Problems with 86 Camaro

[Mgreene]

I have a 1986 v6 2.8 liter multi-port fuel injected camaro, for the last few months its been giving me some problems. About 3 months ago I had the timing replaced, I was getting constant backfires, after getting it replaced, I was still getting backfires, mainly in first gear when it was first starting to go off the line, I did a full tune-up on it but still was getting backfires.

Then about a month ago I started losing power, and when I accelerated I could hear air being forced out of the exhaust on the passenger side, it was the cat. converter. So I had that replaced and all was fine, minus the backfires, for about 2 weeks.

Now I can feel the loss of power again, and the backfiring has gotten worse, I changed the distrib cap cause when I got my cat replaced they told me the cap had a hairline crack on the inside, but even with that replaced I still have the backfiring, which has gotten worse. Currently the car hesitates until about 10mph in first gear like its gunna stall out, but once I get past that point it runs "normal", for my car atleast.

There is a check engine light on, I don't have a code reader, but I was told it was the airflow meter.

Anyways, if you have any more questions, I can try to ask, hopefully someone can help me before I get spontaneous and P-oed and drop a 350 in it :p

Thanks guys.

[hockeyman]

Re: Problems with 86 Camaro

Definately go for the 350!!

If you still want to keep the 2.8 ( pew ), get a compression check, have your fuel injectors checked or replaced, and the same with the Oxygen Sensor(s). By the sound of it, you're getting a crapload of fuel dumped into the cylinders when you hit the pedal. Maybe too much where it's flooding the engine. This could also be the reason your converter got clogged.
My first guess would have been the timing and distributor cap, but you already had all of that overhauled.

[hockeyman]

Re: Problems with 86 Camaro

Thinking about it more, check to see if any spark plug wires are coming close to the exhaust manifold (or something similar) causing it to burn and arc.
If you have an Autozone near you, take your car there. They will anylize the "Check Engine" light for free.

[Rob Bell]

Re: Problems with 86 Camaro

Since it's an 86 and ODB I you can jump the pins in the diagnostic port. Check a Haynes or Chiltons manual to determine which pins to jump. You can use a paper clip. Then the SES light will flash out the code for you.

[Camaro Dom]

Re: Problems with 86 Camaro

do you have egr? the pintles might be sticking or there might be carbon build up on it thats making it do that. I'm with hockeyman tho, ditch that 2.8L as soon as you can. check also for vacuum leaks. i know that vacuum system leaks cause odd stuff to happen like that.