I run a 89 sunbird GT turbo 5 speed on the 1/4 mile dirt track. Thing runs great on the track. I have already won one feature and got 2nd in the other. BUTTTTTT, the thing really idles like crap. We have installed new plugs, rotor, cap, wires, checked for vacumm leaks with ether, cleaned all grounds, new o2 sensor. Check engine light comes on when the key is turned on then goes off. It has not come on even during rich idle. If you shut the car off and try to restart it is so loaded up it runs on 2 cylinders until you rev it up to clear it. Smokes like crazy. All cylinders foul plugs. Compression is good, 155 to 170 on all cylinders. Did we hurt the computor when welding the roll cage in?? We disconnected the battery and kept the ground as close to work as possible. No fuel in the fuel pressure regulator hose going to the manifold(indicating bad diaphram). I keep thinking bad throttle position sensor??? Car is not using oil so I don't think its that its coming past the rings, if so it would smoke under full throttle on the track and it doesn't.Give me some ideas boys, I am frustrated. After getting the trophy the other night in front of the grand stand, I got back in and started the car. Nothing but smoke and ran like crap, how embarrassing.
Just a few ?s what engine do u have,the 2.0 or the 3.1 v6.Second check the tps cable and check it to make sure the resistance is smooth on a multimeter,if u do not know how here is a link
Http://www.wellsmfg.corp.com go to diagnostics volume 2 issue 1.This is a how to check ur tps out .That's my recomm rite now until U give a little more info on ur engine and what knowledge I know rite off,I am a first gen owner so if urs is a 2.0 I will try an help u out.
I found the problem. The little 8$ temp sensor on the thermostat housing was bad. I have the 2.0 turbo engine. Purrs like a kitty now. Thanks anyway!!!!
No problem at all,in fact I have replaced EVERY sensor on my 85 just redoing alot on it and did not issues like the one u had.Glad to hear things are proper now.U should put ur rides specs under ur info so for future refer peps know what u have if u have another issue tho.