Questions and Answers

Chevy Camaro Got No Get Up And Go Q. Mr. Ciulla, Well let me start off by saying your web site is so helpful and amusing. I went through about 50 pages to find help about my problem and found answers to so many other of my questions, you are a mechanical god... we're not worthy. Anyway my problem is I have a 1986 Chevy Camaro Berlinetta 305 4bbl carburetor.

I have replaced the starter, alternator, fuel pump, EGR valve, EGR solenoid, vacuum hoses, smog pump, and the EGR check valve. I've gone too far with the replacement of parts, but my problem is the car sat for three years, I changed the oil and the battery and it started and ran for six months. Then it started, every part on the car decided to stop working. Anyway back to the problem.

When starting the car in the winter it starts right up. In the heat of the summer it takes about 7 cranks of the starter to get it running or I have to spray starter fluid in to get it started. While on the road I have to put the gas pedal to the floor to get it going but once it is moving it will run correctly until I have to pass someone on the road.

Then it's like, well let me try to describe. When running fine you can hear the engine mmmmmmm. But now it sounds like to much air is being forced into the carburetor. When I push the gas to the floor while in the driveway it bogs then gets it momentum, like if I were to take off from a stop sign to squeal the tires. No get up and go till it's going then it has all the umph it need's. Like there is a big hole in the front of the engine.

I floor it and it's like drinking the fuel, I can see the fuel gauge drop, but no get up and go. There are no Check Engine Lights on so I think it might be a fuel mixture problem. Any thoughts? What do I replace next? I have a Rochester carburetor.

I need help I don't think it's the carburetor but if you have any suggestions. I will take them into consideration. Your urgent help is needed.

Thanks,
Rob

A. Kind of sounds like you are describing a clogged catalytic convertor. It would run like it's constipated. Nowhere for the exhaust to go. The carburetor is also very suspect here. There may be parts inside that are worn/damaged from gas and time, particularly the accelerator pump.

AMUSING?!?!?!?