1982 surging problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 780
Likes: 68
From: wantagh ny
1982 surging problem
Hi, I had the car running excellent then all of sudden the next time I went to use it , it was surging. As soon as I start the car the engine surges.Someone thought it could be the timing so I tried to set it disconnecting the tan and black wire.I had to reconnect and not time the car as I couldnt get the car to run smooth in order to set it. Any suggestions?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 28
From: Burkburnett TX
Easy to check for vac leak. Plug the connections at the manifold and throttle bodies, except for the map sensor. Then test and see how it runs. Other considerations are fuel pressure from clogged filter or possible failing pump. Letting ethanol gas sit around in the tank can't be good for these. I recommend reading the 82 sticky post in the tech forum for great ideas about this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Hi, I had the car running excellent then all of sudden the next time I went to use it , it was surging. As soon as I start the car the engine surges.Someone thought it could be the timing so I tried to set it disconnecting the tan and black wire.I had to reconnect and not time the car as I couldnt get the car to run smooth in order to set it. Any suggestions?
what was the difference in time between it running excellent and then surging? as Arkyvette suggested, read the "sticky" in the above section.....(thanks Arkyvette)
you need to check all connections, plug wires, electrical wires, vacuum hoses, etc.
did you do anything to the motor during the time it ran great and the surge? what was the reason for you changing the one IAC, and was it done in that time interval?
you'll get it running excellent again, it may be something very simple...
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 780
Likes: 68
From: wantagh ny
I changed the iac because I broke it screwing it in to tight and It snapped at the base.The car was not running good when I bought it and I had a check engine light .The engine ran rough .I changed the ecm and the car came alive and check engine cleared. It ran fastastic. Then two weeks later the car started acting horrible.No check engine light or running rough but now the car seems as if its surging or searching.Hard starting when hot.I cant even time the car.Thought it maybe timing.
Last edited by 2001convertable; Aug 31, 2013 at 12:24 AM. Reason: adding text
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
I changed the iac because I broke it screwing it in to tight and It snapped at the base.The car was not running good when I bought it and I had a check engine light .The engine ran rough .I changed the ecm and the car came alive and check engine cleared. It ran fastastic. Then two weeks later the car started acting horrible.No check engine light or running rough but now the car seems as if its surging or searching.Hard starting when hot.I cant even time the car.Thought it maybe timing.
1-at what speed does the engine surge or search?
1a-is this only at idle?
1b-can you drive the Vette under these conditions?
1c-does it smooth out at higher speeds?
2-does the engine start when hot (about how many seconds before it starts hot?)
2a-or do you have to wait for a few minutes for a restart?
3-is and have you rechecked to see if the PROM chip is seated correctly after replacing the ECM?
4-have you checked the vacuum lines again???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 780
Likes: 68
From: wantagh ny
I changed the fuel pump with the 1982-84 not the 85 which I was told is better. I had ordering it already. Well after changing the pump the surging stopped and car ran great. That was the surging problem go figure. thanks to all that helped. PS. the pump was so easy to do.