95 Grand Am Won't run

[tlbianco]

Hi, I recently acquired this 95 Grand Am SE with 2.3/5speed. It has 270,000 miles and it won't stay running. It will start and immediatly die unless the pedal is to the floor and then it really bucks and only runs at about 600 rpms. The fuel pressure to the rail is 60 psi. Thanks for any help.

[3100]

most likely because it misfires due to the low compression. When engine is running how is the exhaust? is it smoking light blue? what happens when engine is running and you open the oil cap? is engine light on? do you know if engine was ever rebuilt. That is a lot of miles for 2.3

[tlbianco]

Hi, the car doesn't smoke just smells rich. The girl I got it from said the compression was low and said she thought it was a timing chain. Thanks again

[3100]

that is possible also, timing chain stretched or not installed properly. Smells rich because it is misfiring and unburned gas is kicked out through the exhaust valves or into the oil pan.

ask her what were the readings for the compression.

[tlbianco]

Hi again I feel pretty dumb now. I just dropped the exhaust and the car fires up and runs great. That would explain the low compression too. Thanks again for your ideas.

[3100]

or clogged exhaust system. remember if the exhaust gases can not exit freely they will have to go somewhere and will end up returning back into the engine creating misfire and will choke the engine.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF tlbianco !

Good catch before replacing the engine.
Yipe 270K miles , if its the original Cat. Converter that would be clogged by now.