hey,
i just bought an 89 GTUs for my project car. its a little rough and needs some work, but i got it for cheap. if i start it it will run fine but just die if i dont keep my foot on the gas. i read that vacuum leaks are common for this problem. i was wondering if there is any certain hose i should look for first. my plans are to get exhaust, new plugs and wires and get the oil changed. is there anythign else i should do being that i just got the car??? any help will be greatly appreciated


thanks,
Adam

 

Change all fluids and change the fuel filter as well. Check to see if the TPS is adjusted correctly. You can find the vac leak by spraying starter fluid around the engine bay and listen for the engine to surge. A vac leak could range from a torn gasket to a pin hole in a rubber line so there isnt really anything in particular you should look for besides an obvious vac line that isnt connected on one end.

 

how should i spray starter fluid if i cant keep the car running for more than one second? should i have have someone rev it up and keep it running while i spray it in? or do you have some other tips for me? sorry im kind of new to all of this


Adam

 

In responce to your first question:

Sounds like it might be a vac you leak.
Though, more like a sensor. Check the TPS and AFM



If the car wont stay running it is most likely something more than a minor vac. leak. Its something that is unplugged, eitehr a hose or sensor. Look around the engine bay once.

ah, yes, also make sure that the vac. hose runnig to the aux. butteryflies of the throttle body isn't pinched between the intake elbow and the throttle body housing.(if they are still hooked up.)


I never really cared for the idea of spraying a highly flamable areosal around my engine bay.

 

I've never had a problem with that before. It's a fast way to help narrow down what area you need to look closer at.

 

all the hoses and sensors are plugged in. i heard that its possible the O2 sensor. would that make it not idle? and if so about how much do those run to replace it.

 

There's a write up for this in the archive.