I fought a check engine light on my 82 for well over a year. It would stay on for only 20-30 seconds 2 or 3 times a day. I've researched the internet, this and other forums, followed the factory service manual checks, replaced parts and asked many mechanics (two were former CFI owners) with many suggestions but no solution. I've given up a month ago and decided to live with it. I was relaxing and reading the C3 forum which I do daily and read a reply from DUB to a question unrelated to my problem. In his reply he mentioned on an 82 be sure to use a 195 thermostat not a 180. Never thought of that as NOWHERE OR BY NO ONE was this mentioned. Decided what the heck. Lo and behold my thermostat was 180. Could it be this simple?? IT WAS! The problem is fixed!! I don't know why this was NEVER mentioned anywhere. Thanks DUB for this and all the help you give on this forum.

Ed

 

Ed-


I second that !!!

Had the pleasure to meet Dub in person- and feel he's a great asset to the Forum!!!

Richard

 

Dammit man, like I don't have enough to do. Now I gotta pull my thermostat.

 

Most 80-90 emission controlled cars work OK with a 180. Obviously the CFI if different!

Just curious, what code(s) were you reading from the ECU?

 

DUB is a real asset to the C3 forums. He has helped me numerous times. His posts are always right on. I'll tag on to this thread and say it too. Thanks DUB.

 

Have found DUB's posts to be very interesting and helpful.

His signature shows him in Charlotte, NC which was home to my car from around 1996 - 2010. I've often wondered if he ever worked on my car.

 

44 Lean Exhaust. I did everything that was suggested to check and all was fine. Replaced O2 sensor with 3 different brands, MAP sensor, coolant temp sensor on and on. I'm guessing it was going from open to closed loop but I never noticed the car running any differently.

My dream would be to live next door to DUB
Ed

 

point a infrared thermo on the hose, at start up, no pulling required

mine is at 165 with a "hyperchip" no engine lights

 

he may have me buying a dial indicator and learning how to check runout...i hope i don't have to

 

on the aftermarket prom chips they want you to use a lower temp thermostat.Sometimes this does cause a problem with the computer .If the problem comes back I also would check the coolant sensor in the front of the motor.it sends the temp signal to the computer.

 

DUB has also given me the guidance and confidence to resolve the issues around my '81. I can't tell you how many times I just wanted to bail and remove the computer, carb, intake, and distributor. I am much happier having a better understanding of the system as it was designed.

 

When doing my research to fix this problem, one of the mechanics who owned an 82 told me the exact same thing but when I told him the car was stock we continued checking elsewhere. Ive changed the coolant sensor. The previous owner must have put that 180 in. I've had the car for almost two years and have been chasing this prob since I got it. The light has not come on since changing the thermostat, only when I turn the key. Hopefully this may help someone with the same problem. Thanks for the reply. This is a great place.

 

Yes! Me too! A big 'Thank You' to Dub.
He has helped me on the web, the phone and in person.
He has done major work on my 74 and I highly recommend him to anyone that wants a true Corvette expert!

Pete Getz

 

He has helped me directly and indirectly as well, thanks Dub!

 

Dub has helped me out big time also. DUB you're the man. Thanks !!

 

Just adding to the Corvette Forum Thread THANKING "DUB"!
DUB's experience with Corvette repair both from a mechanical and body / paint aspects are of HUGE Value to this forum
I have used DUB's guidance to get to FIRST-CLASS Repair Results over the past few years.
AGAIN MANY MANY THANK YOU's to "DUB".

Larry (Silver 7T8 )

 

Interesting. I had a Dodge Ram Charger with the 318EFI, and when the thermostat failed open, it had a CEL and it had an error something to the effect engine took too long to warm up. Surprising GM didn't have a similar code.

 

For all of these replies....I say THANK YOU!!!! Seriously...THANK YOU.

And KEEP THIS in mind.....if it were not for my customers (such as Pete Getz...just to name one) who allow me to work on their Corvettes....I would never had the opportunity to LEARN and figure out what can go wrong....and how to improve my skills and bring them to an insane level of insanity. I had NO books or help in learning this stuff...other than throwing myself in the trenches and figuring it out.

And since becoming member here on the Corvette Forum...for the most part... I TRULY enjoy trying to do what I can to help...even though I know I can not please every one...which is fine...but all I try to do is comment from real world experiences or throw out ideas that may help...and let those know that some ideas mentioned in a post have failed very badly for me so I would not advise it. And actually meeting Corvette Forum members from other states is AWESOME. And getting phone calls for advice or assistance really makes being a member of the forum a GOOD THING.

So if anyone has not figured it out by now....I am passionate to help others in their quest to get their Corvette on the road and getting it to what they imagine it to be. And hopefully build relationships with members so if I need to bounce ideas off of them...they can actually HELP ME....And they do. Just to mention a few...Richard 454, Dave and Roger. So if I come across as an arrogant, opinionated, conceited, relentless a$$ that seems to not let down and HAS to have in the last word....WELL.... you might be right..... ESPECIALLY if I FEEL that what I am trying to communicate requires me to be that way because any other repair method that is being suggested is LESS than what I am trying to 'say' is the best way....from what I have found....BECAUSE I tried the 'other' way and it failed BADLY.

Thanks again to all of you....YOU are the reason I am here. Remember that!

DUB

 

Dub, you da man!!!!!!!

I've learned so much from you by just reading your posts that I'm sure it'll help me in the future. Right now I'm still disassembling my '71 coupe for a full body-off. It's my first attempt at such an endeavor, so I'm POSITIVE I'll need advice along the way when it comes to restoration and re-assembly. I sure hope you'll still be on the forums then, too!

Paul

 

Dub, you are a great asset to this forum. Since I am not too far away, I am going to use your services in the not too distant future. I had an exhaust system done not too far from you in Matthews. Thank you!