C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Short?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2013 | 09:45 PM
  #1  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default Short?

Almost done with the 70 for the summer (work wise) and I have a nagging little issue I'm always forgetting to ask about on here. Sometimes...but not always...when I turn on my headlights, especially high beams, or AC, the car will act like it is being really taken to task to run them. This is not a vacuum issue I'm sure of it...I can raise the headlights without turning on the lamps themselves and it is fine, likewise the wiper door. Think of anything I can check guys?
Reply
Old May 20, 2013 | 09:59 PM
  #2  
calwldlife's Avatar
calwldlife
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
Default

bad alternator
Reply
Old May 20, 2013 | 10:03 PM
  #3  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by calwldlife
bad alternator
That was my first guess as well, just a little tired. It is the original, and a super rare unit...it's not causing any major problems, so if it is that I will wait till the winter and have it rebuilt.
Reply
Old May 20, 2013 | 10:30 PM
  #4  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Default

Both an alternator and AC can put a significant mechanical load on the engine. If the RPM drops slightly when everything is turned on, that's normal.
Reply
Old May 21, 2013 | 09:04 AM
  #5  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Both an alternator and AC can put a significant mechanical load on the engine. If the RPM drops slightly when everything is turned on, that's normal.
The RPM drops slightly with the lights, and significantly with the AC unless I set the idle to ~900, then it will produce only a slight drop. I like to leave the car set at 800 at idle (spec is 750), because 900 can cause the occasional run-on. No noises or any weirdness from the AC system, and blows cold.
Reply
Old May 21, 2013 | 09:32 AM
  #6  
Raphiki's Avatar
Raphiki
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Was there an AC idle solenoid available for '70?
Reply
Old May 21, 2013 | 10:26 AM
  #7  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Default

Originally Posted by Brcmpbl
The RPM drops slightly with the lights, and significantly with the AC unless I set the idle to ~900, then it will produce only a slight drop. I like to leave the car set at 800 at idle (spec is 750), because 900 can cause the occasional run-on. No noises or any weirdness from the AC system, and blows cold.
There's nothing wrong with your alternator then.
Reply
Old May 21, 2013 | 11:20 AM
  #8  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by Raphiki
Was there an AC idle solenoid available for '70?
No, AIM shows one as planned but cancelled.

Mike, thanks.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 21, 2013 | 11:26 AM
  #9  
Raphiki's Avatar
Raphiki
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Too bad - I could have use that! My '70 has a Vintage Air system but still drops a few RPM when it kicks on. A bit disconcerting when you're idling.
Reply
Old May 31, 2013 | 12:56 AM
  #10  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Still haven't figured this one out.
Reply
Old May 31, 2013 | 12:58 AM
  #11  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by Raphiki
Too bad - I could have use that! My '70 has a Vintage Air system but still drops a few RPM when it kicks on. A bit disconcerting when you're idling.
I hear you...mine has the stock air compressor, and blows cold, etc., but at idle will pull the RPM down a few hundred easily...like from 800 to 500 or less...with a 4 speed that's no fun in traffic.
Reply
Old May 31, 2013 | 04:10 PM
  #12  
Vetteaddiction's Avatar
Vetteaddiction
Racer
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 7
From: Florida
Default

Just a thought....
Do you have Pertronics or other after market ignition?
Is it wired correctly to a 12 volt source?
If it's connected to your resister wire it can cause the problem you describe.
Chris
Reply
Old May 31, 2013 | 04:43 PM
  #13  
Brcmpbl's Avatar
Brcmpbl
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Hi Chris, I still have the stock style points system with the original distributor.

I'm going to check again tonight for any vacuum leaks that could be throwing the idle off a bit, but outside of that I'm at a loss. Idle remains rough with any accessories engaged, but pulls hard in every gear without hesitation.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Short?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:31 AM.

story-0
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE