So I need a little advise on where to go with diagnosing this problem. I have an 89 2.8 5 spd, it will fire right up run fine but after about 2 seconds it dies. This just started today, yesturday it ran perfect. I did add about 100ml of fuel injector cleaner before this started to a full tank of gas. I should add if I give it any throttle at all it does right away. Here is what I have checked:

Fuel pressure tests good stays up even when car dies (sorry don't remember the exact pressure but I wanna say like 45-50)

Ignition module ( in distributor) swapped with a known good one from another car still dies

Coil swapped with known good one from another car still dies

Battery good, 12.6 volts just over 14 when running

Catalytic converter has been removed by P.O. So can't be clogged

Unplugged MAF sensor still dies

That's about all I have time to look at today, kinda unsure of where to go from here. My CEL doesn't work so I'm not sure what if any codes I have and I'm not sure how to check them. So if anyone has some advice for what to chase I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

I think 89s had VATS, look into that. My 92 had the same problem it was an overnight thing as well. (Vehicle Anti Theft System)

 

I was thinking about that but I don't have a key with a chip in it and it's been running that way since I got it ( a few months ). That being said the P.O. May have bypassed it but I'm not 100% sure how I would tell.

The other thing I was thinking was possible the pick-up? Or would that just cause a straight no start?

It's a frustrating problem because for the 2 seconds it does run it runs perfectly so at that point I know all the injectors, plugs, and everything are good so I'm not sure wheee to go from here?

 

Ohm your injectors to see if any are bad. Check your fuel pressure regulator to see if it's leaking.

 

+2 check your injectors and pressure

 

I thought I was always told that VATS won't kill a running engine , just to prevent it from starting in the first place ?

 

bad / faulty ign switch, only gets power to run in most forward start position. got a sloppy wheel, lose tilt bolts.

 

Your check engine light doesn't light? Does the computer have power?

EGR valve stuck open? (should be able to feel the diaphragm underneath the valve's edge, it's cut open there, diaphragm should be at the bottom) Diaphragm should be able to move up and down (press it with your fingers) without binding.

Big vacuum leak, how's the vac line going from the back of the intake plenum to the brake booster?

Intermittent +12 to spark coil? (The big pink/black stripe wire on the grey connector should have +12 with ignition on- which would also test Gumby's idea)

Bad fuel gauge = Out of fuel?

 

Well went to work a little early to see if I could figure it out and went to start it and it fired right up and stayed running. Took off the throttle body and there was probably 1/8th inch of carbon and gunk on the back side. Cleaned it up and it's been fine all day.

 

I have a very similar problem with my 1983 Camaro with the 2.8 v 6, this car has not been running for over twenty years, I cleaned out the fuel tank, replaced the fuel pump and it will start up run for a few seconds then die, but I can pump the gas and it will run as long as I pump the gas.
Need help?

 

To Liketosail:
Your problem sounds to me like a gummed up carb. I'm no camaro expert so I'm not sure if they were car bed in that year but if they were I'd say a good cleaning and rebuild of the carb should sort ya out.