87 Performance Problem, Lags when pushed
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
87 Performance Problem, Lags when pushed
First time poster! Hope someone can help. I recently had all the injectors cleaned and tested and reinstalled in my 1987 (they were a "mess" according to the shop). I had the timing done pre injector cleaning. The performance before this was terrible, no acceleration. I now get a code 36 which is not supposed to affect performance. The car also now pops in the throttle body when you rev it (lean perhaps?). I am now installing a new fuel filter. When you go to accelerate from 60mph up it feels like it is chugging, revs go up to 3200 car goes nowwhere fast! Any ideas out there about what may be wrong? My mechanic and I are slowly working our way through each thing, I am hoping to give us a leg up with this post. Thanks very much to all.
Euroed 1987 Stock Convertible
Euroed 1987 Stock Convertible
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Code 36 is a MAF Burnoff circuit...and it will affect performance!!!!!!
If you're lucky it's a relay...but if you decide this is the problem, replace BOTH the burnoff relay and the power relay NOT just one! they're located behind the battery-side by side.
I'm also wondering about cats? if your mechanic has the FSMs (Factory service manuals) he should be able to check the cats.
If you're lucky it's a relay...but if you decide this is the problem, replace BOTH the burnoff relay and the power relay NOT just one! they're located behind the battery-side by side.
I'm also wondering about cats? if your mechanic has the FSMs (Factory service manuals) he should be able to check the cats.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks very much for the quick reply! The site I went to on the net said "performanc eis not affected". This is why it is so great to have guys like you help out.
Newbie question....I have a dog, what is a cat?
Thanks again Ed
Newbie question....I have a dog, what is a cat?
Thanks again Ed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
I would fix the code 36 first. A FSM will have a troubleshooting diagram to help find the problem. The other suggestion about the cat is also a good one. A clogged catalytic converter can rob performance my blacking the exhaust flow. You can get under the car and hit it with a rubber hammer or block of wood and listen for rattling. When the engine is warm visually check it and see if it is orange/glowing, best done at night or low light levels.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Originally Posted by rick lambert
Code 36 is a MAF Burnoff circuit...and it will affect performance!!!!!!
If you're lucky it's a relay...but if you decide this is the problem, replace BOTH the burnoff relay and the power relay NOT just one! they're located behind the battery-side by side.
I'm also wondering about cats? if your mechanic has the FSMs (Factory service manuals) he should be able to check the cats.
If you're lucky it's a relay...but if you decide this is the problem, replace BOTH the burnoff relay and the power relay NOT just one! they're located behind the battery-side by side.
I'm also wondering about cats? if your mechanic has the FSMs (Factory service manuals) he should be able to check the cats.
When I got that code I just replaced the relays located on the fire wall behind the battery. The only symtom I had was the check engine light came on. I'd still deal with that first regardless. Then move on to other things if it doesn't correct the problem. Exhaust restriction is as good a place to start as anything. That's certainly something that could cause your problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,292
Likes: 239
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks to all that responded. I spoke to the mechanic last night and he also thought that the Cats could be the problem, but I will start with the burnoff relay today. Picked up one at GM for $21.00 CDN Made in China, I suppose that is normal now. Once again you have all been very helpful. My 12th year with this car and it took me this long to find a great site! BTW if you have problems with the seat inflator in this model, the seal is gone, it is a fix I did for about $4.00 3 years ago, instead of the 100's the dealer wanted!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Just thought of another thing that causes those symptoms, flat cam lobes. I haven't seen on this board where it's been an issue with vettes, but I replaced several cams in GM products around the late 70's early 80's model years where one or more lobes wore down. Must have been a bad batch back then, but the symptoms were a lot like yours. Hope that's not it, just a thought.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: louisvlle ky
I have and 87 with the code 36, replaced the cirtuit and relay got rid of the code. But it still lacked performance so I put on straight duals(no emissions in ky) and the performance is back, not to metion the awsome sound!!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks again for all the info! I replaced the MAF burn off relay (20 minutes), the code went and performance is at about 90%! Still going to check the Cats and re time the engine, but so far so good! Thought I would give it a bit of drive time with the new injectors and relay just to let all things adjust.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 46
From: Seattle,wa
clogged converters
when i had my 87...one hurdle i crossed was that....hit your converter with something,hammers always my fav. if you hear some comb rattlin and you can smell it,well there ya go!!!!a highflow converter will give you some noticeable gains!!!hope thats helpfull(COVERTER IS WHERE THE RESENATOR IS ON THE LTS PAST THE EXT.MAN . UNDER YOUR SEAT)I miss the ole girl!!!
