A 1988 Mess (Page 1/2)
Dukesterpro OCT 07, 11:34 AM
Hi there,

I found what is now my 1988 GT in a corn field in WI, has a clean Florida title and no rust whatsoever. Paid 150$ (Not a typo)

Its a mess.


Context:

Purchased it not running. Previous owner says he drove it home one day shut it off, and it never started again. Started fiddling with it but could never get it to start. Also claimed the starter was fubar, but it appears that the transmission was stuck in Drive because the linkage was disconnected. He had multiple local Fiero "experts" look at it an agree its unfixable, likely compression because they had set the electrical up "perfectly". (Please note not one of them actually did a compression test) nothing they did would make the engine start at all! Fuel pump purrs normally when key is turned on.

What I have done so far:

Attach the shifter cable, put the car in park. It now cranks just fine. I noticed while cranking the engine was lightly popping and spitting out the intake and exhaust. My brain immediately thought spark. Wasn't getting a very healthy spark and the tachometer wasn't moving, so I replaced the ignition control module in the distributor. Cranked and got worse popping. Loosened the dizzy bolt and turned the dizzy counter clockwise as far as it would go. Almost wanted to start. Reset the dizzy to the original position and rotated all the spark wires counter clockwise on the cap. Engine fired right up. Still no tachometer movement.


Problems I'm still having:

Engine runs incredibly rough revs up and then tries to come back to idle and dies. Tapping the gas instantly kills the engine. I am missing the entire airbox assembly, so I am assuming that I probably have some uncapped vacuum ports or potentially missing sensors (My 84 has its map sensor on the air cleaner)

Engine starts to squeal from the top, doesn't sound like its coming from the belt area but sounds like a belt, after running for a 10 seconds or so.

Does anyone have any good reference photos of a Original V6 engine bay I can trace. And does anyone have advice for a point by point list of things I should look for.
David Hambleton OCT 07, 12:28 PM
In 38 years of Fiero ownership, I have found that the factory service manuals are very useful for analyzing issues and providing testing and repair processes.
They're available at https://www.fierostore.com/...1%20%20%20%20%2088CD

Otherwise, you'll probably be advised to start testing and/or replacing plugs, wires, ignition components, sensors etc.

Here's a thread that may help with the plug wire routing:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...130314-2-116535.html

[This message has been edited by David Hambleton (edited 10-07-2022).]

Gall757 OCT 07, 12:46 PM
You did not mention the SES light. It seems like some code should be stored on the computer, which would help a bit with what to look for.
Dukesterpro OCT 07, 02:15 PM
I have not check the SES light yet, will take a look after work tonight.

Will it be able to store a code if it hasnt been able to run for more than a few seconds at a time yet?
Patrick OCT 07, 02:32 PM

Before getting started on this project, how about returning to earlier threads of yours and letting us know the outcome. It's the least you can do after asking for and receiving assistance.

I'll make it real easy for you... just click on the links and supply some closure to these threads.

Clutch Woes!

Intermittent Ticking
Dukesterpro OCT 07, 04:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


Before getting started on this project, how about returning to earlier threads of yours and letting us know the outcome. It's the least you can do after asking for and receiving assistance.

I'll make it real easy for you... just click on the links and supply some closure to these threads.

Clutch Woes!

Intermittent Ticking




Done and Done Patrick,

As Carol Shelby once said "I always have several pots on the fire at all times, and they are all boiling over"

I'm always one to whine and moan about people not providing closure to there issues, but alas here I am doing the same thing. For shame.

Patrick OCT 07, 05:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dukesterpro:

Done and Done Patrick



Thank-you.
Dukesterpro OCT 09, 02:00 AM
Update

Did some fiddling today.

Looks like the screaming noise was the distributor cap not seated right and the rotor tearing into it. The new one should be on Sunday.

Starts and idles for about 10 seconds, revs up then dies, code 33 on the SES.

Replaced map sensor and cracked vacuum line fitting. Still same symptoms and code 33. Unplugging the map sensor does not result in code 34 as it should.

I'm guessing I get to go on a wiring hunt?
Patrick OCT 09, 02:53 AM

Never hurts to check the fuel pressure. Make note of the pressure while running... and how quickly it drops when the engine is turned off.
Dukesterpro OCT 11, 10:41 AM
Haven't got to checking the fuel pressure, yet. But after replacing ALL of the vacuum line fittings, after finding one of them cracked and brittle, the engine fired up, sounded like it was about to stall and caught itself and now idles and revs good!

Every single lifter in ticking and clacking like a coffee can filled with ball bearings but at least we are making progress. Oil in the pan is definitely suspicious, will replace and keep everyone updated.


The squealing noise apparently was the accessory belt, I tried to tighten it with the wheel on but it appears the alternator was replaced and the new one doesn't have any good spot to grip it it tighten the belt. Gonna have to remove the wheel.