Pontiac Repair: Is this a fuel filter problem?, pontiac trans am, throttle plate

Question
Hi Todd! I am the owner of a 1994 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7. It has been running a little hot and almost stalling out. It won't start the first time and then when it does it idles super low and will even backfire. Do you think this is a fuel filter problem? If so where is the fuel filter?
Thanks!! Mindy

Answer
Hi Mindy:

I think your 2 issues here are related. The V8 in that car has what is called an opti spark ignition system. The distributor for the engine is on the front of the engine block. Right behind the water pump. If the water pump starts to leak it leaks on and into the the distributor and causes all kinds of issue like you discribed. The backfire is a common issue when this happens. If it's running hot it may be low on coolant??? or possably you have a cooling fan issue. To answer your question yes a plugged fule filter can cause like issues as well. It's located under the car on the left side back by the gas tank. You could also have an issue where the throttle plate and throttle bore is disty on this car cuasing a low idle and hard start. Good luck :)