They pop up on eBay from time to time. There was one ('78-'81) out there very recently. May still be out there.

 

Does that shield serve a purpose? Radio interference maybe?

 

I don't think the sheild deals with radio interference on our cars. I definitely did on earlier cars, but I will say, while i'm not sure what purpose it serves, I'm sure it serves some purpose, or GM wouldn't have put it there. It's long gone on my 79 L82, but I have a full aftermarket sound system in mine, and I don't have any radio interference. Also, as a side note, and you may have found this in your research, keep that original air cleaner! Mine came with an aftermarket open element air cleaner, and I've since found that the original one is actually better because it draws cooler air from the front of the engine compartment.

 

Given that a radio first became standard equipment in 1979, the distributor shield was installed at the factory on virtually all cars that model year to reduce radio interference emanating from spark plug wires of that era. It was due to the lack of ground provided by the fiberglass body, I believe. In any case, my understanding is plug wires became much better insulated some years ago and so the distributor shielding may no longer serve that purpose. However, I’ve never driven without the shielding on any of the C3 cars I’ve owned in order to test that theory.

Nevertheless, if you look closely at the pics of Interpon’s '79 ignition shield in post #97 you will notice the shield also serves to nicely anchor at two points the hood release cross-cable, keeping it in place. I appreciate that on my own ’79. The shielding also looks much better to my eye than the top of the distributor cap. But what do I know? Some folks like seeing their plug wires.

My recommendation is for you to find a distributor shield and install it on your '79. Also, I think it would be a great idea to complete the factory dual ducting cold air inlet to your air cleaner assembly like you see executed in the engine bays of both Interpon (post #97) and Jon (post #100). I have both in my own car.

Now I'll stop as I’ve spewed enough half-baked opinions for one day.

--------------------------
1979 L82 M21 FE7
Classic White / Doeskin

 

I appreciate all opinions. I'm still learning something new every time I work on it.

I was looking at those ducts on some corvette used parts site, but I didn't pull the trigger. I was still working on getting it running at that time.

 

My latest suggestions are by no means urgent. Everything in due time. You're actually doing very well. It took me seven years to get to my C3 A/C to have it overhauled and running properly. Keep up the good work.

 

I am going to replace the water pump, because it looked like it would be easier to replace the lower house if the pump is out. The existing pump is natural grey, I think. Should I paint it blue with this opportunity?

 

Mark, what is this used C3 parts site you speak of!?

 

https://www.motorcityvettes.com/engi...-ducts-related

I think this was it.

 

It's a good idea to replace the water pump and radiator hoses as rubber deteriorates with age. The engines and water pumps were sprayed Corporate Blue at the factory from '77E thru '81, along with many other external engine components. Aluminum intake manifolds remained gray.

For what it's worth, when my harmonic balancer, timing chain and cover and water pump were replaced, they and much of the engine were painted the original color.

 

This is the second try at the color. Close enough! It's better than the first try. Going to get on with it.

That'll work. I should get a new inlet...

 

I've finally been getting the belts and hoses re-installed. This morning, I pulled the part below. I get the idea it is a coolant temp sensor, but it has 2 wires instead of the one I find wherever I look. It threads into another piece that is threaded into the block. I put a multi-meter on it, and has no reading at room temp. There are a couple numbers on it: AC100CM and 2765 which do not seem time match anything online.

Any ideas?


What's this?

 

I believe that is the temp sensor that activates your electric auxiliary fan. All '79 (and I believe '80) cars equipped with both L82 and A/C were fitted with the aux fan due to overheating issues.

--------------------------
1979 L82 M21 FE7
Classic White / Doeskin

 

All the coolant stuff is replaced and buttoned up. New belts, hoses, thermostat and pump. I'm getting the idea that my fan setup isn't standard.


No clutch.

 

hmmmm
my 79 is on the passenger side and the 2 wires are a ground when switch completes circuit..
here are color diagrams for 79..you can download entire diagram
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-in-color.html

 

A picture is worth 1000 words! The red wires (looking kind of chewed) connect to a blue and a black wire on the passenger side of the engine. The replacement red wires must short to each other at some point causing the electric fan to always be on.

Thank you for this puzzle piece.

Might short somewhere.

 

Good work.

That does not look like the original fan, though it might function fine, which would be a reason to keep it. All these cars were equipped with a fan clutch from the factory.

 

Yes, mine as well. The aux fan temp sensor is on the right side and the water temp gauge sensor is on the left side of the engine.
Thank you, Interpon.

 

How's the car coming along these days Mark?

 

Not bad. It reliably starts and I've learned a bit more about the cooling system. I'd like to drain the transmission, put in a new filter, fluid and gasket next. It also needs all the goo cleaned off it.

Other car problems have taken my attention from the vette. Truck clutch quit and the kid's bought a car that has some issues.

I still plan get it to move under its own power this year!