Advice for a newbie
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
Advice for a newbie
Looking for advice... I picked up a 1973 C3 that was my grandmothers a few weeks ago. It had been sitting in her carport for the last 16 years. She used to take me driving in it as a young child and I'm working to bring it back to running and driving condition. I don't know a lot about cars so the learning curve is steep!
What I've done so far:
*replaced fuel pickup, fuel lines, and filter
*changed spark plugs, coil, and sanded points
*rebuilt all calipers with new o-rings and seals, replaced brake hoses/lines as needed, bled brake system
I finally got to drive the car around the block yesterday! When I got home, I just left it idleing in the driveway for a while to charge the battery (son left the key on overnight). Next thing I know, it just turns off and wouldn't crank back up. It was like it wasn't getting fuel or it had a very weak spark? I turned it over this morning and it fired right back up.
What gives?
What I've done so far:
*replaced fuel pickup, fuel lines, and filter
*changed spark plugs, coil, and sanded points
*rebuilt all calipers with new o-rings and seals, replaced brake hoses/lines as needed, bled brake system
I finally got to drive the car around the block yesterday! When I got home, I just left it idleing in the driveway for a while to charge the battery (son left the key on overnight). Next thing I know, it just turns off and wouldn't crank back up. It was like it wasn't getting fuel or it had a very weak spark? I turned it over this morning and it fired right back up.
What gives?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,327
Likes: 721
From: Marietta GA
If you are going to do any repairs look on eBay for a 73 Chevrolet Service Manual, AIM (assembly installation manual), and all the C3 catalogs from every one of the Corvette Parts Suppliers (they have terrific illustrations plus any replacement parts/prices you may need). It really neat that you have taken over your grandmother’s car, she must be something to have owned a Corvette! Congratulations you have come to the right place.
Check the spark, if good look/smell for gas at the carburetor.
Check the spark, if good look/smell for gas at the carburetor.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
Thanks, I have some manuals saved in my Amazon cart right now.
I've ordered a carb rebuild kit and other parts to completely clean and rebuild the quadrajet, thinking that it is likely gummed up from sitting so long.
I just found it weird that it was running so well and then all of the sudden, it just wouldn't run for nothing. If the fuel pump return line is clogged, could that be an issue? It's the only line I didn't make sure to clear when working through the fuel delivery.
I've ordered a carb rebuild kit and other parts to completely clean and rebuild the quadrajet, thinking that it is likely gummed up from sitting so long.
I just found it weird that it was running so well and then all of the sudden, it just wouldn't run for nothing. If the fuel pump return line is clogged, could that be an issue? It's the only line I didn't make sure to clear when working through the fuel delivery.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 134
From: Blanco County, TX
What was the temperature on the gauge when idling and did you verify with an infrared thermometer? Running at idle for a long period of time will tend to raise the coolant temperature, has low fuel flow, and with no/low air flow (like when driving) to remove the heat, you may have vapor locked the fuel lines. That certainly explains why it started when cold. Check the routing of the new fuel lines to maximize clearance with the manifolds/exhaust. Replacing fuel lines is a difficult job with the body on.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Make it stop, make it run, make it run faster, make it pretty...in that order. You will probably want to look over/replace every price of suspension rubber. Don't forget the rag joint.
Cool story. Good luck with it.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Make it stop, make it run, make it run faster, make it pretty...in that order. You will probably want to look over/replace every price of suspension rubber. Don't forget the rag joint.
Cool story. Good luck with it.
Last edited by Kevin68; Oct 4, 2021 at 10:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
What was the temperature on the gauge when idling and did you verify with an infrared thermometer? Running at idle for a long period of time will tend to raise the coolant temperature, has low fuel flow, and with no/low air flow (like when driving) to remove the heat, you may have vapor locked the fuel lines. That certainly explains why it started when cold. Check the routing of the new fuel lines to maximize clearance with the manifolds/exhaust. Replacing fuel lines is a difficult job with the body on.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Make it stop, make it run, make it run faster, make it pretty...in that order. You will probably want to look over/replace every price of suspension rubber. Don't forget the rag joint.
Cool story. Good luck with it.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Make it stop, make it run, make it run faster, make it pretty...in that order. You will probably want to look over/replace every price of suspension rubber. Don't forget the rag joint.
Cool story. Good luck with it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
I just googled this, and maybe I have a damaged coil? As it gets hot, the energy output declines. Leaving the key on maybe damaged the coil?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 2,193
From: Loveland
Nice car. You will have fun tinkering with it. My suggestion. When you find something you want to fix or make new again, look how it was when GM built it. They ran just fine in the 60's. There are way to MANY aftermarket add ons you can buy, but to many just create more serious issues. Pumps, springs, fluids etc etc etc.
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Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
If it is a points ignition......if you leave the key on, it is a 50/50 if the point is closed or open, and if it is closed can burn the contacts on the points as the ignition is energized. This is the reason the Acc position on the key exists.
Jebby
Jebby
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
The ignition coil will get get very hot if the key is left on and the distributor points are closed. This may damage the coil and will overload the contacts in the points so these will need checked as Jebby said.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Does Amazon sell the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM)?
If they don't go to any Corvette vendor and get the AIM for you year. It's the manual the factory used to assembled the car on the line. It's my go-to manual for everything.
If they don't go to any Corvette vendor and get the AIM for you year. It's the manual the factory used to assembled the car on the line. It's my go-to manual for everything.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,519
Likes: 505
From: Bussey, IA
One important matter - those tires that have been sitting for 16 years will need replaced pronto, no matter how good they look. One of them can easily blow and tear up a lot of a nice looking body. Post more pics for us and glad to have you along. Cool story with your Vet!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
One important matter - those tires that have been sitting for 16 years will need replaced pronto, no matter how good they look. One of them can easily blow and tear up a lot of a nice looking body. Post more pics for us and glad to have you along. Cool story with your Vet!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
I also cleaned up the plugs and put new plug wires in. Those front 2 plug wires on each side!!! How do you run the passenger side through the shield without removing the starter??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
I would replace the points and condenser as well, could be pitted. Simple task and dwell meter is best to use but you can set them with a feeler gauge.
Nice to keep the car in the family. curious if it's a 4 speed or auto.
Nice to keep the car in the family. curious if it's a 4 speed or auto.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
It's an auto. I don't have a dwell meter, is that something I should invest in?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
PS You should also have an adjustable timing light as well
Last edited by GTR1999; Oct 5, 2021 at 06:59 PM.
