[Jumbonium2007]

So recently I just purchased a 1985 Pontiac Sunbird Convertible
1.8L SOHC 4 Cylinder.. Body is mint so is the ragtop..

However engine wise is another story
It has no balls whatsoever when It does run.. its really cold blooded... So far ive replaced the following
Plugs, Wires, Fuel Injector, Ignition Control Module.. and still When i get it started it wont stay running unless I keep my foot on the gas.. And sometimes when trying to start it.. the engine gets too much fuel and floods out.. The only other thing I have thought about replacing is the Engine Control Module.. I mean when this thing runs it runs like crap.. Not safe to take on the road..
So any ideas guys

[keekeeree]

Originally Posted by Jumbonium2007 

So recently I just purchased a 1985 Pontiac Sunbird...it runs like crap

You should have consulted the car buffs before you bought this car.

My suggestion, sell it.

[sek929]

Fuel filter is my best guess.

Also, why did you buy a 1985 Pontiac without test driving it a few times first?

[olePigeon]

Check the timing chain?

[Dakarʒ]

I'm beginning to think you exist to make me feel better about myself.

[Doofy]

Pop a V8 in that sucker.

[bstone]

Running too rich? Check the Mass Airflow Sensor. I had a problem last summer where my MAFS was malfunctioning, causing the engine to die out, run too rich, etc. I replaced it and all was well.

[sek929]

Nah, just get the Supercharged 3800 GM V6, those engines are indestructible.

[sek929]

I'm not sure if the MAFS pre-dates O2 sensors, but when my truck was running rough it was a faulty O2 sensor (one out of three actually)

[bstone]

Originally Posted by sek929 

I'm not sure if the MAFS pre-dates O2 sensors, but when my truck was running rough it was a faulty O2 sensor (one out of three actually)

That's the first thing I replaced when I was running too rich. Both O2 sensors. Didn't help. Then I got wise and bought an ODB1 code reader which told me that the MAFS was on the way out. Best $15 investment I made for that car.

[phantomdragonz]

an 85 will probably have an early version of some fuel injection...

I would replace the fuel filter first, then run some fuel injector cleaner through it...

sounds like the engine is being starved for fuel...

Zach

[EricTheRed]

Originally Posted by Jumbonium2007 

So recently I just purchased a 1985 Pontiac Sunbird Convertible
1.8L SOHC 4 Cylinder.. Body is mint so is the ragtop..

However engine wise is another story
It has no balls whatsoever when It does run.. its really cold blooded... So far ive replaced the following
Plugs, Wires, Fuel Injector, Ignition Control Module.. and still When i get it started it wont stay running unless I keep my foot on the gas.. And sometimes when trying to start it.. the engine gets too much fuel and floods out.. The only other thing I have thought about replacing is the Engine Control Module.. I mean when this thing runs it runs like crap.. Not safe to take on the road..
So any ideas guys

Before I owned a computer dealer and then trading stocks for a living, I went to school for and worked as an auto technician. If no sensors have failed (a bad throttle position sensor can give you the same problem), the ECU and wiring is all good then it is likely that there is carbon built up on the backside of the throttle plates causing your drivability problem. With the engine off, pull off the air intake so you can see the throttle plates, open the throttle plates up and liberally spray good carb cleaner in to clean the carbon off of the intake runners and the backside of the throttle plates. To start the car, hold the throttle wide open and crank it over (the carb cleaner will flood the engine otherwise). Common problem with that vintage of vehicle.

BTW, on your car with the engine at idle, you can tap the MAFS with the end of a screwdriver to diagnose it. If the engine idle speed varies as you repeatedly tap the MAFS (whack it pretty good but not hard enough to break it), the sensor is bad and should be sent home without any dinner.

[bstone]

Would Sea Foam help? Have heard good things with it.

[EricTheRed]

Originally Posted by bstone 

Would Sea Foam help? Have heard good things with it.

Yup.

[olePigeon]

Did you try changing the blinker fluid? (advice given to me, once)

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

Did you try changing the blinker fluid? (advice given to me, once)

Good advice is hard to forget.

[Jumbonium2007]

So I had the ECM Tested today.. turns out its perfect.. Today i tried to start it and It would almost fire.. but not completely.. And the reason I got it was I traded an older Pentium II 300 laptop for it.. the body and top is mint on this car

[Gankdawg]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

Did you try changing the blinker fluid? (advice given to me, once)

It might be the muffler bearings though.

[nonhuman]

Originally Posted by Jumbonium2007 

And the reason I got it was I traded an older Pentium II 300 laptop for it.. the body and top is mint on this car

Damn!

I want a deal like that.

[OldManMac]

Check the kanutin' valve.

[highstakes]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

Did you try changing the blinker fluid? (advice given to me, once)

[IceEnclosure]

buffs? I bet you look pretty buff in that '85 Sunbird!

Originally Posted by bstone 

Then I got wise and bought an ODB1 code reader which told me...

BEEP BEEP BEEP.. Shimmy shimmy ya shimmy yam shimmy ya


so, check the shimmy.

]On Board Diagnostics Code Database

[Eriamjh]

I didn't know that Pontiac sold a 1.8L motor in 1985. I would expect the 2.2 Iron Duke.

Car sounds like a dog.