Sup guys, im new and i have a big problem im trying to figure out.

I have a 1989 S15 P/U auto trans with the 4.3l v6 engine. (189000 miles)
Weird problem, The engine runs terrible, it won't idle, it won't rev up if i give it more than part throttle, it sputters and dies. Flooring it acts as if i shut it off and it backfires thru the intake. (by the way, it has the old throttle body injection system). it will stay running sometimes when its hot, but still won't rev up right like i said earlier. It smells INSANELY rich. Ive replaced the O2 sensor, but it didn't change anything. Theres no check engine light at all. Basically undriveable.

My only other clue is the exhaust is pretty smashed in. (the part that goes between the engine oil pan and trans oil pan)
Maybe a timing problem??
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

That sounds like a sensor problem. Like the TPS sensor or the coolant sensor.

 

Well, i figured it wasn't a sensor cuz i don't have a check engine light. Then again, i just got this car so im not totally sure about how the computer runs it.

 

Hey,
I got an 89 GMC k1500 350. I had almost the same problem. Mine wouls spit and sputter when going threw the 1/4 to 1/2 throttle. Found out the problem being ****ty fuel which clogged my fuel filter. new fuel filter on it and it ran like a million bugs, till more ****ty fuel went threw the filter and clogged it again. the filters are under 10 bucks at napa so it dont hurt your wallet or anything to replace one. hope this helps.

 

When my Mass Air sensor and TPS sensor went out, it never threw a code. It ran rich, real rich. I had to floor it to start it. Only way is to test sensors by hand.