1994 Pontiac Firebird T/A 350 V/8 runs like crap, HELP!!?

Question

Hi there, just bought this car, it has very low miles and was a good deal, just have to figure out why it runs so crappy. Starts fine and does not die. Sputters, hesitates and coughs when I step on the gas. Let up a little on the gas and it smooths out a little but try to step on it and it dogs down and starts pinging. No guts. I can tell it wants to go, but whatever the problem is, it's holding it back. Have done all the tune up stuff and it shows no codes. It has had electrical problems but as far as I can tell, I have fixed all that and it ran like crap before that. I have a strong feeling it's one of those many sensors, but which one? I don't want to replace them all. I've also been told it could be one of the "contacts" inside the distributor. Anyone have an answer for this one??? Thanks for any help!!

Shell

Oh yeah, I forgot to say it started backfiring today and I can smell gas.

Answer 1

There could be about 10,000 reasons for that - give or take a few hundred. One this that is NOT a problem - contacts in distributor. Simply because it does not have them. There is an electronic module called igniter in the distributor, and it definitely could be a reason. Another thing - and gm had nearly 100% failure rate here - is the injectors. To start, check obvious stuff - pugs, wires, filters (air and gas), PCV valve - preferably replace all. Next, check EGR valve...
If the condition persists, read the code(s) - keep in mind it's an OBD-1 (gm-specific) system, and if none are present - take it to a shop because it may not be a do-it-yourselfer's cup of tea.
Somebody suggested checking firing order - excellent idea.

Answer 2

Your problem could be many things. If it is carbeurated, I would check the float level. On my race car, I would get on the gas out of the corner and my motor would bog down, turns out the float level was too high. Adjust it so fuel just barely spills out of the check hole. Also replace the distributer cap. Many V8's gather up a lot of carbon under the cap and could cause a weak spark. Also I would change the spark plugs and plug wires. The timing may also be off which would cause a car to bog down. If you don't know how to time it take it to a mechanic because it can be very tricky. Like I said, it could be a number of things. Many of the things I listed you can do yourself and are fairly inexpensive. Good Luck

Answer 3

Have you changed plugs and wires? My GTP Grand Prix acted the same way. Computer showed a miss on cylinder 3. Replaced the wire for cylinder 3,took her for a drive and all was fine. Everyone I talked to said it was an injector. I also had an Eclipse and it acted the same way and had no codes. If it turns out to be a wire try a heavier grade wire like an 8.8 or 10mm wire to withstand the load.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

run a test on the fuel pump,and change the gas filter.it could be starving for gas.also clean out the throttle body,so it can breathe.

Answer 6

sounds like the timing might be off check or have it checked or it could be a fuel delivery problem filter or pump have a fuel pressure test done

Answer 7

have you ever considered that the problem lies within the aspiration of the car?? maybe your problem is in a clogged fuel pump, or a clogged injector?

Answer 8

you may need to make sure you have all your wires on the right plugs, if so you might need to have you timing checked.

Answer 9

check timing first. sounds like there is a block in you exhast.