1987 Pontiac Firebird Fuel system

Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
I blew a fuel hose that went into the engine, and I had a custum hose made by a proffesional shop. After replacing it, the car ran fine until I tried to start it agian. It will start as long as I hold the gas pedal down, but as soon as I let off the gas it dies. Please help.
Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 3:51 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
When you say hold the gas pedal down. Do you mean slight pressure to keep it idling? Does it run smooth when you have it idling at normal rpm?
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
In order to start the vehicle I must push the accelerator. Then if I keep the gas accelerator down and keep rpm at 1000, it seems fine. Then if I let go of the accelerator it drops to 500 rpm and idles rough but does not die. Then if I hit the accelerator it drops it dies. (Another note: the car has been in storage all winter, I put new gas in it today. But I put it in storage knowing that there was a problem) Thanks for the help!
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Ok im still a little confused. When you say you hit the accelerator and it dies, do you mean the car will rev up real quick and then when it returns to idle it stalls.
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I can rev it up, but as it returns to idle, it sputters and dies when it tries to return to normal idle. I can start it, and it will idle at 500 rpm's with no problem, but as soon as I hit the accelerator it slowly drops the idle, and will die if I dont rev it up agian. So I does not die instantly, but it will if I dont push the accelerator. Please reply with any more information you might need to help me. Thanks!
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I'm not sure if that answered your question, but thats right, if I rev it up real quick, it returns to idle and stalls.
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
It sounds like all you need to do is install a new idle air control valve. Its very common to fail. When you remove the old one make sure you use carb cleaner and clean all the carbon from inside the throttle bore. Hope this helps
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Can I replace the idle air control valve myself or do you think i'll need to bring it to a shop. I know simple mechanics, like fixing brakes, oil change ect.
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Yes you can, its very simple. Buy the new one then look at the throttle body. When you look at it you will say, "thats easy".
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Sunday, March 16th, 2008 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I installed a new idle control valve, and it started after many attempts, but sure enough stalled after I tried driving around the block. The car shoots out huge amounts of exaust, (big white cloud) Do know of any other things that could cause this? Thankyou very much!
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Sunday, March 16th, 2008 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Blowing white smoke when engine is running is a indication of a blown head gasket. Are you losing coolant and is it overheating?
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Sunday, March 16th, 2008 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
TRANSAMKID
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I don't know if it is overheating because it wont stay running long enough to see. I checked the oil to see if there was coolant mixed in, but it looked good. Another thing, I put 15$ of gas in it, and I went to a quarter tank, then fell to back to empty.
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Sunday, March 16th, 2008 AT 5:28 PM

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