Mechanical Help for my 82!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Moreno Valley CA
Mechanical Help for my 82!!
I need some help with my 82. I am not the most mechanically inclined but times being what they are I need to attempt this myself first. The car starts up just fine runs like a watch no problems. I go on my weekend drive for probably 30-45 minutes, shut the car down. It might be a quick stop or a bit longer stop. The problem is that when I go to re-start the car, she has a heck of a time turning over/holding an idle. I can usually get her started but it takes a few times, a lot of pumping the old gas pedal. I am so worried that it I make another stop I won't be able to get her started, so I head home. It happened again this past weekend. It is truly frustrating. I did get once suggestion that I change the "computer". I looked on line and found a couple of different "control modules" on Eckler's site, but I am not sure which one I need. (Eckler's item #'s 38963 & 46515). I would truly appreciate any input.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
Ok, here we go, my knowledge of a '82 computer is non existent.
However, it does sound very similar to a problem that I used to have with a '84 car, not a Corvette.
Something is bad when the engine is hot, but you figured that one out already.
It should have something like a idle solenoid or cold start solenoid.
I wouldn't start ripping out the computer right away.
According to the Haynes Corvette repair manual:
However, it does sound very similar to a problem that I used to have with a '84 car, not a Corvette.
Something is bad when the engine is hot, but you figured that one out already.
It should have something like a idle solenoid or cold start solenoid.
I wouldn't start ripping out the computer right away.
According to the Haynes Corvette repair manual:
- Fuel not reaching the injectors
- Corroded leads at the battery
- Bad engine ground
- Starter worn
- Corroded electrical leads at the fuel injection.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I need some help with my 82. I am not the most mechanically inclined but times being what they are I need to attempt this myself first. The car starts up just fine runs like a watch no problems. I go on my weekend drive for probably 30-45 minutes, shut the car down. It might be a quick stop or a bit longer stop. The problem is that when I go to re-start the car, she has a heck of a time turning over/holding an idle. I can usually get her started but it takes a few times, a lot of pumping the old gas pedal. I am so worried that it I make another stop I won't be able to get her started, so I head home. It happened again this past weekend. It is truly frustrating. I did get once suggestion that I change the "computer". I looked on line and found a couple of different "control modules" on Eckler's site, but I am not sure which one I need. (Eckler's item #'s 38963 & 46515). I would truly appreciate any input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Have you ever changed the coolant temp sensor for the ECM. It is a culprit for alot of issues with the CFI. Its located on the front of the intake manifold, above the water pump with yellow and black wiring usually.
Shotgun that part and see what happens.
Shotgun that part and see what happens.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Its not your ECM. Sounds like its your fuel pump or fuel filter. Don't try adjusting anything you mees it up.
You need to determine if its not starting because its getting too much fuel or no fuel. Take the air filter cover off....just the top part...watch the TBI's. If its not getting fuel the bottom applies. If its getting too much fuel and flooding it could be the CTS...as indicated.
Get in the car,radio off,in a quiet place,turn the key to on,listen from behind,you should hear the fuel pump kick in for 2 seconds,then listen for a prime pulse from the injectors (in front) for about half a second. If it does all this the fuel pump could be fine but doesn not mean its strong. If it doesn't do any of this its bad. If the pump runs for more then two seconds its bad, if there is no prime pulse when the engine is cold the pump is probably bad. Or it could be a real dirty fuel filter.
Best way to test is have a shop put a fuel pressure gauge on it. You should have a constant pressure of between 9-13 psi. If you are hoovering down around 9 or less change the pump. Go withe 1985 pump forget the 1982 pump.
Jim
You need to determine if its not starting because its getting too much fuel or no fuel. Take the air filter cover off....just the top part...watch the TBI's. If its not getting fuel the bottom applies. If its getting too much fuel and flooding it could be the CTS...as indicated.
Get in the car,radio off,in a quiet place,turn the key to on,listen from behind,you should hear the fuel pump kick in for 2 seconds,then listen for a prime pulse from the injectors (in front) for about half a second. If it does all this the fuel pump could be fine but doesn not mean its strong. If it doesn't do any of this its bad. If the pump runs for more then two seconds its bad, if there is no prime pulse when the engine is cold the pump is probably bad. Or it could be a real dirty fuel filter.
Best way to test is have a shop put a fuel pressure gauge on it. You should have a constant pressure of between 9-13 psi. If you are hoovering down around 9 or less change the pump. Go withe 1985 pump forget the 1982 pump.
Jim
Last edited by jdp6000; Mar 11, 2009 at 10:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Its not your ECM. Sounds like its your fuel pump or fuel filter. Don't try adjusting anything you mees it up.
You need to determine if its not starting because its getting too much fuel or no fuel. Take the air filter cover off....just the top part...watch the TBI's. If its not getting fuel the bottom applies. If its getting too much fuel and flooding it could be the CTS...as indicated.
Get in the car,radio off,in a quiet place,turn the key to on,listen from behind,you should hear the fuel pump kick in for 2 seconds,then listen for a prime pulse from the injectors (in front) for about half a second. If it does all this the fuel pump could be fine but doesn not mean its strong. If it doesn't do any of this its bad. If the pump runs for more then two seconds its bad, if there is no prime pulse when the engine is cold the pump is probably bad. Or it could be a real dirty fuel filter.
Best way to test is have a shop put a fuel pressure gauge on it. You should have a constant pressure of between 9-13 psi. If you are hoovering down around 9 or less change the pump. Go withe 1985 pump forget the 1982 pump.
Jim
You need to determine if its not starting because its getting too much fuel or no fuel. Take the air filter cover off....just the top part...watch the TBI's. If its not getting fuel the bottom applies. If its getting too much fuel and flooding it could be the CTS...as indicated.
Get in the car,radio off,in a quiet place,turn the key to on,listen from behind,you should hear the fuel pump kick in for 2 seconds,then listen for a prime pulse from the injectors (in front) for about half a second. If it does all this the fuel pump could be fine but doesn not mean its strong. If it doesn't do any of this its bad. If the pump runs for more then two seconds its bad, if there is no prime pulse when the engine is cold the pump is probably bad. Or it could be a real dirty fuel filter.
Best way to test is have a shop put a fuel pressure gauge on it. You should have a constant pressure of between 9-13 psi. If you are hoovering down around 9 or less change the pump. Go withe 1985 pump forget the 1982 pump.
Jim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Colgate WI
I'm not familiar with the cease-fire setup, but I would expect it to be like GMs other EFI systems.
So, check for trouble codes in the ECm first. If you don't have any codes, check fuel pressure. If fuel pressure is OK, get/rent/borrow a handheld scanner and hook it up to the car. Report back things like TPS voltage, MAP voltage, coolant temp, 02 voltage etc...
So, check for trouble codes in the ECm first. If you don't have any codes, check fuel pressure. If fuel pressure is OK, get/rent/borrow a handheld scanner and hook it up to the car. Report back things like TPS voltage, MAP voltage, coolant temp, 02 voltage etc...
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls (Lake Arrowhead) Texas
A cheap and easy check first is to get back to basics. Check your timing!!! Injected or carbed, with too much advance, a hot motor will turn over slowly (or barely) and will run like crap once it does start. Won't cost a dime and it's one less area to troubleshoot. Also, if your temp gage is reading hot, you may have a partially closed thermostat. Overtemp motors do strange things. Been there, done that!!!! Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
check your TPS (throttle position sensor)
If pumping the gas is helping on your car them you are simply moving the TPS to an area that is not "dead"
moving the throttle will also change the map. This will also cause more fuel to be added. meaning that you may have a bad fuel pump, as you need more fuel to keep it running.
If pumping the gas is helping on your car them you are simply moving the TPS to an area that is not "dead"
moving the throttle will also change the map. This will also cause more fuel to be added. meaning that you may have a bad fuel pump, as you need more fuel to keep it running.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Next time it happens, pull the air cleaner and look at your injectors. When the key is turned to start they should pulse.(check both for pulse) If you have gas then look for a vac. leak by the EGR on the plenuem plate.(most common area for leak)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
I wonder if your TBs are leaking gas. When you first start there is no extra gas but after a short drive and stop it drips. Then when you start the O2 sensor picks up a very rich mixture and trys to lean it out. After running a bit it clears up. You might have the fuel pressure checked. If it is leaking the pressure should drop after you shut the engine off.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
My guess.... When the engine is cold, the ECM operates on a 'base level' operating program; it doesn't use the [cold] sensors to set the fuel system parameters. When the engine is 'hot', the ECM wants to use the sensor data to "fine tune" everything. That's fine, until one or more of your sensors is sending erroneous data...that just confuses the ECM. Next time you make that run, turn off the car and let it sit for a minute or two. Then, try to start it again. If the same problem occurs that quickly after shut down, your problem likely stems from a worn/dirty MAF sensor, degraded oxygen sensor, etc. On the other hand, if your car starts right up, your problem is likely one of heat building up in the fuel line and causing problems there. Since the car eventually starts and runs OK, there is probably no 'failed' sensor...just one [or more] that are nearing failure or wear-out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
"when I go to re-start the car, she has a heck of a time turning over/holding an idle. I can usually get her started but it takes a few times, a lot of pumping the old gas pedal"
not a lot to go on there.. go for the free auto zone scan and get ya fuel pressure gauge and report back with the results.. good luck
not a lot to go on there.. go for the free auto zone scan and get ya fuel pressure gauge and report back with the results.. good luck
