1991 Pontiac Firebird '91 Firebird 3.1L won't stay running

Tiny
JOETRO
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My '91 started giving me fits one day. I left work to go to the bank and it was cutting out on me when I got on it through an intersection (playing with a buddy in his Audi). Got to the bank, shut it off, did my errand, started the car drove out of the parking lot and the car died on me. I coasted into another parking lot, turned the key and it started. Got back to work and parked it and it wouldn't start after that. It tries, but just won't go, like a fuel delivery issue. Turn the key, starts and dies immediately. 3.1L V6.

A few weeks later (this last weekend), I tried starting it to show my neighbor what it was doing. It did the same thing, start right up, run for a second, or so, and die. After a few tries, she started and ran. I let her run for a bit to see if anything changed, then shut it off and tried again. It started right up. Monday morning, I started it, drove it around the block and pulled back in the driveway and left it running. It died after a little while. I started it it again and it ran, but I didn't want to take the chance of it stranding me on the way to work, so I left it home.


I haven't done any testing yet aside from what I just outlined. I figured I'd throw this out and see what you all thought. Any ideas?
Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 AT 1:04 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEVIN12881
  • MEMBER
  • 336 POSTS
Does it run strong while it is running? Have you kept up with all routine maintenance? The list off things to check when engine starts and stalls immediatly is short, but not the problem since you get at least 30 secounds of run time. Right? Engine stalls: 1. Idle speed incorrect (probly not this) 2. Fuel filter clogged and/or water and impurities in fuel system 3. Damaged or wet ignition system or wires 4. Emissions system components fualty 5. Faulty or incorrect gapped spark plugs 6. Vacuum leak at the intake manifold 7. Clogged air filter 8. Bad fuel
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Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
JOETRO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much for the reply.

Yes, it runs strong while it runs. I was leaning toward a possible clogged or partially blocked filter, but I wanted to see if anyone has run into these symptoms. Someone else mentioned the MAP sensor, but I wasn't sure if that would give the inconsistency I'm experiencing.

Thanks again for the help!
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Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 AT 10:36 PM

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