Tibian

So I’ve got a big problem. I have an 85 firebird base, v6 2.8 manual. It’s had a small issue with idle since I got it around new years, that some of you probably remember me asking about. I’ve done spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, IAC valve, TPS, thorough intake/TB clean, MAF sensor, and it still idles roughly and I’m thinking also a bit rich. It bogs after about fifty percent throttle, so I have to ease the speed up. Just yesterday started the big problem though. It was idling roughly as usual, then started to idle lower and lower and then died. I tried starting it back, but all I got was cranking with no hint of fuel. After several minutes it started like normal, but today I was in the drive thru and it just died from normal idle, like I had turned it off with the key. Google showed people saying that it’s a fuel issue, likely fuel pump, and I’m sure that’s the case. But I don’t know if it’s pump, pressure regulator, or filter, and if the dying is caused by the same thing that causes the acceleration bog. I need help, because I have some driving to do for VA exams

Vader

A fuel pressure test would be a good idea.

Tibian

I just found a dripping fuel line towards the back on the driver side in front of the back wheel, would that affect anything?

Vader

At the very least, it's a fire hazard. It may also be affecting operating fuel pressure.

Tibian

Update: I did a pressure test. Consistent idle pressure is around 36 psi, but as soon as it’s keyed off it’s down to 10 in about 30 seconds. Any advice for where my loss might be? Also, the ‘leak’ in the fuel line seems too minute to cause that much difference in the loss, as it’s more a seep than a leak. It’s seeping through a threaded fitting

Vader

If it holds pressure for a few seconds, it's might be O.K.

If you block the fuel return line and cycle the pump, does the pressure maintain longer? If not, it could be the check valve in the fuel pump leaking back, and that would not be a problem. It could also be injectors leaking, which would be a problem.