'87 Fiero wont start and dont know why..HELP!

[jennie21]

So I have an 87 Fiero that was running fine last week and just decided to stop running. I dont think its the fuel pump because it tries to start. It will run for a couple seconds when I pump the gas but the revs wont stay up and it just dies again.

Please! I need to get this car running..Help!

[jennie21]

ok...update:

i can actually sort of get it to stay running, but as soon as i touch the gas it dies. we cant figure this one out.

[MrPbody]

You'll need to have the fuel and ignition systems checked with the proper diagnostic equipment. You cannot "assume" the fuel pump OR fuel filter are in good order unless you KNOW what the fuel pressure is.

Is this a 4 or 6 cylinder?

Jim

[jennie21]

We were going to check the fuel filter and I talked to a mechanic, he said to check the egr valve and the fuel pressure relay. They said I may have a vaccum leak.

[MrPbody]

Unless the mechanic actually looked at and listened to the car, he may or may not be right. Please advise, 4 or 6? Diagnostic approaches are different for each. It sounds more to me like a fuel supply issue. The 4s use a TBI (throttle body injection) system and the 6s use a TPI (tuned port injection) system.

Jim

[jennie21]

Its a 4 cylinder. Ya Im not sure what they did. I just go by what they relay to my dad and what he tells me.

[MrPbody]

First places to look are the fuel pump and fuel filter, IMO. The filter is easier... The pump is inside the fuel tank. Have them check fuel pressure before and after the filter. Compare it to specs found in the factory service manual.

Jim

[jennie21]

ok..well the car starts now. but i cant get it to go anywhere. it sits and hunts for a place to idle at. we changed the air and fuel filters. the fuel filter helped...if i keep the revs high it wont die, but if the get to low when i touch the gas it quits. oh, and we cleaned the carb.

[MrPbody]

I'm afraid it has no "carb". It DOES have a "throttle body" (that's the "injector"). Has fuel pressure been measured? If not, you're "shooting in the dark". While it may be "distasteful", modern cars REQUIRE correct diagnostics be performed. This avoids "throwing parts" at a problem. You will be money ahead to pay a tech to diagnose it with the proper equipment. Even though it's old enough "to drink", it still falls in the "modern" category.

A spray-down with ether at known vacuum points COULD help, too, as it may have a vacuum leak. No "assumptions", though. TEST IT!

Jim

[jennie21]

I would take it to a shop but I dont have any tows left or the money right now. My mechanic at my dads said that it could be a vaccum problem with the egr valve or the fuel pressure relay.