I just recentley got my 1982 Corvette running. It has been sitting for over ten years with less than 19,400 miles. After a LONG trouble-shooting session that took over a year to complete (doing it on and off), I found the reason why the fuel pump wouldn't prime when the ignition key was turned on. After going through all of my options (and I mean all of them - you name it) and nearly giving up and just taking it to the dealer, I found that there was a frayed wire near the battery comparment that wasn't sending a solid 12 volts to the oil pressure switch, which, I believe, is one of those components that "activates" the fuel pump for it to prime correctly.

Anyways, I got that fixed and everything is running correctly. Except for that the engine seems to be running hotter than what I remembered - a long time ago of course. I performed a radiatior flush and refilled and changed all of the liquids and yet, it is still running a little hot. When driving, I can actually feel the engine heat radiating to my feet as if hot air is just being blown in through the vents. However, the engine temp gauge and everything else indicates everything is normal. I do notice, however, that the fan right behind the radiator doesn't turn on, even when the engine feels really hot. What could be the problem? Furthermore, what can I do to correct the issue?

Another strange thing. Yesterday, after driving the car around for 100's of miles on a cruise (although it gets hot, everything still seems to run and indicate fine - even with occasional punches on the throttle). However, on the drive back home, I noticed the RPMS start to jump up and down and the engine running as if it was running out of gas (I still had over 16 gallons left though). One time, when I came to a stop sign, the engine just cut off. I turned all the extra, electrical sucking items off (lights, radio, etc), and tried to crank it over again - nothing. It was as if it ran out of fuel. I got it started again after pressing on the throttle and on the drive home, the engine light would come on for 30 seconds and then go off (this would continue all the way home). Again, what could be the issue here, and what can I do to correct it?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Have you checked the rubber connector hose on the fuel pump?

 

The 2nd smaller electric fan you speak of is set to come on at a much higher temp. I think at 230* or higher. If your cooling system is working normally, it will probably not reach that temp. I have never scene my turn on.
Was it never started for 10 yrs or just not driven? Glad ya got it running again.
I would check for fluid leaks after driving if for a few days.

 

Yes, I have checked and everything is in tact. During the trouble-shooting process, I purchased a new fuel pump thinking that it was the problem. I also checked the fuel lines and replaced the fuel filter. I have drained out all of the old gas as well.

I'm scared to drive it now in order to avoid embarassment at a red light.

Oh btw, thanks for the fan tip. I guess that eliminates that there is a problem with that.

 

It wasn't driven for 10 years because it wouldn't run right. I had to hot wire the fuel pump in order to even get it running before.

 

If you're going to drive it I would dump a can or two of Seafoam in it.
It helped mine alot after 5 years of sitting!!!

 

19,000 miles wow .this car should run great.i would check to see if it was made on a monday.i would go here for a little helphttp://www.crossfire.homeip.net/index.php?act=idx

 

You can use a paper clip and jump the pins on the OBDI connector and see what codes the computer is setting....

 

Might provide some good ideas as where to go next.

Frank

 

I was thinking about getting a 2007 Corvette, but with less than 20K miles and being the first vehicle to boost my self-esteem nearly 28 years ago, I couldn't part with the classic.

Anyways, I will try to put Seafoam in it tomorrow. I looked over the vehicle today and believe I have found a vacuum leak. There seems to be a hissing noise as if air is being released from a pressurized hose. It was coming from the upper portion of the engine near the driver's side windshield. I tried to trace it down, but it got dark and I have florescent bulbs for the shop (saving electricity comes with a downfall in this case).

As for the OBDI, how do I go about doing that?

NOTE: I found out why it was so hot near my feet and legs while in the car. Well, at least I think I did. The transmission fluid was below halfway, and after refilling it with one quart, it didn't run hot again. It seemed to have fixed the problem - if this makes any sense.

Also, I drove the vehicle today and although it shifted more smoothly, the engine light still came on and the car would hesitate and jump in the rpm's as if it was being starved of fuel...

 

Another funny thing. Whenever I drive the Corvette at an indicated speed limit on the speedometer, it seems to be going much faster. I thought it was just perception. Little did I know, the GPS in my phone confirmed that it was off by 10mph at an indicated 55mph. So I was actually going 65mph.

At 15mph, the GPS indicated 15mph. But as the speed increases, the margin of error increased as well. So at 35mph, I was going 39mph; at 55mph, I was going 65mph; at 70mph, I was going 82mph! No wonder I was passing cars.

How can this problem be fixed?