does it go to 45 and then bleed off quickly?

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-Dan
-1990 3.1L RS
-Mods? no
-Slow? yes
-*Slowly* collecting parts for T5 swap

 

Dan,
It goes to 10 upon start (if I get it to start)-holds steady-then drops offs at no ignition. I believe pump's dead or ?
What else was happening was hard idle/starting in the morning then it would clear up real quick after I drove it for a few seconds. Performance was acceptable on freeway, too.
I also had a code 34, replaced MAS unit-did that-fuel delivery problem got worse.

Get a hold of me, if you do not want to go to the yards. I may have an option.

I believe your exhaust is leaking due to improper sealing of exhaust surface to head surface. That ALSO MAY be one of a couple places leaking. You are saying you're suspicious of others. Easiest way to test is to spray/mist water on the manifold "leaks" when engine running. You'll see the results and a "trail" should be obvious, white powdery surface,too. Go for a drive for a bit. When my passenger or driver side manifold was cracked, it was a pretty obvious crack/trail. No, JB Weld does not hold.

Please be patient if I do not respond "right" away.
One year olds take lots of time, I've discovered!

PS-My Firebird is not in my new driveway. It's over at my "For Sale Santa Monica Beach condo" parking lot. I tested fuel pressure (hooked up, looked at gauge when "idling"-looked thru opening at hood, while inside, goosing gas pedal), closed hood, kept packing/moving.

There it sits, awaiting to be towed/rescued.

Thanks Dan and Billy !!!

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